vST makes an interactive virtual space of the physical world useful; with accurate and properly geolocated terrain and structure visualizations. It allows the navigation through a prospective area of operations prior to engagement. This allows decision makers the opportunity to identify obstacles and exploitable characteristics during the early stages of the decision-making process. vST provides TACPs, aircrew, and all CAS scenario "players" the ability to conduct pre-mission ground staff coordination briefs and post-mission debriefs within a scaled 3-D virtual reality model of the battlespace, while being geographically separated at the time of communication. This capability delivers real world total battlespace awareness in the training environment for battlefield airmen and aircrews. vST is an interactive 3D environment that provides a "boots on the ground" perspective of the target area, allowing any user to experience and navigate the terrain as it really exists. The vST software builds a 3D virtual map from overhead photos and subsequently provide a realistic simulated world to travel and interact with using Virtual Reality goggles and controls. For example, while using the vST, the planning team must interact with the terrain as they would if they were on the objective.
