This Java applet creates recursively triangulated forms – when a basic
pyramid (tetrahedron) is created, with additional randomness
added, it may serve as a 3D model of a mountain (e.g. the Matterhorn!) The images
at Figure 2.53 in the text were created with this applet.
To run the applet, you will need a Java Applet runner program, which can be obtsained from http://www.java.sun.com (for Windows) or http://www.apple.com/java (for Macintosh). Once you have installed the applet runner, it should launch automatically in the browser window when you click on the link below.
When it has opened, experiment with the effect of various values.
You can click, drag, and rotate the model in the graphics screen.
N.B.: Be careful with the 'depth' setting– as it gets high (above
3) the program may take a LONG TIME to run,
or may run out of memory.
Note also: JAVA is a rapidly evolving language,its standards are in flux, and its behavior under every browser on every computer platform is not predictable, especially with regards to graphic eappearance. If you experience difficulty running the applet in the browser window, and know that your Java applet runner is properly installed and configured (can run some other Java applets successfully) try separately launching your applet runner program, and use it to open the htm file directly (runjavamountain.htm).
Click here for instructions on running the applet.
Click here to launch the JAVA_MOUNTAIN applet.
Close this Window and return to Landscape Modeling .