I created a similar (but much much less refined) 3D topo view using the national elevation dataset. I used Papervision and I wasn't too happy with the results (it's slow!). Granted, my algorithm for layering a bicycle route on top is not efficient, but just the mesh creation itself is not that great.
Did you try it with more naive mesh code? Meaning, applying a fixed triangle count, not varying the triangles based off the underlying elevation variation? My implementation with a fixed triangle count just bogs down like crazy when I add enough to get good detail in the mountains, and I never got around to a more intelligent method like yours.
Do you have any good links for me to read up, or is this just a large background of computer graphics? I have little computer graphics background, which made implementing a 3D terrain map a two week process for me.
Yes, I did an experiment with a uniform mesh about a month ago. It turned out to be a choice between awful detail level, miniscule view distance or unusably slow framerate, so I abandoned it after a day. But it was a useful experiment because it really made me understand my triangle budget.
I do have a large background in computer graphics. If I lost the knowledge and had to reconstruct it again, I would begin by writing simple demos in the lowest level environment I could find. Forget Papervision, try making a spinning textured cube by assigning colors to individual pixels using C code. This way you pick up the background awfully fast.
Did you try it with more naive mesh code? Meaning, applying a fixed triangle count, not varying the triangles based off the underlying elevation variation? My implementation with a fixed triangle count just bogs down like crazy when I add enough to get good detail in the mountains, and I never got around to a more intelligent method like yours.
Do you have any good links for me to read up, or is this just a large background of computer graphics? I have little computer graphics background, which made implementing a 3D terrain map a two week process for me.