Procedural generation (nonfiction)

Procedurally generated medieval map.

In computing, procedural generation is a method of creating data algorithmically as opposed to manually.

In computer graphics, it is also called random generation and is commonly used to create textures and 3D models.

In video games, it is used to automatically create large amounts of content in a game.

Advantages of procedural generation include smaller file sizes, larger amounts of content, and randomness for less predictable gameplay.

Fiction cross-reference

• Crimes against mathematical constants
• Gnomon algorithm
• Gnomon Chronicles
• Mathematics
• Procedurally generated urinal cake

Nonfiction cross-reference

• Algorithm (nonfiction)
• Mathematics (nonfiction)

External links:

• Procedural generation @ Wikipedia
• Procedurally generated maps of medieval cities, suitable for RPGs @ Boing Boing
• Procedurally-generated racetracks