Patent ID: 6268858
Filing Date: 2001-07-31
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
A method of creating a hard copy database correlatable navigational chart from a non-real-world visual database stored as a computer file array which defines the terrain and cultural features of a simulated non-real-world environment, comprising the steps of:reading said non-real-world visual database into a filtered data structure which includes coplanar polygonal areas, lineal routes, and point types to represent at least one block of terrain in said simulated non-real-world environment;determining a number of contour intervals for said block of terrain in said simulated non-real-world environment;testing said block of terrain for combinations of elevation levels to determine the need for and location of any contour lines;determining shape coordinates for each of said point types;converting planar locations of said coplanar polygonal areas, said contour lines, said lineal routes and said shape coordinates of said point types to a pre-selected scale; andgenerating a hard copy of a navigational chart which is correlated to said non-real-world visual database by plotting each of said coplanar polygonal areas, said contour lines, said lineal routes, and said shape coordinates for each of said point types in accordance with said pre-selected scale.