Simulation applications based on digital terrain models integrated in Web3D viewers and graphic engines

Resumen

Digital terrain models constitute the base of terrain visualization applications, used to visualize in an easy and powerful way a great quantity of information obtained from the terrain, such as occurs in virtual terrain visualization systems, used to know and enjoy land, training simulations, determination of visual impacts, etc. But these models can also be used as the base for other applications that simulate events concerning the terrain, in other to estimate their effects, such us development of roads, mines, dams, and general building works, establishment of water behavior in rivers or dams, real military strategy simulation, simulation of natural phenomena such as floods, volcanic eruptions, landslides and avalanches, etc. This work shows the steps and methodology followed to develop a virtual terrain visualization application, based on Web3D viewers and graphic engines, as well as the simulation applications developed in both cases in order to simulate effects and optimize actuations. © 2008 IEEE.