An algorithm for the visualization of a terrain with objects

Abstract

The article describes a method for object and terrain visualization by means of the combination of two algorithms, one for terrain data and one for objects. Our purpose is to generate, efficiently and rapidly, aerial images of terrain with objects such as houses, vehicles, and transmission lines, thus allowing a simulated flight. For the objects, described by lines and polygons, the Z-Buffer algorithm is used; for the terrain, described by height maps, an optimized ray casting algorithm, called Floating Horizon Algorithm, is used.