A Tactical Terrain Viewer for Rendering 3D Topographic Data on Field Based Displays

The goal of the Phase II project is to further develop the Phase I graphical software so that field-based soldiers can assimilate topographic information using handheld computers rather than paper topographic maps. This main task is to present topographicinformation in a way that conveys a three-dimensional image on the computer screen. Because Cybernet has worked in the past to develop computer games, we are experienced with the techniques used to generate the illusion of 3-dimensional images on a flatcomputer screen. These techniques are essential if a computer game is to generate an engrossing and exciting gaming experience. During the Phase I project, we applied many of these gaming techniques to create a graphical software package called theTactical Terrain Viewer, which can be used by soldiers in the field to view complex topographic information. For the Phase II project, the TTV software will be integrated into the field platform and provide a user interface so that the soldier can accessthe desired data. We expect that the TTV will be connected to existing Land Warrior software, enhancing the existing software by providing 3D imagery.Commercial applications include navigation, architecture/landscape CADD, and computer games.