Traditionally, databases for Air Force simulators have been built to the unique needs of whatever particular image generator was being used on that particular program. Because image generators for flight simulation must have exceptional performance, these image generators were very unique and databases built for one particular image generator could not be easily used on a different image generator. As a result, the Air Force has built several databases of the same geographic areas of the world and continues to do so. Furthermore, the Air Force has traditionally purchased their databases as a finished product ready to run on an image generator. Databases in this form are difficult, if not impossible, to use on other image generators.

But now, two factors are making it more feasible to share databases between programs. First, as computers have gotten faster and faster, image generator manufacturers are able to use more standard components, so image generators are not as unique as they used to be. Second, industry has developed de facto standards for almost all simulator database elements. Additionally, we can purchase a generic database at a point in its development such that most of the work has been accomplished, but it is still generic enough that it can be targeted to multiple image generators without significant rework.

In light of these developments, the Air Force is doing a concept validation to see how easily an open database developed to de facto industry standards can be targeted to multiple image generators. We will be gathering information on the constraints, issues, etc. that are found in developing this open database with the objective of creating a guideline for future reference.