Level of detail (LOD)
Definition
Level of detail is a graphics technique where an object is drawn in more or less detail depending on how much the viewer needs it, usually how far it is from the camera.
On this site
The Observation dial. At lower settings, only observed matter gets the full floor.
Role in the model
Video games have long saved effort by drawing what the player is looking at and roughly sketching the rest. The Observation dial applies the same idea to a universe. It’s the biggest single saving available to whoever runs the simulation.
Related
14 short pages, one per thinker, each with its matching dial. See also the reading list.