Procedural generation is a powerful tool in creating natural-looking textures and objects using algorithms instead of manual design. Perlin noise, a special randomness, plays a significant role in generating smooth, customizable landscapes like in Minecraft. The process involves mapping random vectors onto a coordinate grid to produce smooth, continuous gradients. Techniques like Fractal Brownian Motion can add detail and complexity to terrains by combining multiple layers of noise with different parameters. Customizations like moisture levels, radial dropoff, and custom functions can further enhance terrain maps. With clever applications of Perlin noise, one can create mountains, oceans, and cave systems, pushing procedural generation to new heights.
https://jdhwilkins.com/mountains-cliffs-and-caves-a-comprehensive-guide-to-using-perlin-noise-for-procedural-generation/