Visualization of High-Resolution Digital Terrain

Abstract

We explore two methods for real-time generation of more realistic two and three-dimensional terrain displays than what are currently available on relatively inexpensive graphics workstations. The first method involves using a high-resolution terrain elevation database. The second method involves coloring and shading the terrain with gray-scale data obtained from associated aerial photography. Both methods were implemented with a three-dimensional simulator using a high resolution digital terrain database that was generated from processed F-14 stereo imagery. We describe our simulator, the High-Resolution Digital Terrain Model (HRDTM), listing its capabilities and graphics features. We also present how the system performs on a high-performance graphics workstation. Topics discussed include: database manipulation; user interface; the magnification capability; the variable gamma ramp capability; the camera (laser printing) capability; file input/output; elevation contour map; and aerial photo display; and data panel performance measurements.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1989
Accession Number
ADA212149

Entities

People

  • James J. Zanoli
  • William O. Breden

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Cameras
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Coordinate Systems
  • Graphics
  • Gray Scale
  • High Resolution
  • Operating Systems
  • Photographs
  • Photography
  • Simulations
  • Simulators
  • Terrain Models
  • Three Dimensional
  • Two Dimensional
  • United States

Readers

  • Computer Science/Computer Engineering/Data Science/Digital Signal Processing.
  • Computer Vision.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy