Maps in 3-D for Military:

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Three-D models of urban environments are now becoming available for military leaders, thanks to a team working at the University of California at Berkeley. The team, which is funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, has created a digital surface model out of airborne laser scans, reports Maria Callier of AFOSR. “Knowing the exact 3-D map of the city is useful to counterterrorism activities, mission planning and disaster management,” said Avideh Zakhor, team leader. “The team would like to extend the 3-D modeling of the indoor environment and consider the problem of incremental model updating after a building is demolished.” This new technology allows for continuous mode scanning, which cuts scanning time to approximately 25 minutes.

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org