Realistic Real-Time Rendering of 3D Terrain Scenes Based on OpenGL

Scientific visualization, computer animation and virtual reality are three hotspots of modern computer graphics, and 3D realistic real-time rendering is the core technique of them. It is applied widely in cartoon, games, films, virtual reality and engineering domain. OpenGL is the current international standard of 3D image. This paper discussed the implementing methods for the representation of 3D terrain realistic scenes based on OpenGL, such as the digital terrain model mapping, the blend of water and terrain data, the blend of thematic information and terrain data. The experiences of using OpenGL to generate highly realistic images with realistic real-time rendering techniques were summarized. A visualization system for 3D terrain scenes was developed to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of OpenGL as an interfacing tool for realistic real-time image rendering of 3D terrain scenes, and the results fit the anticipant goals well.