NCJ Number
196180
Journal
Crime Mapping News Volume: 4 Issue: 3 Dated: Summer 2002 Pages: 1-4
Date Published
2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article provides an overview of three-dimensional (3D) modeling technology, which has been used in a host of law-enforcement activities.
Abstract
Harris Corporation has developed RealSite, a technology that produces rapidly generated, accurate, and photo-realistic 3D computer graphics urban models, along with InReality, a viewer application that allows such RealSite models to be displayed and used on PC's and laptops. Harris Corporation recently teamed up with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (Florida) to build a RealSite model of Jacksonville Landing in downtown Jacksonville. This model, along with viewer software, is being used by various city public safety agencies to improve daily operations for first responders and administrators. The 3D models offer much more information for the user than traditional paper or digital flat maps. Once a 3D model has been created, the viewer software allows a user to navigate throughout the scene with ease and accuracy. Recent enhancement and features of the viewer software provide the capability to perform geospatial queries; for example, by clicking on a building within the model, the user can retrieve additional information about the building, such as its floor plan, fire exits, and utility information. In addition, an entity tracking capability allows vehicles or personnel to be tracked within a scene, offering the capability of locating police cars or monitoring the oxygen level in a firefighter's pack. This article also describes how the RealSite model and accompanying viewer software were used in the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attack in New York City as well as how it was used in the security operations for the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Olympic Games. 6 photographic illustrations