Sample Function: Perlin Noise in 2D

Here we use pyvista.core.utilities.features.sample_function() to sample Perlin noise over a region to generate random terrain.

Perlin noise is atype of gradient noise often used by visual effects artists to increase the appearance of realism in computer graphics. Source: Perlin Noise Wikipedia

The development of Perlin Noise has allowed computer graphics artists to better represent the complexity of natural phenomena in visual effects for the motion picture industry.

import pyvista as pv

Generate Perlin Noise over a StructuredGrid

Feel free to change the values of freq to change the shape of the “mountains”. For example, lowering the frequency will make the terrain seem more like hills rather than mountains.

freq = [0.689, 0.562, 0.683]
noise = pv.perlin_noise(1, freq, (0, 0, 0))
sampled = pv.sample_function(noise, bounds=(-10, 10, -10, 10, -10, 10), dim=(500, 500, 1))

Warp by scalar

Here we warp by scalar to give the terrain some height based on the value of the Perlin noise. This is necessary to the terrain its shape.

mesh = sampled.warp_by_scalar('scalars')
mesh = mesh.extract_surface()

# clean and smooth a little to reduce Perlin noise artifacts
mesh = mesh.smooth(n_iter=100, inplace=False, relaxation_factor=1)

# This makes the "water" level look flat.
z = mesh.points[:, 2]
diff = z.max() - z.min()

# water level at 70%  (change this to change the water level)
water_percent = 0.7
water_level = z.max() - water_percent * diff
mesh.points[z < water_level, 2] = water_level

Show the terrain as a contour plot

# make the water blue
rng = z.max() - z.min()
clim = (z.max() - rng * 1.65, z.max())

pl = pv.Plotter()
pl.add_mesh(
    mesh,
    scalars=z,
    cmap='gist_earth',
    n_colors=10,
    show_scalar_bar=False,
    smooth_shading=True,
    clim=clim,
)
pl.show()

Static Scene

Interactive Scene

Show the terrain with custom lighting and shadows

pl = pv.Plotter(lighting=None)
pl.add_light(pv.Light((3, 1, 0.5), show_actor=True, positional=True, cone_angle=90, intensity=1.2))
pl.add_mesh(mesh, cmap='gist_earth', show_scalar_bar=False, smooth_shading=True, clim=clim)
pl.enable_shadows = True
pl.show()

Static Scene

Interactive Scene