[Freegis-list] Terrain Modelling

[Matt.Wilkie]

Hi Jan, listers,

Strictly speaking terrain modelling is not GIS, but done right
it does require GIS data and there is some application overlap
(DEM translators/converters for instance).

I just found a site which has has the most comprehensive catalogue
of Terrain Visualization programs available. It covers commericial,
free, games, and academic circles.
http://vterrain.org/Packages/noncommercial.html

There are also a number of resources pages dealing with coordinate
systems, file formats and integrating multiple data sources.
http://vterrain.org/Projections/index.html


And then there is a tool kit, which may* be OSD compliant,
for building virtual terrain environments.
http://vterrain.org/Toolbox/VTBuilder/index.html

*from the website:
 "Q:What are the restrictions on the VTP source code?  
  Is it under the GPL?
 "A: There are no restrictions.  It is not under the GPL, so you 
  do not even have to disclose the source if you improve it or 
  include it in products that you sell."

Unfortunately due to server limitations the tool kit is not
downloadable - you have to request a CD to be mailed to you. I
imagine that will not be the state of affairs for long. Anybody
who's curious should email me and I'll pass on more info when
I get the cd.

http://vterrain.org/index.html


cheers,


-matt
========================================
Matt Wilkie * GIS Technician * Yukon Renewable Resources GIS
http://renres.gov.yk.ca/pubs/rrgis/