Modeling realistic 3D trees using materials from field survey for terrain analysis of tactical training center

This paper elaborates processes of modeling 3D trees for the simulation of the Army’s Tactical Training Center. The ultimate objective is to develop the 3D model database for inclusion to a game engine library. The adopted methodology includes collecting a forestry inventory for later 3D tree modeling in a Unity’s 3D Tree Modeler. Leaves and trunks were closely modeled using the data collected from the real site in the package SpeedTree modeler. Three tree types were sampled to demonstrate how close and realistic the adopted processes were to produce result 3D models for inclusion to the simulation of the tactical center. Visual comparison was made to show the final models. 3D scenes generated from the inclusion of the models were illustrated in comparison to the photo taken from the site. Further studies to adopt surface modeling data from UAV terrain mapping for tree canopies were recommended to verify photorealism of the processed 3D models.