The amount of raw image data that can be used to map out a terrain in any one use is increased fourfold, and, combined with the tenfold increase in geometry processing, increases the geospecific data processing capability by a factor of 40. System designers added specific terrain processing techniques that expand the effective amount of imagery by a factor of more than 100. The result, according to Henry, is a texture map comprising 32,000 pixels on a side. This amount of imagery, displayed over large numbers of pixels, results in resolution 1,000 times as high as that previously available on the Reality Engine. Another element introduced by the system addresses display needs.
Users often seek larger displays to take full advantage of higher resolution imagery.
The new system permits users to connect to two high-resolution monitors. Henry predicts that the two areas of greatest impact will be real-time image generation for training aircraft, vehicles and machinery and image processing. Training systems can be used for simulating flight, train operation or road vehicle driving. The advanced graphics imaging capabilities can add to the simulation's realism as well as to its fidelity. Satellite or aerial photography can be combined with vector data overlays and include annotation.