Hierarchical multiresolution terrain database generation using wavelet filtering

Hierarchical multiresolution databases are a key component in simulation applications where a terrain surface must be represented. The generation of such digital terrain models generally involves transforming a set of elevation values into an efficient and accurate polygonal model, via triangulation. Concepts for the application of wavelet filtering to terrain data sets are considered and methods of integrating a wavelet-filtering scheme into the triangulation process are presented. The wavelet analysis features of analysis according to scale and tunable filtering are emphasized. This work highlights the concept of using wavelet filtered approximations to control the gradual introduction of critical terrain features and concludes that the results from this approach lead to more efficient and perceptually pleasing terrain representations.