Linked from
The 14 pages that link to Texture mapping, each with the reason it gives.
Affine geometryRelated: Affine maps transform texture coordinates across triangular image patches.
3D modelingRelated: Texture maps add image detail without requiring matching geometric complexity.
John CarmackRelated: Its efficient use helped give early id Software games detailed surfaces.
Real-time renderingRelated: Textures add surface detail without requiring equally detailed geometry.
Video game graphicsRelated: Textures add surface color and detail without requiring more geometry.
OpenGLRelated: OpenGL uses textures to add image detail and other sampled data to rendered surfaces.
Direct3DRelated: Direct3D textures supply surface detail sampled by shaders.