Abstract: A radar return image for display on a cockpit CRT is generated by selectively accessing terrain data compressed and stored in a digital map data base and processing that data to artificially simulate a radar return image pattern on a cockpit display which effectively corresponds that which would otherwise be provided by conventional T/R equipment. Since the compressed data base contains information representative of both the elevation and cultural features of the terrain at map locations that are capable of being intercepted by the aircraft's radar beam, this data may be subjected to signal processing functions to establish pixel intensity control signals by way of which a radar image of a cockpit CRT display is generated.

Abstract: A system for generating a real time perspective view of the terrain lying along an aircraft's flight path accesses terrain data stored in a digital map generator and converts the data into a perspective representation of the terrain on the face of a suitable display such as a cockpit instrument panel CRT. The stored map data that is accessed provides, in real time, information pertaining to elevation features of the terrain over which the aircraft is flying, so that upon conversion to a perspective presentation to the pilot, there is provided a real time perspective image of the contours of the terrain as though the pilot were looking out a windscreen at the terrain in high visibility conditions. The invention also is capable of providing perspective scene rotation and translation (corresponding to roll and pitch of the aircraft).