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Efficient Ray Intersection for Visualization and Navigation of Global Terrain using Spheroidal Height-Augmented Quadtrees

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Part of the book series: Eurographics ((EUROGRAPH))

Abstract

We present an algorithm for efficiently computing ray intersections with multi-resolution global terrain partitioned by spheroidal height-augmented quadtrees. While previous methods support terrain defined on a Cartesian coordinate system, our methods support terrain defined on a two-parameter ellipsoidal coordinate system. This curvilinear system is necessary for an accurate model of global terrain. Supporting multi-resolution terrain and quadtrees on this curvilinear coordinate system raises a surprising number of complications. We describe the complexities and present solutions. The final algorithm is suited for interactive terrain selection, collision detection and simple LOS (line-of-site) queries on global terrain.

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© 1999 Springer-Verlag/Wien

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Wartell, Z., Ribarsky, W., Hodges, L. (1999). Efficient Ray Intersection for Visualization and Navigation of Global Terrain using Spheroidal Height-Augmented Quadtrees. In: Gröller, E., Löffelmann, H., Ribarsky, W. (eds) Data Visualization ’99. Eurographics. Springer, Vienna. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-6803-5_20

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-6803-5_20

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Vienna

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-211-83344-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-7091-6803-5

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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