If you like flight simulations, then this is good news: Flight Simulator has just been updated with brand new content. Perfect for holding your breath while you wait for the next installment.
Microsoft Flight Simulator continues to surprise its fans with ambitious updates. Despite preparing a revolutionary new part of the series, the Asobo studio does not neglect the current work. The latest update, entitled City Update IX, significantly enriches the American regions of the game.
Improving American urban regions in Flight Simulator
City Update IX focuses on updating urban areas, particularly improving northern regions of the United States such as Detroit, Allentown in Pennsylvania, New York, and Washington. This update was released in conjunction with the American Independence Day celebrations on July 4th. The goal is to refresh the look of these cities with updated aerial imagery and new digital terrain models.
This update is not the result of a simple optimization, but the result of four years of hard work and close cooperation with the US government. Unlike similar projects, which usually take two years, this project required special attention due to the significant air traffic restrictions in these areas. Microsoft therefore had to work closely with the authorities to obtain the necessary approvals.
The project also involved teams from Bing and Vexcel Imaging, using cutting-edge cameras and sensors. Artificial intelligence algorithms were used to remove shadows and clouds from photogrammetry images and to flatten trees, improving the overall visual quality of the flight simulator.
In addition to improving the cityscapes, a new machine has been added to the game: the legendary Curtiss C-46 Commando. Famous during World War II, this aircraft was used to transport passengers until 1968. It is still used today for research missions, especially in the Arctic.
