Hybrid heuristic methodologies applied in the parameterization of virtual urban environments

Abstract

Expeditious modeling of virtual urban environments has many applications but typically suffers from requiring intensive trial and error to determine reliable generation rules or lacking complete data to input the procedural modeling. Using optimization algorithms it is possible to automate the parametrization of production rules and estimate missing data. This paper presents a hybrid heuristic optimization algorithm developed to solve parameterization problems with mixed discrete and continuous parameter types as a viable solution in a neglected field of application, presenting a succesful application in a real scenario and competitive results in performance tests under a standard batch of non-convex non-linear continuous parameter functions.