Packing the World for Longest Lines of Sight
2 days ago
- #algorithm
- #geospatial
- #visibility
- The article discusses a project to find the longest line of sight on Earth using a Total Viewshed algorithm.
- A viewshed is defined as all the things visible from a given point, with examples provided from Wales.
- Theoretical maximums for viewsheds are calculated based on the height of points like Mount Everest and their mutual visibility.
- Total Viewshed Surfaces (TVS) heatmaps visualize the surface area of viewsheds, with whiter pixels indicating larger viewsheds.
- The project aims to cover the entire planet with TVS tiles, adhering to specific rules for optimal packing and minimal overlap.
- The implementation involves creating lower resolution elevation data subtiles and optimizing tile placement to reduce redundancy.
- Results show TVS tiles covering the globe with some overlaps, and the author seeks more efficient packing solutions.
- The ultimate goal is to calculate viewsheds for all tiles to determine the longest practical lines of sight under various conditions.