There are so much technology out there and some of are really impresive. Today different 3D technologies are improve so fast and we have so much of them. For this post, I want to speak about Outerra. I got some information about their webpage* and some images. I was asking myself if this could be the future of the next virtual worlds**? :
“3D planetary engine for seamless planet rendering from space down to the surface. Can use arbitrary resolution of elevation data, refining it to centimeter resolution using fractal algorithms. Unlimited visibility, progressive download of data, procedural content generation, Integrated vehicle and aircraft physics engines.
Features
Planetary engine that can be used with elevation dataset with arbitrary resolution, while being progressively enhanced by parametrized fractal refinement algorithms. The fractal algorithms refine and introduce details down to centimeter or milimeter resolution and can be parametrized by elevation and climate data. A completely random fractal terrain is possible too, or a terrain sketched in rough resolution with fractal generating the details.
Outerra is a unique 3D rendering engine, a world rendering engine capable to seamlessly render whole planets from space down to the surface. It can use arbitrary/varying resolution of elevation data that it further dynamically refines using fractal algorithms. The fractals try to mimic natural processes, generating fine, believable terrain with high resolution. The world is also being dynamically textured and populated with vegetation using predefined land type material sets and the computed terrain attributes.
In a similar manner all other data sets are to be treated – the fractal refinement process taking on where the actual data resolution ends, creating natural land type and climate transitions along with characteristic vegetation distribution.
The textures are normally generated dynamically by the fractal mixer, but it’s also possible to use bitmap overlays for selected areas, for things like the detailed aerial photos of airports and the like.”
I just can say, that with this technology we how can be the next generation of 3d worlds, games or even simulators. I would like to thanks to one of the members of Outerra, because he allow me to write this post. For those interested to about Outerra, then here is their link: http://www.outerra.com
* I asked to one of the outerra members if I can get some information of their technology and if I can write a post.
** Outerra is not a virtual world technology, it is a 3d planetary world.
Metaverse4Me 