Perlin Noise

Lately i have become interested in perlin noise, a function which attempts to construct randomly varied values which mimic the naturally ocurring randomness of nature. Many natural phenomena display this random variation from the waves in the ocean to the distribution of grass on a field. Developed by Ken Perlin who used it to control the texture generation in TRON, it is now used in computer graphic applications to produce effects such as fire and clouds.


an example of perlin noise to create natural environments
rendered with terragen

Using the software VVVV i have been experimenting with perlin noise - rendering it onto a grid and controlling it with oscillators.






when moving they appear as natural waves with slowly evolving patterns. Its remarkable how human eyes see nature in numbers.
In future i intend to develop the process to produce a controllable morphing landscape synth.

more pics to follow....