Terrain synthesis using noise

Abstract

Noise functions are versatile base functions used in many procedural generation methods. They can produce natural-like patterns usable in procedural textures, models and animations. They have been extensively adapted in procedural terrain implementations in games and other applications. Noise-based procedural terrains offer many advantages over static terrain models but designing such terrains is largely unintuitive by nature. Whereas traditional terrain models can be designed, e.g., in spatial editors, procedural terrains are implemented in algorithms.

The purpose of this thesis is firstly to evaluate noise functions in the context of procedural terrain generation and especially example based procedural terrain synthesis. Secondly, a novel example based procedural terrain synthesis method is presented. A prototype application implementing the method was also constructed and evaluated. The prototype is a practical solution for example based procedural terrain design, aiming to bridge the gap between intuitive virtual terrain design and the advantages of procedural terrain functions.