Photogrammetry for 3D Scene Generation to Support Simulation, Mission Rehearsal, and Training Tools (SMRTTs)

3D simulated environments will benefit mission rehearsal and training for counter-terrorism operations. The challenge is to create SMRTTs for simulating actual 3D environments that are easy to use, quicker, and more accurate than existing tools. To reproduce actual locations in a simulated 3D environment, photogrammetry will be the primary tool. Photogrammetry, a sophisticated image processing technique based upon triangulation, generates 3D models from 2D digital images. Properly used, photogrammetry can create exceptionally accurate 3D models. We will apply photogrammetry to the problem of visualizing the battlefield in 3D in a time-sensitive environment. Central goals will include automating the process to the maximum degree possible, and finding the optimum trade-off between speed and accuracy. The models will be stored in formats that can be easily edited by existing tools such as SketchUp. To further support training and mission rehearsal, a simulation framework will be provided. The Extensible Modeling and Simulation Framework (XMSF), a set of Web-based technologies within an extensible framework, will accommodate emergent modeling and simulation technologies and will also provide a means to interoperate with legacy simulations such as CTDB and OpenFlight. We will provide a cost effective solution for 3D visualization and simulation.