Random Map Generator (Work in Progress)

[jesuisbenjamin]

I worked on alternative models again. One I like, but which is a bit CPU heavy, is the trace model (which consists in drawing random squiggles within a certain scope and spreading them out a little). With the right proportions it renders quite credible continents, yet not really perfect:

Trace Model

Here the smoothness of the coastlines are all the same, I could randomise them a little to create diversity. Based on this model I could elevate mountain ranges using the same trace method. I am still not too happy about the continent shapes. A good idea perhaps is to work from tectonics. Perhaps I could guide the squiggles to break the plane into large chunks, elevate some of those breaks to make mountain ranges and dig other to create oceans.

Tectonics could work out well with Voronoi polygons perhaps, but my math is poor and I don't know if I can do that.

Another try I did, is to erode the map with a lot of those random squiggles. This erosion model is not too bad, but I have a hard time guiding the erosion to create continental shapes. Also there is something buggy about this model because the sea is always on the right hand side and overlapping a little on the left side of the frame.

Erosion Model