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Method for creating a 3-D image of terrain and associated weather

  • US 5,379,215 A
  • Filed: 11/04/1993
  • Issued: 01/03/1995
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/25/1991
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of displaying an illustration of weather relative to terrain, comprising:

  • retrieving a digitized three-dimensional terrain map from a permanent storage, the terrain map including information relating to elevation and geographical features;

    retrieving information from digitized satellite photographs, the photographs including terrain information;

    combining the three dimensional terrain map with satellite photographs to form a composite terrain map wherein terrain information from satellite photographs supplement information from the terrain map;

    receiving virtual real time remote weather information from remote locations, wherein the remote locations are located at positions represented on the composite terrain map;

    receiving virtual real time satellite weather information from a weather satellite, wherein the satellite weather information includes information related to cloud formations located at positions represented on the composite terrain map;

    receiving virtual real time weather radar information from weather radar located at a position represented on the composite terrain map, wherein the weather radar information includes information related to storms and precipitation;

    obtaining time and date information;

    obtaining from an operator initial coordinates related in three dimensions to the composite terrain map;

    obtaining from an operator a three dimensional fly by path which begins at the initial coordinates and follows a path related in three dimensions to the composite terrain map;

    obtaining view angle information from an operator representative of a desired view angle relative to the composite terrain map along the fly by path;

    creating a three dimensional weather map by combining the composite terrain map with virtual real time remote weather information, virtual real time satellite weather information, and virtual real time weather radar information, wherein the three dimensional weather map depicts clouds, storms, and precipitation in three dimensions shown relative to terrain elevation and geographical features on the composite terrain map;

    adding shadows to the three dimensional weather map based upon the time and date information whereby a sun angle is located in three dimensions relative to the terrain map thereby defining a light source and shadows resulting from the light source are projected onto the three dimensional weather map;

    creating a simulated fly by in three dimensions relative to the three dimensional weather map based upon the fly by path and view angle information; and

    displaying a sequence of images representing a view along the fly by path from the view angle.

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