"Tim Nikias" <tim### [at] gmxde> wrote in message
news:3e331e0b@news.povray.org...
> Have you got a heightfield for the earth?

I have been able to locate one showing the elevations above sea level but
one including the portion under the oceans would be great, then I could have
my students experiment with modeling changes in ocean levels as well.

> Care to give some more details of your
> weather simulation? I'm very much interested in what
> you're trying to go for, realism, or rather, a more fun
> and explanatory style? And to which degree (actual
> snowfall, or just "cold vs warm temperatures" - and
> that "just" isn't meant to imply that its a simple task)...

Your telling me!  Currently, I am simply trying to simulate cloud formation
and motions due to the coriolis force and global insolation (the amount of
sun light striking the earth at any given time.)  The clouds start out as
simple textures applied to various spheres representing different levels of
the earths atmosphere.  I believe I have a relatively accurate
representation of cloud motion, however, at the tropics I have way to many
clouds.  Eventually, I would like to have some interaction between the
atmosphere and the ocean as well as the land once I get this Height field
issue figured out. I would like my students to aim for a realistic as
possible simulation which is why I'm trying to do this on my own first so I
can help them through the tough parts.  Keep in mind I am trying to do all
of this from within POV-Ray which may be an unrealistic goal on my part.

Rendering is already painfully slow, but I am sure I am not writing the code
as efficiently as possible.

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