Geo-spatial visualization for situational awareness (case study)

Situational awareness applications require a highly detailed geospatial visualization covering a large geographic area. Conventional polygon based terrain modeling would exceed the capacity of current computer rendering. Terrain visualization techniques for a situational awareness application are described in this case study. Visualizing large amounts of terrain data has been achieved using very large texture maps. Sun shading is applied to the terrain texture map to enhance perception of relief features. Perception of submarine positions has been enhanced using a translucent, textured water surface. Each visualization technique is illustrated in the accompanying video tape.