FL is a fractal objects generator for Imagine.


Description:

    The objects generated are made of a grid of evenly spaced points
    in X and Y, like the primitive plane. The height (Z) position of
    the points is determined by a semi-random fractal function.
    Theses objects can be used as landscape or any crumpled surfaces.
    The size of all objects created is 100 unit in X and in Y.

    Internally, a "virtual" landscape of 1024 X 1024 points is created as a
    function of the random seed parameter. The height of a point in the
    real landscape is equal to it's closest equivalent in the virtual one.
    This way, all landscapes created with the same random seed are identical,
    regardless of their number of points.


Usage:

   FL <File name>
        <Number of points in X>
        <Number of points in Y>
        <Random number seed>

   <File name>
        The name of the file created. If a file of the same name
        already exists, it will be overwritten without warning.

    <Number of points in X>
    <Number of points in Y>
        Those two numbers must be greater than 3.
        They indicate the number of points in the grid.

    <Random number seed>:
        This is any positive number(s). Each number create a different shape.
        By keeping the same random seed and changing the number of points,
        you can create more or less precise version of the same landscape.
        The Seed used is saved in the name of the object. The same seed
        will alway produce the same shape. This parameter is optional; if
        no seed are provided, a random one will be choosen.

Exemples:

    fl land.iob 10 10 765

        This command will generate an object file called "land.iob".
        This object will have 100 points (10 X 10). 

    fl land2.iob 40 40 765

        This command will generate a landscape with an identical
        shape as the previous one. Since it will have more points, it's shape
        will be more precise.

    fl land3.iob 25 30

        This command will create a 100 unit by 100 unit random landscape,
        with 25 points in X and 30 points in Y.


Attributes:

    Objects created with FL have default attributes (white, phong shaded);
    the file "land.atr" is an attribute file to add textures and colours
    to the objects.


To reach the author:

    Send all comments, questions, "whish list" and bug repports to:

                psauvage@aei.ca

    If you have an Amiga C or C++ compiler and whish to work 
    on the Amiga version of FL (VERY easy task!), please e-mail me.


Postcardware:
    This program is freely redistributable as a "postcard"ware. If you use
    and like this program, please send me a postcard of the place
    where you are living. This program cannot be sold or included
    with any sold product without my written approval. 

        Patrick Sauvageau
        2485 Chartier
        Saint-Hyacinthe (Quebec)
        Canada
        J2S 4A9