Massively paralleled graphics workstation for battlefield visualization

Exploitation of archived and time-sensitive imagery for tactical decision making tasks is becoming more difficult. This is due to the increasing sophistication of modern weapon systems, the nature of future conflicts (e.g. low-intensity, humanitary support, etc.) and the large volumes of imagery and other data now available to analysts and tactical decision makers. Civilian, tactical and national sensors are providing an increasing amount of data for processing and analysis. This data are increasingly critical for time-sensitive operations when the demands on humans in the loop are maximum. As weapons become more complex and tactical choices multiply, operational decision-makers will find in more difficult to deal with the increasing variety of input data that must be considered in selecting the optimum combination of weapons and tactics. Investigation, selection and development of advanced, innovative techniques for graphics rendering and visualization using massively parallel processors is needed to determine the feasibility and support the development of a Battlefield Visualization System (BVS). The proposed BVS will provide theater commanders and other users with advanced visualization and image exploitation tools. It will allow users to efficiently produce and utilize timely, highly accurate image analyses and visualizations tailored, simultaneously, for a wide variety of specialized end-users.