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Fast Generation and Surface Structuring Methods for Terrain and Other Natural Phenomena
Author(s) -
Koh EngKiat,
Hearn D. D.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
computer graphics forum
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.578
H-Index - 120
eISSN - 1467-8659
pISSN - 0167-7055
DOI - 10.1111/1467-8659.1130169
Subject(s) - terrain , computer science , structuring , fractional brownian motion , rendering (computer graphics) , computer graphics , grid , fractal , surface (topology) , terrain rendering , computer graphics (images) , geometry , algorithm , texture mapping , midpoint , computational science , brownian motion , mathematics , economics , biology , ecology , mathematical analysis , statistics , finance
Fractal geometry has proven to be a powerful tool for modeling natural phenomena. Using discrete approximations to fractional Brownian motion over a finite grid plane, computer graphics terrain‐rendering algorithms are able to generate highly realistic topographical displays. Similar procedures can be applied to model other natural phenomena, such as clouds and water. Two important considerations in these algorithms are computational efficiency and the ability to control macroscopic surface features. Here we introduce a technique for structuring surface features so as to conform to a specified “elevation” envelope. We also present methods for implementing this technique using a recursive random midpoint‐displacement procedure.