ROAM
Encyclopedia
Real-time optimally adapting mesh (ROAM), is a continuous level of detail algorithm
that optimizes terrain mesh
es. On modern computers, sometimes it is more effective to send a small amount of unneeded polygons to the GPU
, rather than burden the CPU
with LOD calculations—making algorithms like geomipmapping
more effective than ROAM. This technique is used by graphics programmers
in order to present high quality scences while being able to retain real-time framework on the hardware. ROAM provides a control over scene quality versus performance.
Algorithm
In mathematics and computer science, an algorithm is an effective method expressed as a finite list of well-defined instructions for calculating a function. Algorithms are used for calculation, data processing, and automated reasoning...
that optimizes terrain mesh
Polygon mesh
A polygon mesh or unstructured grid is a collection of vertices, edges and faces that defines the shape of a polyhedral object in 3D computer graphics and solid modeling...
es. On modern computers, sometimes it is more effective to send a small amount of unneeded polygons to the GPU
Graphics processing unit
A graphics processing unit or GPU is a specialized circuit designed to rapidly manipulate and alter memory in such a way so as to accelerate the building of images in a frame buffer intended for output to a display...
, rather than burden the CPU
Central processing unit
The central processing unit is the portion of a computer system that carries out the instructions of a computer program, to perform the basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations of the system. The CPU plays a role somewhat analogous to the brain in the computer. The term has been in...
with LOD calculations—making algorithms like geomipmapping
Geomipmapping
Geomipmapping or geometrical mipmapping is a real-time block-based terrain rendering algorithm developed by W.H. de Boer in 2000 that aims to reduce CPU processing time which is a common bottleneck in level of detail approaches to terrain rendering...
more effective than ROAM. This technique is used by graphics programmers
in order to present high quality scences while being able to retain real-time framework on the hardware. ROAM provides a control over scene quality versus performance.
Authors
- Mark Duchaineau
- Murray Wolinsky
- David E. Sigeti
- Mark C. Miller
- Charles Aldrich
- Mark B. Mineev-Weinstein