As technology utilized in simulation has grown, so have the requirements for a realistic solution to the dynamic terrain problem in the synthetic environment. In order to support the DoD Simulation Based Acquisition (SBA) initiative, the need for a high fidelity Synthetic Natural Environment simulation is fundamental and critical. Specifically, a realistic dynamic terrain solution is required by the Advanced Concepts and Requirements (ACR) community, and maneuver forces using simulation to support their collective training objectives.

Research has previously been conducted in the area of dynamic terrain implementation, and the dynamic environment. Dynamic terrain is not new to the simulation community, however previous efforts have required high-end computational platforms, were unable to perform in real-time, and were often low fidelity in appearance. With the fast paced improvements in the performance of Personal Computers (PCs) and image generators, the realism that is required for a dynamic terrain implementation is now achievable on a PC. The US Army STRICOM sponsored a Phase I Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) topic addressing these requirements, which has progressed to a Phase II effort. In the Phase I effort, Diamond Visionics Company (DVC) and AcuSoft teamed to provide a PC based technology demonstration of dynamic terrain incorporating simple soil dynamics. Phase II objectives include the development of a platform independent software solution that has an open architecture and application program interfaces, providing the fundamental functionality required by digital synthetic environments to implement dynamic terrain in a DIS/HLA network. The developed solution will use SEDRIS (Synthetic Environment Data Representation and Interchange Specification) as the underlining data standard.

This paper will address the use of dynamic terrain in a Distributed Simulation Environment utilizing low cost PC platforms. It will examine the challenges of implementing dynamic Synthetic Natural Environment in a distributed simulation environment, specific issues related to DIS networking, and the challenges and advantages associated with HLA migration. It will also address interoperability with simulations and systems that encompass a wide range of fidelity, resolutions and application domains.