Semester
Fall
Date of Graduation
2008
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
College
Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources
Department
Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering
Committee Chair
Tim McGraw.
Abstract
Despite the vast processing power of modern GPUs, rendering terrain geometry at sufficient frame rates is still a very difficult task. This is mainly due to the large terrain data that must be managed, displayed and modified at high frame rates. While traditional level-of-detail algorithms for terrain utilize most of the CPU and a fraction of the GPU, our algorithm exploits the parallel processing capabilities of the GPU. We represent the terrain geometry as a set of geometry images which allows us to apply image processing techniques to preserve terrain features during level-of-detail transitions and to render terrain that has realistic geographical features such as overhangs or caves. Shader technology is used to alter the terrain mesh at runtime based on the geometry images to create a continuous level-of-detail. Our contribution is a continuous level-of-detail algorithm that is accelerated by the GPU and focuses on preserving features of the terrain.
Recommended Citation
Shinkovich, Lucas Jay, "Feature preserving continuous level-of-detail for terrain rendering" (2008). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 1966.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/1966