Automated Tactical Computer Mapping Systems.

Abstract : This report presents the results of a two year research and development program aimed at exploring the use of computer-generated pictorial maps. The work reported on is designed to explore problems and techniques associated with the automatic production, storage, and display of three-dimensional color views of a locale. To produce large quantities of visual representations an appropriate digital data base of cultural and terrain information is first transformed into a useable description of the area of interest, desired viewpoints are defined, images are generated, transferred to videodisc, and finally displayed under user control using either the Map Store or the Talking Map display system. Section 2 outlines background information on past studies, and software development selection. Various problem solving approaches were taken in the subtasks of the problem and are described in detail in section 3. Section 4 provides some conclusions of the research study. Keywords: Man machine systems; Human factors engineering; Video displays.