Ongoing trends toward lower cost image generation hardware and rapidly increasing graphics and computational performance have transformed the flight simulation industry into a visualization and simulation (vis-sim) industry. Previously the purview of dedicated hardware and software systems that only a few customers could afford, vis-sim is now available on the desktop for applications such as command and control, situational awareness, planning, modeling, and of course training.

Most environmental representations for flight simulators, including the terrain database, were generated in a closed development environment with government furnished data, generally using poorly documented, ad hoc processes which were non-repeatable and manpower intensive. System-specific databases and unique processes were developed to meet the specialized needs of the dedicated hardware and software designed to meet tough real-time performance requirements.

But increased desktop computing power has also combined with greater availability of geospatial software and data to transform real-time terrain database generation. The growth of desktop vis-sim has driven terrain database developers to reduce costs through increased productivity. Commercial data sources are being utilized, standards have emerged, and off-the-shelf terrain database generation software is used along with standard GIS, image processing and softcopy photogrammetry tools.

This conference seeks to bring imaging and geospatial information professionals together with vis-sim professionals for their mutual benefit and the reciprocal exchange of ideas. By Making the Connection with MAPPS and ASPRS, vis-sim professionals can take advantage of both organizations' combined experience with imaging and geospatial information to apply the latest and best technology to terrain database generation. By Making the Connection, MAPPS and ASPRS can learn the unique data requirements of the visualization and simulation industry and experience truly interactive terrain visualization.