Open AccessInteractive mapping on 3‐D terrain models
Author(s) -
Bernardin T.,
Cowgill E.,
Gold R.,
Hamann B.,
Kreylos O.,
Schmitt A.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
geochemistry, geophysics, geosystems
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.928
H-Index - 136
ISSN - 1525-2027
DOI - 10.1029/2006gc001335
Subject(s) - terrain , digital elevation model , terrain rendering , orthophoto , geology , visualization , geologic map , computer graphics (images) , raised relief map , computer science , remote sensing , rendering (computer graphics) , artificial intelligence , cartography , geography , geomorphology
We present an interactive, real‐time mapping system for use with digital elevation models and remotely sensed multispectral imagery that aids geoscientists in the creation and interpretation of geologic/neotectonic maps at length scales of 10 m to 1000 km. Our system provides a terrain visualization of the surface of the Earth or other terrestrial planets by displaying a virtual terrain model generated from a digital elevation model overlain by a color texture generated from orthophotos or satellite imagery. We use a quadtree‐based, multiresolution display method to render in real time high‐resolution virtual terrain models that span large spatial regions. The system allows users to measure the orientations of geologic surfaces and record their observations by drawing lines directly on the virtual terrain model. In addition, interpretive surfaces can be generated from these drawings and displayed to facilitate understanding of the three‐dimensional geometry of geologic surfaces. The main strength of our system is the combination of real‐time rendering and interactive mapping performed directly on the virtual terrain model with the ability to navigate the scene while changing viewpoints arbitrarily during mapping. User studies and comparisons with commercially available mapping software show that our system improves mapping accuracy and efficiency and also yields observations that cannot be made with existing systems.