3D Terrain Visualization

Overview#

The 3D Terrain Visualization module renders geographic data with three-dimensional terrain elevation using MapLibre GL JS. Terrain surfaces are draped with satellite imagery, operational map layers, and analytical overlays (viewsheds, slope maps, sensor coverage zones), providing operators with an intuitive understanding of the operational environment that flat maps cannot convey. Configurable terrain exaggeration, hillshade lighting, and contour lines enhance terrain appreciation. Offline tile caching ensures full 3D visualization capability without network connectivity.

Key Features#

• MapLibre GL JS 3D Rendering - The map display uses MapLibre GL JS with terrain raster-DEM tile sources to render true 3D terrain surfaces. Operators can pan, zoom, rotate, and tilt the view to examine terrain from any angle. Entity positions, tracks, sensor coverage, and operational graphics are rendered on the 3D terrain surface, accurately reflecting elevation.

• Configurable Terrain Exaggeration - Terrain vertical exaggeration is adjustable to enhance the visual distinction of elevation changes. Low exaggeration (1x-2x) provides accurate terrain representation; higher exaggeration (3x-10x) emphasises terrain features for briefings and planning. The exaggeration factor is adjustable in real time without reloading the map.

• Hillshade and Contour Lines - Hillshade rendering simulates sunlight illumination to reveal terrain shape through shadow patterns. Contour lines are rendered at configurable intervals (10m, 20m, 50m, 100m) with index contours labelled at major intervals. Both hillshade and contour layers can be toggled independently and combined with other map layers.

• Offline Tile Caching - Terrain DEM tiles, satellite imagery tiles, and vector tiles are cached locally for offline use. Operators can pre-load tile caches for a defined area of operations before deploying to disconnected environments. Cached areas provide full 3D visualization capability including terrain rendering, hillshade, and contour lines without any network connectivity.

• Theme-Aware Visualization - The 3D terrain display supports multiple visual themes including satellite imagery, topographic, and tactical map bases. Theme selection adapts hillshade intensity, contour line styling, and entity symbol rendering to maintain readability across different base map styles. A dark theme supports night operations with reduced screen glare.

• Analytical Overlay Rendering - Terrain analysis results from the Terrain Analytical Modeling module -- viewshed maps, slope classifications, elevation profiles -- are rendered directly on the 3D terrain surface. This enables operators to see viewshed coverage draped over the actual terrain shape, providing intuitive understanding of what an observer at a given position can see.

Use Cases#

• Terrain Appreciation - Commanders examine the operational area in 3D to understand how terrain affects movement, observation, and fields of fire, supporting tactical decision-making.
• Mission Briefing - Brief subordinate units using 3D terrain views that convey elevation, dead ground, and line-of-sight conditions more effectively than flat maps.
• Observation Post Planning - Visualise viewshed analysis results draped over 3D terrain to identify optimal observation positions and understand what each position can and cannot see.
• Route Planning - Examine candidate routes in 3D to assess gradient severity, exposure to observation, and terrain obstacles that may not be apparent on flat maps.
• Offline Field Operations - Operate with full 3D terrain visualization at forward positions using pre-cached tile data, maintaining terrain awareness without network connectivity.

Integration#

• Terrain Analytical Modeling - Viewshed, slope, and line-of-sight analysis results render as overlays on the 3D terrain surface.
• Geospatial Intelligence - Map layers, geofences, entity positions, and operational graphics display on the 3D terrain.
• Offline Maps - Shares the tile caching infrastructure for offline map capability.
• Drone Operations Management - Drone flight paths and telemetry positions render in 3D space above the terrain surface.
• Acoustic Sensor Network - Sensor coverage zones and detection locations display on the 3D terrain.
• Common Operational Picture - All operational entities and events are positioned on the 3D terrain surface.

Last Reviewed: 2026-04-02