Enhancing planetary textures with high resolution using Three.js technique

Creating realistic textures for planets has proven to be quite challenging. Despite using a 4096k image wrapped around a high poly sphere, there are performance issues due to the large file size and the texture appearing pixelated at close range.

One solution I am considering is to divide the image into sections and create low, medium, and high resolution versions of each. Then, based on the proximity of the camera viewport, render the appropriate resolution to optimize memory usage.

https://i.sstatic.net/rKm98.jpg

I'm undecided on the best approach for rendering high-quality planets. Should I explore alternatives to traditional texturing, such as using height maps with Javascript for coloring? The same dilemma applies to creating realistic clouds - should I utilize shaders or alpha maps on a sphere?

This dilemma highlights the challenges I am currently facing, and I would appreciate any insights you may have. While Webgl/three.js performance has improved, finding the right long-term solution within the browser environment is crucial.

Answer №1

To achieve the desired results, it is essential to incorporate a level of detail (LOD) system in your project. In the realm of 3D graphics, LOD involves transitioning from high-polygon to low-polygon models or making any necessary adjustments to switch from high-detail to low-detail.

Creating textures with dimensions as large as 1000000x100000 is impractical, which prompts the need to construct a sphere using multiple sections and individually texturing each one. The number of sections required depends on how closely you intend to zoom in, taking Google Maps as an example which utilizes millions of sections. Conversely, when zooming out to view the entire planet, rendering millions of sections simultaneously is not feasible, thus necessitating the shift to a single sphere. This process is commonly referred to as "LODing."

A customized approach is typically required as there is no universal solution applicable to all scenarios.

In applications like Google Maps, various levels of detail are employed based on proximity. For instance, displaying a single mesh sphere when viewing the entire planet, progressing to spheres composed of 100 pieces at closer distances, and so forth. Additionally, only the visible pieces are rendered to optimize performance, acknowledging that scanning through millions of elements per frame would be inefficient. By identifying and managing the visible components, application developers can streamline the scene accordingly.

Implementing gradual transitions between different LODs is also common practice. For instance, when Google Maps shifts from displaying the single mesh sphere for distant views to showcasing the 100-piece or 1000-piece spheres for closer perspectives, a crossfade effect is utilized for smooth transitions.

For further insights on LOD techniques, refer to these resources:

Answer №2

To achieve a unique look, consider creating a sphere using unusual topology.

One approach is to fashion 6 square planes into a box-like structure that can be tessellated to provide sufficient resolution for the sphere. UV mapping on these planes would resemble cube-mapping, with each plane representing a face of a cubemap.

By normalizing the position vectors of all vertices, you can transform the arrangement into a sphere shape.

Another interesting idea is to convert an equirectangular panorama image into a cubemap, offering higher resolution and reduced distortion at minimal cost.

A default sphere may have dimensions of 4096 x 4096, but employing this technique could allow for a sphere mapped with 6 faces, each measuring 4096 x 4096 without any deformities, enabling it to be rendered in just 6 draw calls.

Further partitioning these elements may serve as a solid foundation for implementing gman's recommendations.

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