3D Terrain visualization for Mountain Taishan

Three-dimensional (3D) terrain visualization is the main content of 3D GIS. As a branch of computer graphics, it is a subject about the display, simplification, simulation of digital terrain model (DTM) or digital elevation model (DEM). It can simulate 2D image of 3D terrain fast and realistically. Through the combination of high-resolution remote sensing images and DEM, 3D terrain visualization can reproduce highly realistic terrain, which has become a research hot spot. Mountain Taishan, a famous scenic area, boasts not only its splendid culture but also its special landform. It is significant to visualize its terrain with 3D technology. Firstly, on basis of dissertating the related concept and function, the main flow is studied and planned, which points out the data sources and processing steps. Secondly, by using available remote sensing image (ETM+), DEM (SRTM) and digitalized vector data of geographic elements, we created terrain model in TIN generation algorithm within the data platform ArcGIS, and achieved dynamic display of 3D scene, information query and spatial analysis. The results show that slopes in Mountain Taishan mostly range from 10 to 30 degrees, and the proportion of sunny slope weighs larger. Finally, the research achievement and its applicability are discussed. The research results will be helpful for the tourism planning and development, agricultural production, and geological investigation in Taishan area.