A synthetic environment is a computer simulation that represents activities at a high level of realism, from simulation of theaters of war to factories and manufacturing processes. These environments may be created within a single computer or a vast distributed network connected by local and wide area networks and augmented by super-realistic special effects and accurate behavioral models. SE allows visualization of and immersion into the environment being simulated."Department of Defense Modeling and Simulation (M&S) Glossary", DoD 5000.59-M, Department of Defense, 1998
A synthetic environment can be divided into the following:
Synthetic natural environment – Representation of climate, weather, terrain, oceans, space, etc. Synthetic human-made environment – Representation of human-made structures like buildings, bridges, and roads Synthetic psychological environment – Representation of psychological influences on individuals and/or groups based on demography and other cultural factors.
See also Modeling and simulation Glossary of military modeling and simulation
References
Further reading Braudaway, Wesley Ph.D., "Chapter 3 Synthetic Natural Environments Representation", University of Central Florida,