Content creation is the process of generating virtual environments that are used in training exercises. These environments may be modeled after real-life locations, where the accurate depiction of a geo-specific element is of high importance, or they may be fictional locations that are put together with the key elements that are required to provide effective procedural training. In either case, many elements come together to create the final result.
Literally working “from the ground up”, the first step in the creation of a synthetic environment is importing data, using Presagis Terra Vista, that will be used to create the chosen location’s terrain. The main sources of information imported are elevation data, which is used to create a 3D skeleton of the terrain, and satellite imagery, which is draped over the 3D geometry. Depending on the area of interest, data will need to be acquired from multiple sources. The sources may use different file formats to transmit information; however, Terra Vista offers an unparalleled number of import formats and standards, and will be able to import all data.
The environment now begins to have a fair amount of accuracy, when viewed from a distance.
However, a closer look will show how barren the environment is- This is where 3D assets come into play. 3D models can be created using a variety of techniques and will bring an environment to life. Terra Vista is used to procedurally generate buildings based on vector data, indicating the location and type of buildings, vegetation, and roads, and leveraging the building creation wizards from Creator Pro. As seen in the screenshot below, this type of work really increases the quality of an environment.
For even more realism, specific buildings and 3D elements can be made using Creator, Presagis 3D modeling software. With its full-featured editing environment and modern modeling techniques, such as bump mapping, Creator enables artists to deliver compelling 3D assets that can easily be positioned as part of a Terra Vista project through an association to vector data or hand-placement at the correct geographic area. The following examples depict a mosque modeled in 3D and its final placement as part of a larger village. Creator also offers a wizard designed to accelerate the construction of virtual buildings with interiors, which will dramatically accelerate the design of buildings for urban scenarios.
This last picture crosses into the runtime aspects of a simulation, where 3D assets made with Creator are used to represent moving entities in the final simulation environment. As you can see, high-quality 3D assets really define the realism of a simulation.
Stay tuned for more articles focused on Content Creation and Runtime Connectivity, along with news on our 2012 product releases.
