A 3D visual analysis tool in support of the SANDF's growing ground based air defence simulation capability

ABSTRACT

A 3D visual analysis tool has been developed to add value to the SANDF's growing Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) System of Systems simulation capability. A time based XML interface between the simulation and analysis tool, via a TCP connection or a log file, allows individual simulation objects to be wholly updated or partially modified. Live pause and review of the simulation action is supported by employing data key frames and compressed XML for enhanced performance. An innovative configurable filter tree allows visual clutter to be reduced as required and an open source scene graph (OpenSceneGraph) manages the 3D scene representation and rendering.

A visualisation capability is developed for the effective presentation of the dynamic air defence system behaviour, system state transitions and inter-system communication. The visual analysis tool has successfully been applied in support of system performance experiments, tactical doctrine development and simulation support during training and live field exercises. The 3D visualisation resulted in improved situational awareness during experiment analysis, in increased involvement of the SANDF in experiment analysis and in improved credibility of analysis results presented during live or after action visual feedback sessions.

REFERENCES

• 1: Baird, J., and Nel, C. 2005. The evolution of M&S as part of smart acquisition using the SANDF GBADS programme as an example. In Proceedings of the 12th European Air Defence Symposium, vol. 3694, 173--182.
• 2: Naidoo, S., and Nel, C. 2006. Modelling and simulation of a ground based air defence system and associated tactical doctrine as part of acquisition support. In Proceedings of the 2006 Fall Simulation Interoperability Workshop.
• 3: Pretorius, J. L. 2003. Feasibility Considerations for A Tailored Simulation Based Acquisition (SBA) Approach. Master's thesis, University of Pretoria.
• 4: Bernard P. Zeigler , Tag Gon Kim , Herbert Praehofer, Theory of Modeling and Simulation, Academic Press, Inc., Orlando, FL, 2000

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.3 COMPUTER GRAPHICS
      I.3.7 Three-Dimensional Graphics and Realism
          Subjects: Virtual reality

Additional Classification:
  J. Computer Applications
  J.7 COMPUTERS IN OTHER SYSTEMS
      Subjects: Command and control; Military

Keywords:
analysis, battle field visualisation, command and control visualisation