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.
With a shrinking fleet and growing operational demand, Air Force Special Operations Command sees the new OA-1K combat scout aircraft as key to a “new era,” officials say.