Harris, an international communications and information technology company, created the realistic 3-D view of the entire 26.2-mile course, including trees, buildings, and signage from start to finish.
"Runners ideally take the time to preview a marathon's course ahead of time, but since so many MCM participants come from outside of the D.C. area, this is not always a realistic option until race day," said Rick Nealis, director, Marine Corps Marathon. "With the technology provided by Harris, runners can see the MCM course online from anywhere in the world, with greater detail than ever. Consequently, this year's group of runners will probably be more familiar with the course than any group we've ever had."
Still photos of the video are available by clicking: ( picture1, picture 2, picture 3, picture 4)
Harris, which provides geospatial visualization technology and models to business, government and military customers, used its patented geospatial RealSite(R) solution to transform satellite, aerial and ground-based imagery into an extremely accurate model as well as moving videos of the MCM race course. Harris also recently produced 3-D virtual models and videos of Washington, D.C., the Presidential Inauguration Parade route, the National Memorial Day Parade route, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Baltimore Orioles' famed Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Aerial oblique imagery was provided courtesy of Pictometry Corporation.
3-D urban models, such as the one of the MCM route, are built from ground, aerial and satellite imagery using technology developed for government customers and are geospatially accurate. Harris has developed nearly 500 global 3-D models during the past five years as a prime contractor for the U.S. government. These applications are used in a number of important areas:
-- Mission Site Familiarization and Planning
Regions that are difficult to access can be modeled and analyzed quickly and affordably, with minimal risk to personnel and resources.
-- Facility and Event Security Planning and Monitoring
Accurate, photo-realistic data provides the knowledge necessary for planning the location of security cameras, sensors, motorcade routes, and other vital security information.
-- Disaster Mitigation Planning and Response
Modeling and simulation can be used to forecast, simulate and prepare for events in advance. Complex situations can be evaluated using real-time data integration to promote a quick and comprehensive understanding of what is happening as events take place.
-- Communications Network Planning and Monitoring
Placement of satellite communications equipment can be preplanned, effectively lowering installation costs and reducing miscalculations.
About the Marine Corps Marathon
Voted "Best Marathon for Families," the Marine Corps Marathon continues a combined tradition of dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism. Runners from all walks of life have participated in the world's largest marathon to not offer prize money, deservingly earning the nickname "The People's Marathon." The 34th Marine Corps Marathon will be held on October 25, 2009 in Arlington, VA.
About Harris Corporation
Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has approximately $5 billion of annual revenue and 15,000 employees -- including nearly 7,000 engineers and scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications(R) products, systems, and services. Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at www.harris.com.
Web site: http://www.harris.com/
