An Algorithm for Automated Fractal Terrain Deformation Inproceedings

Abstract:

Fractal terrains provide an easy way to generate realistic landscapes. There are several methods to generate fractal terrains, but none of those algorithms allow the user much flexibility in controlling the shape or properties of the final outcome. A few methods to modify fractal terrains have been previously proposed, both algorithm-based as well as by hand editing, but none of these provide a general solution.
In this work, we present a new algorithm for fractal terrain deformation. We present a general solution that can be applied to a wide variety of deformations. Our approach employs stochastic local search to identify a sequence of local modifications, which deform the fractal terrain to conform to a set of specified constraints. The presented results show that the new method can incorporate multiple constraints simultaneously, while still preserving the natural look of the fractal terrain.