A Three-Dimensional Map Model and its Rendering Method

Abstract

This paper describes a modeling technique to produce both a three-dimensional map and rendering algorithms based on the digital map data of land. An algorithm for synthesizing digital map data is developed, where the transverse data for a river in two-dimensional format is transformed into three-dimensional map data. To develop a high-speed rendering technique, a method of reducing raw data without greatly affecting the image resolution is also discussed. Experiments on synthesizing a three-dimentional map and displaying it were conducted using measured river data. The results showed that the proposed modeling and rendering methods are both useful and practical.