A Real 3-Dimensional Digital Terrain Map System

A soldier's ability to get a feel for terrain from maps before or even while walking on it can be critical to mission success. A virtual three-dimensional view of the terrain is a dream of every warfighter. To make it a reality, in Phase I PhysicalOptics Corporation (POC) developed a new prototype 3-Dimensional Map System (3DIMAS) and demonstrated it in three configurations: a conventional 3-D display with goggles, a table-scale real 3-D digital map (20 in. square, resolution 1364x1080 and 800x600)without goggles, and a real 3-D LCD digital map (12 in. x 9 in., 1024x768) without goggles. In Phase II POC will optimize this system for sunlight readability without sacrificing power budget. The 3DIMAS will have at least 1800 nits brightness, 500 nitshigher than the standard for sunlight readable displays. In addition, we will develop a graphic user interface, hardware interface, and remote 3D display, and integrate GPS. The 3DIMAS is the first portable real three-dimensional sun readable mapviewer in the world. With a POC 3DIMAS, a soldier will have increased confidence of mission success. In Phase II POC will fully develop and demonstrate a prototype 3DIMAS real 3-D digital map.Adding a third dimension to standard 2-D displays increasesviewer awareness, enhancing visualization of data, events, and messages. Commercial benefits in the areas of TV, medical education, and computer aided design will be huge.