ABSTRACT
The use of digital terrain models and computer graphics techniques have become a more common method not only for generating computer visualisations of the terrain but also for assessing the impact of manmade objects on the landscape. This chapter reviews the techniques used to create and enhances these digital terrain and landscape visualisations and considers some of their small and large scale applications. An alternative strategy is normally adopted when sampling is performed by close range or aerial photogrammetric techniques. In this case a systematic pattern of heights is measured, normally in a grid fashion. The chapter examines the various techniques which can be used to create computer visualisations of the terrain and associated landscape features. The majority of computer graphics techniques have been developed to address the visualisation of objects that have their geometry defined using a mesh of planar surfaces such as triangles.
