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Although the exact method may vary, it is possible to generate 3D landscapes from virtually any
source of information. The final result can be as detailed or as specific as you desire, and
can cover a wide variety of data sources. This can range from metropolitan skylines, archeological sites,
golf courses, agricultural land, park areas and mountain ranges.
In this example, we're working from a scanned image of a section of the Rocky Mountain trench.
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Step 1. Data collection Whether we're working from a base map, airphoto,
or collecting data directly from the field, the first step is to aquire the data both accurately
and efficiently. In this example, the acurracy of the digital map is largely dependent on the quality of the
paper map available. However, computerized image enhancement techniques can improve the quality
of the original map.
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Step 2. Digitization Once the data are collected, we have to translate it into
digital information for computer processing.
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Step 3. 3D Rendering Once digitized, the data must be converted into a format suitable
for 3D visualization. Depending on your needs, detail on the final model can range from general
elevation trends to highly accurate surface models. In this example, we've added clouds, mist, water,
surface colour and some vertical exaggeration to make the landscape look complete.
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Step 4. Post production
Once the model is rendered, there are a variety of viewing options. We can create navigatable environments,
animated fly-throughs, and still images from virtually any angle.
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