We propose a method to build a three-dimensional adapted surface mesh with respect to a mesh size map driven by surface curvature. The data needed to optimize the mesh have been reduced to an initial mesh. The building of a local geometrical model but continuous over the whole domain is based on a local Hermite di!use interpolation calculated from the nodes of the initial mesh and from the normal vectors to the surface. The optimization procedures involve extracting from the surface mesh sets of triangles sharing the same node or the same edge and then remeshing the outer contour to a higher criterion (size or shape). These procedures may be used in order to re"ne or coarsen the mesh but also in a "nal step to enhance the shape quality of the elements. Examples demonstrate the ability of the method to create adapted meshes of complex surfaces while meeting high-quality standards and a good respect of the geometrical surface.