DATA-DRIVEN SIMULATION, DIMENSIONAL ACCURACY AND REALISM IN A LANDSCAPE VISUALIZATION TOOL

Computer-based landscape simulation tools are used for assessing the v isual impact of land-use decisions. Many systems rely on the artistic manipulation of two-dimensional scanned photographic or videotape imag es. The specific manipulation of an image is often not directly driven by data describing the proposed landscape modification. Also, it is d ifficult to move from a modified two-dimensional image to a three-dime nsional real world design. This paper discusses how issues of data-dri ven simulation and dimensional accuracy are addressed in the Vantage P oint landscape visualization tool. We describe features of the tool th at contribute to image realism. Pie also propose how a tool with Vanta ge Point's capabilities would be useful for research in visual quality management and psychophysics. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All righ ts reserved.