In computer graphics, level of detail (LOD) refers to the complexity of a 3D model representation. LOD can be decreased as the model moves away from the viewer or according to other metrics such as object importance, viewpoint-relative speed or position.
LOD techniques increase the efficiency of rendering by decreasing the workload on graphics pipeline stages, usually vertex transformations.
The reduced visual quality of the model is often unnoticed because of the small effect on object appearance when distant or moving fast.
Image: Wire Sphere Max Tass.Max DZ8
Image: Wire Sphere Hi Tass.Max DZ8
Image: Wire Sphere Std Tass.Max DZ8
Image: Wire Sphere Low Tass.Max DZ8
Fractal landscape
Videos
A fractal landscape or fractal surface is generated using a stochastic algorithm designed to produce fractal behavior that mimics the appearance of natural terrain. In other words, the surface resulting from the procedure is not a deterministic, but rather a random surface that exhibits fractal behavior.
A fractal landscape rendered in Terragen.
Computer generated fractal terrain using Perlin noise with Adobe Photoshop and Terragen.
Computer-generated fractal wooded hills using Visual Nature Studio.