Dynamic terrain is the ability to modify a terrain database in real-time. In the past, effects such as explosions did not alter the surface topology of the terrain by creating craters. The tracks and tires from vehicles did not leave ruts in areas with soft soil. This limited the training value of ground-based visual simulation systems. Dynamic terrain has become an increasingly important requirement for realistic ground-based simulation. The simulation of terrain deformation can be applied in training situations that involve vehicles causing ruts in soft soil, munitions generating craters, and the generation of trenches and berms by engineering forces.

Dynamic terrain has often been implemented using "tricks". For example, rather than placing an actual crater in the terrain as a result of a mine detonation, most simulations simply place a picture of a crater without changing the elevation of the affected terrain. In systems that actually implement dynamic terrain, they are not intended for warfighter-in-the-loop real-time visual simulation, they often depend on a proprietary IG, or are dependent on a special terrain database structure. This precludes their use with existing simulators using other visual systems. It also precludes the use of dynamic terrain in situations where heterogeneous simulators need to interact over a network.

Under the STRICOM SBIR program, Diamond Visionics has been tasked with developing a PC-based dynamic terrain solution that can be integrated with components of existing simulation systems. This included various IG, vehicle, networking, and SAF systems - each potentially running on different platforms.

This paper focuses on the challenges we faced in developing a flexible dynamic terrain solution. Specific topics discussed include software frameworks, the real-time modification of a terrain database, the realistic IG-independent visualization of terrain modifications, and the distribution of modifications to other networked simulators.