Cross-product based mesh simplification

One dimensional case

• i=1; prev=0;
• while i<numberOfSamples do
  • examine the area of the triangle build by the vertices i-th, i+1-th and prev-th (or length of the cross-product of vectors prev,i and prev,i+1)
  • if the area is less then thresh remove the i-th sample; else prev:=i
  • i++

Problem: the algorithm has a tendency to create slopes in bowl-shaped terrains (eg. river valleys), as shown in the figure. Solution to test: apply the algorithm in two directions and remove the points marked during both passes

Extension to two dimensions