Everything about Heightmap
Type of raster image in computer graphics
In computer graphics, a heightmap or heightfield is a raster image used mainly as Discrete Global Grid in secondary elevation modeling. Each pixel stores values, such as surface elevation data, for display in 3D computer graphics. A heightmap can be used in bump mapping to calculate where this 3D data would create shadow in a material, in displacement mapping to displace the actual geometric position of points over the textured surface, or for terrain where the heightmap is converted into a 3D mesh. Wikipedia →
🧭 Start here: a 6-step reading path
- Read the overview: HeightmapA 5-minute orientation
- Pick up a classic book: Unity 3.x Game Development EssentialsThe most-reprinted book on the subject
- Read the landmark paper: Individual Tree Crown Segmentation and Crown Width Extraction From a Heightmap Derived From Aerial Laser Scanning Data Using a Deep Learning FrameworkCited 81 times
- Go sideways: Glossary of computer graphicsA closely related topic
- Go sideways: Scenery generatorA closely related topic
📖 Definitions
Noun A two-dimensional raster image used to store surface elevations that can later be applied to a three-dimensional object.
🏆 Landmark papers (most cited)
Individual Tree Crown Segmentation and Crown Width Extraction From a Heightmap Derived From Aerial Laser Scanning Data Using a Deep Learning Framework
Comprehensive assessment of non-uniform illumination for 3D heightmap reconstruction in outdoor environments
Plane-Aware Heightmap for Adaptable Footstep Planning in Discontinuous Coplanar Terrain
Coastline Correction Method in Terrain Modeling using Heightmap
Compensating for Laser Wavelength Instability in Multiwavelength Digital Holography: The Residual Method for Accurate Heightmap Generation
Particle-Based Hydraulic Erosion of Heightmap Data
Quadratic Displacement Maps for Heightmap Rendering
Defect correlation in PBF-LB/M with the Civan heat source – coupled heightmap and high-speed imaging for track quality identification and optimization – preliminary results.
📚 Books worth reading
Unity 3.x Game Development EssentialsWill Goldstone · 2011
Ranked by number of editions on Open Library, a rough measure of how lasting a book is.
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