A computational lithography process uses machine learning models. An aerial image produced by a lithographic mask is first calculated using a two-dimensional model of the lithographic mask. This first aerial image is applied to a first machine learning model, which infers a second aerial image. The first machine learning model was trained using a training set that includes aerial images calculated using a more accurate three-dimensional model of lithographic masks. The two-dimensional model is faster to compute than the three-dimensional model but it is less accurate. The first machine learning model mitigates this inaccuracy.