Synthetic environments have typically been perceived as testing and training facilities that provide visual, digital information about the world surrounding a task. This paper explores a more comprehensive interpretation that involves utilizing perceptual cues appropriate for the task and is not dependent on digital presentation of the task environment. AFRL/HESR has developed a three-phased approach to testing that includes laboratory, synthetic, and field-testing. In this method, the synthetic environment is a transitional platform between pure laboratory evaluation and field-testing. Appropriate environments are determined through selection, isolation, categorization, validation and analysis of the elements in the system to determine their relationship and interaction. Critical elements are used in the synthetic environment to test task performance. Examples showing the effectiveness of appropriately designed, non-digital synthetic environments, as used in maintenance task environments, are reviewed. Tools or mechanisms used in building appropriate synthetic environments are examined and the benefits associated with these intermediary platforms are discussed.