3D mapping of an interactive synthetic environment

Traditional geospatial information systems (GIS) use geographically referen ced data to produce highly accurate digital maps. These two-dimensional map s include well-recognized symbols that represent features such as mountains , forests, buildings, and transportation networks. Although this flat view provides an excellent means of orienting the user to the general nature and location of the geographic features for a given area, it does not provide the full experiential value that comes from immersion within a 3D environme nt. The authors, working in conjunction with the University of New Orleans' Com puter Science Department, developed a 3D-GIS to assist the US Marine Corps with mission preparation and rehearsal. It also provides on-site awareness during actual field operations in urban areas. Going beyond presenting stereoscopic views of an area or merely applying ph oto textures to highly simplified geometric shapes, they created an environ ment that replicates its real-world counterpart by including detailed 3D ob jects. The article details the design considerations they faced as well as the implementation and structural overview for the entire system.