Here is a quick wiki article about a system that I helped to invent.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SIMNET
The parts of the system that are really fascinating for your paper is that the system is able to create very accurate (to the 3' resolution level) training simulators in real time from Landsat stereo images (e.g., you train where you will fight). Without that system, the first gulf war would have turned in to a protracted shooting war. I was on the Delta Graphics team.