The subject of multivariate splines has become a rapidly growing field of mathematical research. The author presents the subject from an elementary point of view that parallels the theory and development of univariate spline analysis. To compensate for the missing proofs and details, an extensive bibliography has been included. There is a presentation of open problems with an emphasis on the theory and applications to computer aided design, data analysis, and surface fitting. Applied mathematicians and engineers working in the areas of curve fitting, finite element methods, computer aided geometric design, signal processing, mathematical modelling, computer aided design, computer aided manufacturing, and circuits and systems will find this monograph essential to their research.