An improved algorithm for vector data rendering in virtual terrain visualization

In recent years, the importance of virtual terrain visualization technology for the digital earth models has been more obvious. Since two-dimensional (2D)vector data still occupy the vast majority of the GIS (Geographic Information System) vector data, the algorithm for vector data rendering in virtual terrain visualization plays a crucial role in the digital earth models. After deeply analyzing the current algorithms, the paper proposes an improved vector data rendering algorithm based on texture. As for the problem of aliasing artifacts, according to the context of rendering scene (e.g. the viewpoint´s position), the improved algorithmutilizes the method of the dramatic texture overlay, combining the visualization of the terrain with the vector data selected by the view scene using the method of Render-to-Texture based on DirectX in real-time. And meanwhile the method constructs the mapping table between the vector data and texture to simplify the operation for the highlight selecting and the vector data´s querying. After applied in the practical vector data, the improved algorithm is proved that it not only keeps the same advantage as the texture-based method such as fast rendering and easy to control the layer, but also is notconfined by the resolution of the texture without the phenomenon of aliasing artifacts and raises the efficiency in highlight selecting and the vector data attributes´ querying.