Fractal Terrain Image Synthesis For Simulation Using Defense Mapping Agency Data

A broad class of procedural models, especially fractal models, for generating realistic synthetic terrain imagery have been adapted for use with Defense Mapping Agency (DMA) digital terrain data bases. By merging the actual terrain data with the procedural terrain models, very realistic and detailed scenes may be generated over a large area. DMA terrain data bases have typically limited resolution of about 10 meters or more. The procedural models allow effective data base resolution to be increased to 1 foot or greater. This increased resolution provides much higher scene content and real world fidelity for a variety of simulation tasks including flight simulation and sensor evaluation.