To enhance the use of solid terrain models, Solid Terrain Modeling’s Photo Overlay System uses overhead projection—calibrated so its output fits the geometry of the model—to display dynamic information such as satellite or infrared images, boundary lines, population areas and personnel movement onto an otherwise static model. For military and defense applications, static, unclassified geographic information can be created as a solid terrain model, while the classified portion of the briefing is shown in the projected overlay. This helps groups manage the dissemination of information by making classified information temporarily available, while retaining static geographic data for easy reference.


“Hands-On” Visualization Techniques
Reston, Va.-based Northrop Grumman (www.northropgrumman.com) recently introduced two new visualization products that allow intuitive, hands-on access to 3-D data. The TouchTable is a large-format (84-inch diagonal) horizontal touchscreen display that detects the location and movement of users’ hands on its surface. Multiple viewers can gather around the TouchTable to view and manipulate large, complex images from multiple viewpoints. A touch interface on the table’s surface lets users pan and zoom in or out with simple, intuitive hand movements such as touching a point on the surface to bring up detailed information, so viewers focus on the mission, not the computer interface.

The TerrainTable is a topographic modeling and visualization tool that works through a connector to the TouchTable. An array of vertical pins beneath a silicone skin creates an “electronic sand table” that can replicate virtually any 3-D surface within an area 52 inches by 40 inches and 6 inches high. The TerrainTable can be synchronized with a computer-controlled overhead projector to display aerial imagery, overlay or sensor data, making the TerrainTable a dynamic, 3-D topographic map around which groups can collaborate for mission planning and operations.

Holograms are Portable, Scalable and Data-Rich
In field or crisis situations in which power and computers may not be available, space and time are limited, and portability and ease-of-use are critical, Zebra Imaging (www.zebraimaging.com), Austin, Texas, offers 3-D holograms. These are digitally mastered, full-parallax, 3-D holographic images that can depict any object. For defense and intelligence applications, holographic maps of terrain or urban areas provide detailed 3-D data quickly and easily to trained and untrained viewers.

Zebra’s Imager records any volumetric data set through a series of lasers and optics, then prints the image onto photopolymer film, which can be laminated onto a solid or flexible substrate. Solid Zebra images can be mounted vertically or horizontally, while those mounted on flexible substrates are as portable as a standard map and can be unrolled onto a table, floor or ground. When illuminated from the front by a halogen lamp, flashlight or even sunlight, the reflective 3-D image “leaps” off the page, allowing groups to move around the hologram for multiple, realistic viewpoints.
 

Each Zebra hologram also can contain motion or feature multiple images. For instance, a building can be shown from the outside, with accurate 3-D relationships to streets and other buildings. As the viewer moves around the hologram, floors can visually “peel away,” showing the inside layout of rooms, hallways and stairwells. In terrain situations, this can also be used to show underground data such as sewers, water sources, tunnels or cave bunkers. Zebra holograms can be rendered in true color or green monochrome.

Mapping applications for holograms include rescue and evasion logistics, evacuation and recovery planning, intelligence and reconnaissance, defense planning, homeland security and anti-urban terrorism prevention. Zebra images also can include holographic overlays for additional or classified information such as troop movements or radar patterns. Military and defense planning teams easily can visualize terrain to plan and perform operations, knowing exactly what buildings and streets; mountains, rivers and passes; ingress and egress routes; and lines of sight look like on the ground.

Although Zebra Imaging produces and sells holographic images based on customer data sets, the company also sells its Imagers to customers who prefer to produce their own holographic images quickly and in high volume directly from computer-aided design, geographic information system or any other popular 3-D data sources.

Beyond the Screen
Defense, homeland security and intelligence operations are quick to adopt technologies that enhance the ability to understand information and make quick, accurate decisions. Typically, mastering new technologies requires extensive training and expertise. In contrast, these new visualization products use advanced technologies to depict complex 3-D terrain data, but they’re intuitive and easily understood. They can be adopted by collaborative groups of trained and untrained personnel, and are ideal for use in field analysis.
 

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