Particle systems-based riverbed modelling over a terrain with hardness layer

Abstract

This paper proposes a method that applies particle systems to simulate results of hydrological erosion caused by spout, like riverbeds. The terrain model is divided into two layers. The first one stores heights data (typical heightfield) while the second is reserved for hardness data. This data structure enables fast and simple implementation of terrain deformation. We present the construction of a particle system terrain modifier, its main attributes and how they influence the final product of the modelling process. The proposed technique behaves like in classical particle systems. It uses emitter as element that control starting location, direction and quantity of particles in a given simulation environment. We choose parameters for particles such as: the current position, directional angle, linear velocity, rotation angle, rotation velocity and the size which define its zone of influence for landscape modification processes. Each emitted particle is moving (rolling) over the surface of terrain structure making deformations at its current position. Scale of the modifications depends on particle parameters and landscape structure susceptibility for modifications process under the particle influence zone. The proposed method is not intended to simulate physically erosion process, but focuses on its results for exploitation in virtual environments in real-time simulations and rapid prototyping of virtual terrains.