Overview

This project explores the application of procedural modeling and texturing (shading) techniques for creating animations of plant growth. In particular, we examine how tDOL-Systems (timed deterministic L-systems) can be used to simulate changes in plant geometry and topology over time. Procedural textures are used to enhance the appearance and believability of plants and are based on Pixar's RenderMan shading language.

You can read the complete undergraduate thesis in PDF format. NOTE That MS Word 2003 mangles the section numbering - this will be corrected when I release an addendum. Further, the document is a little naive and requires some corrections.

News

An updated version (0.2) of the source code is available in the Source Code section below. This update includes:

Improved mathematics based on Essential Mathematics For Games And Interactive Applications
An updated XML parser from the Apache Software Foundation (Xerces C++)
Improved readability (more comments and class renaming)
More input parameters
Support for arbitrary timed symbols
More plant models
More shaders
Enhanced output indicating progress and errors
Bug fixes

I've also added an Animation section showcasing output from LLab.

Source Code

The full version of LLab (14.4 MB zip archive) contains:
- LLab source code, shaders and grammars (207 KB zip archive)
- Xerces C++ XML Parser - version 2.5.0 (11.1 MB zip archive)
- BMRT (Blue Moon Rendering Tools) - version 2.6 (3.28 MB zip archive)
Note that the Xerces and BMRT packages are required by LLab. I have added separate download links in case you already have them or simply want to browse the source code, shaders or models.
You can also view the current readme file if you need more information.