3D Graphics, Animation, Rendering
3D computer graphics are different from 2D computer graphics in that a three-dimensional representation of geometric data is stored in the computer for the purposes of performing calculations and rendering 2D images.
Rendering is the final process of creating the actual 2D image or animation from the prepared scene. This can be compared to taking a photo or filming the scene after the setup is finished in real life.
From : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_graphics
World Wind
At its simplest you can think of World Wind as a desk globe, however World Wind is not a simple desk globe.
World Wind allows any user to zoom from outer space into any place on Earth. World Wind uses satellite imagery and elevation data to allow users to experience Earth terrain in visually rich 3D, just as if they were really there. Virtually visit anyplace in the world. Look across the Andes, into the Grand Canyon, over the Alps or along the African Sahara.
Unlike your desk globe World Wind can display thousands of placenames all over the world, from Country capitals to villages in sparsely populated regions. You can see country borders, and in some cases intracountry borders such as US states.
World Wind can also be expanded to include additional imagery and data.. There have already been a number of add-ons created, from Norway's Prehistoric Hillforts to additional planets, for more information on using add-ons see the Add-on Launchpad.
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World Wind
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