GenesisII
GenesisII generates photorealistic and schematic images of landscapes from geographic data.

Besides rendering and graphic capabilities, GenesisII also incorporates a wide range of tools to support landscape modeling and related tasks (such as VRML Modeling and Terrain Editing).

We produce three versions of GenesisII - an introductory Freeware version, a Light version for more commited users, and a Professional version for professional users. Some features may not be available in the Freeware and Light versions.

Basic Concepts
GenesisII describes a landscape surface using a Landscape Grid. This is a regular grid of heights that can either be generated by GenesisII or imported from another source - such as a DEM file.

GenesisII draws this grid in 3D to generate the landscape image. Two rendering types are available - Overlay rendering, which draws an image on top of the surface, or Fractal rendering, which generates artificial surface detail. GenesisII uses OpenGL for 3D rendering at it is important that this is set up correctly on your PC.

GenesisII understands how landscapes are formed, and will attempt to generate the details of the fractal surface in realistic manner. It also has an understanding of ecosystems and will place vegetation with regard to surface features. Realistic images can be generated in a few mouse clicks using a landscape grid and the program defaults - the user can then concentrate on the special features in the landscape that they are directly interested in.

GenesisII uses the concept of Terrains to allow the user to control the details of landscape surfaces. Any number of terrains can be defined, each of which has specific characteristics for such items as surface texture, vegetation and 3D objects. Terrains are mapped onto the landscape surface using shapes such as polygons and lines. Any number of shapes can be defined for each terrain, and each shape can be of any size and complexity.

In addition to the landscape surface and contents, a range of other factors control how the landscape will look in the rendered image. Atmosphere, Clouds and Water are all important and can all be controlled in detail by the user - and of course Camera and Target placement are under direct user control.