VBS UK Dataset evaluation: choosing terrain for the exercise

A training team is preparing a fictional civil-support exercise that moves between several UK locations. This evaluation scenario describes how the team could compare AIC’s VBS UK Dataset options. It contains no customer result or claim that a particular configuration has already met the team’s needs.

Begin with what participants need to recognise

The exercise involves regional coordination, reporting and the movement of simulated support resources. Some sessions need national context on classroom machines. Others require closer inspection of a selected area. The instructor defines the geographic features participants must recognise and the tasks they need to complete.

The VBS UK Dataset provides three prepared national fidelity levels from a common high-resolution source base. The evaluation compares the levels using the same exercise objective and a recorded hardware configuration. That gives the customer a practical basis for choosing terrain.

Compare the published fidelity options

The low-fidelity dataset pairs elevation at 20 metres per sample with imagery at 10 metres per pixel. The medium option pairs 10 metres per sample elevation with 5 metres per pixel imagery. The high option uses approximately 2 to 5 metres per sample elevation with 2 metres per pixel imagery.

These figures describe the terrain inputs and sampling. Each tier also includes an appropriate level of vector uplift and handcrafted refinement. The demonstration should inspect the features needed by the exercise and record their suitability, rather than treating one resolution figure as the whole assessment of training value.

Choose representative locations from the agreed coverage and use comparable viewpoints. Review terrain form, roads, settlements and other relevant features. Record any detail that needs closer examination with AIC, especially where an instructor’s planned activity depends on a specific feature being represented.

Measure the cost of detail on actual hardware

Run the same demonstration sequence on the machines intended for training. Record loading behaviour, storage requirements and the responsiveness needed by the instructor. Keep the VBS version, graphics settings and scenario conditions with the observations so the comparison can be repeated.

A classroom lesson concerned with broad geographic relationships may have different needs from a visual familiarisation exercise. Let those needs determine the acceptance criteria. More detail has a storage and runtime cost, and the appropriate balance depends on the training objective and the available estate.

The national dataset can be considered alongside VBS UK Training Areas, which provides separate high-detail inserts for specific locations. Confirm the relevant package and its use within the wider terrain before including it in the customer configuration.

Check delivery and ongoing control

AIC supplies the dataset as licensed VBS content for the customer’s approved simulation environment. It has no dependency on an AIC-hosted runtime service. The evaluation should still confirm the supported VBS version, package delivery, permitted distribution, installation process and the customer controls that govern access.

Keep a record of the terrain package used for each exercise. Instructors need to understand the basis of the synthetic environment when they repeat a session or investigate a discrepancy. Ask how later updates would be delivered and assessed against existing exercises.

Make the decision against the training requirement

The evaluation record should connect each required activity to the chosen coverage, fidelity and observed performance. It should identify any location-specific refinement, additional content or hardware change still required. That makes the proposal concrete enough for the training owner to assess.

Compare the licence, delivery and support scope with the effort of preparing equivalent terrain independently. Use the exercise and the required coverage as the common basis; the evaluation does not assume a percentage saving.

Read VBS UK Dataset and simulation terrain selection or arrange a terrain demonstration with AIC. Bring representative locations, hardware details and the learning objectives your instructors need the terrain to support.

View the VBS UK Dataset product page for capabilities, integration scope and the demonstration enquiry route.