As part of CSCI 420: Computer Graphics, I built a first-person roller coaster simulation inspired by SeaWorld Orlando’s Mako using modern OpenGL. I generated the track by sampling a Catmull–Rom spline and sweeping a cross-section along it, computing a stable tangent–normal–binormal frame to keep the camera and rails smoothly oriented through steep turns and drops.

To drive the motion, I approximated coaster speed with a gravity-based energy model, converting height changes into velocity along the spline for a more believable sense of acceleration. To ground the experience spatially, I textured the environment using satellite imagery of SeaWorld Orlando, resulting in a POV ride with per-fragment lighting for depth and readability.