Re: [Visualpython-users] Raytracing VPython

[C A. R. <an...@ex...>]

On Mar 23, 2011 1:06 AM, "K. -Michael Aye" <mic...@sp...>
wrote:
>
> Dear VPython folks,
>
> I was wondering if one can use VPython to do the following:
>
> * take a digital elevation map (DEM) and load it into a numpy array
> * place a light source at some coordinate
> * check for each point on the DEM if they can see the light source or if
they are being shadowed by other points of the DEM?
>
> As some kind of lightning calculations are done in the beautiful sceneries
of VPython, I wondered if I can 'abuse' it this way somehow?
>
> In case it can be done, I would need to know though, how accurate this
would be, as I would like to calculate solar irradiation times on the DEM
coordinates (just to make you interested! ;)
>
> Any suggestions welcome!

About 5 years ago I used `microdem` to estimate radio coverage of pre-wimax
equipment ... maybe its useful in your case.

C Anthony [mobile]