This paper details the complexities associated with creating an SNE terrain database that is consistent and correlated across a diverse set of interests, ranging from members of the simulation federation to C4I and planning systems.

In simulation federations, a number of players such as JSAF use CTDB data that is typically a polygonal terrain surface and is constructed in a real world (curved earth) spatial reference frame (SRF). In MC02 a critical federation member is JCATS, which typically uses a surface derived from bilinear interpolation of gridded elevation data in augmented UTM space. In order to achieve high levels of correlation, a series of developments in both the terrain database production process and in the simulation environment were required. A set of data products integrating the requirements for JCATS and CTDB correlation were produced, a regularly triangulated terrain surface for the CTDB and a series of elevation posts in the same SRF for JCATS, and near perfect terrain correlation was achieved. Special methodologies were developed to ensure that the representation of features in both data sets were as consistent as possible, further enhancing interoperability. The specially produced area was then integrated with the larger CTDB for the entire MC02 play box, and a seamless database with its special high correlation insert has become the foundational data product for the federation.

As there are numerous MC02 participants who consume standard NIMA products, a series of surrogate DTED data were produced from the combined terrain surface. This process ensures that terrain representation is consistent across participants, and users outside of JCATS and JSAF remain highly correlated.

This paper discusses the technical details and compromises associated with achieving the abovementioned terrain correlation and feature consistency, including specific discussion of SRF issues and the overall process of building the correlated and consistent terrain database.