GXP Mosaic

On the eve of another GXP user conference, with its focus on major new releases, SOCET GXP^® v3.1 and SOCET SET^® v5.5, it’s timely to pause a moment and ponder about our directions for the future. As SOCET GXP gains increasing traction and is well received in the image analysis world, commercial customers are eager for v4.0 in 2010, with the remaining capabilities that they need to achieve what they can do with SOCET SET, yet with the updated style and ease of use of the younger product.

SOCET GXP v3.1 has many new features, but one that’s worth a moment’s thought is our first group of capabilities for analysis of hyperspectral and multispectral imagery (HSI and MSI). All of us are familiar with imagery from satellites such as GeoEye^®-1, with one panchromatic and four multispectral bands, and the availability of pan-sharpening and other MSI capabilities is welcome. We await with anticipation the launch of WorldView-2, with its high-resolution panchromatic and eight multispectral bands. And the appearance of studies such as land-cover classifications bears out the manufacturers’ claims that high-performance commercial airborne digital sensors not only replace aerial film cameras but also offer accurate radiometry and thus open up a whole new range of applications. Hyperspectral sensors, with tens or hundreds of bands, often stretching beyond the visible as far as the thermal infrared, are more challenging to understand and demand powerful software to render the huge image cubes into useful information.

Our goal for SOCET GXP is not to offer specialist HSI and MSI software but to provide basic capabilities that are fully integrated with all of the other functionality and equally easy to use. The initial offering in SOCET GXP v3.1 includes destriping, principal components analysis, supervised and unsupervised classifications, change detection, anomaly detection and spectral unmixing. A little beyond v3.1 will come atmospheric correction and more algorithms for pan-sharpening, including the innovative Ehlers fusion. But we realize that customers’ needs in HSI and MSI processing vary, so, starting with a workshop during the GXP User Conference and proceeding via a series of customer visits by product managers, we shall work with customers to see what else to add so that the product is of maximum value. This is no easy task. Every HSI and MSI analyst has favorite algorithms and there are thousands to choose from. I’ve just read a review paper, “Change detection techniques,” by Dengsheng Lu and various co-authors[1] and on just change detection it assesses 31 algorithms and cites no fewer than 273 references! So we have to be selective, however we want to cater to customers’ requirements as best we can in this important new area of functionality.

More challenging than HSI and MSI is radar. SOCET SET and SOCET GXP include sensor models and ingest capabilities for numerous radar sensors. Customers can share in the excitement being generated by the superb imagery and metadata streaming from TerraSAR-X and COSMO-SkyMed. But we treat these as images rather than take full advantage of this particularly informative data type. We have special feature matching in SOCET SET to facilitate point matching for triangulation between electro-optical and radar imagery, but it’s still all imagery. Now we are looking at going further and digging into the complex radar data to extract more information. For example, radar images collected from similar platform positions at different points in time can be used in a process called coherent change detection, which can yield information about height changes that are much smaller than a pixel. Applications of improvised explosive devices detection and analysis of subsidence caused by mining spring to mind. We are putting together a roadmap of radar capabilities that we can add in the years to come.

For acronym lovers, image analysts and photogrammetrists alike, radar leads naturally to LiDAR. It’s another active sensor, returning XYZ coordinates and intensity values for many millions of points per hour of flying. As laser pulse rates increase with technological progress and Multiple Pulse in the Air electronics break down another barrier, LiDAR point clouds can now be as dense as several points per square meter. How do we process all this data? SOCET SET can ingest LiDAR, for example in the LAS 1.2 standard format, display points, create intensity orthophotos and stereomates, and allow the user to apply the powerful ITE tools to edit the point cloud. BAE Systems is not a provider of specialist LiDAR software, but it’s remarkable how many photogrammetric capabilities are easily applicable to LiDAR data. Remember too that more than 50% of LiDAR systems are sold with imaging sensors, typically medium-format digital frame cameras: the strength of photogrammetric software is the easy fusion and manipulation of the LiDAR and image datasets. And we can do more by building on our strengths. What about a LiDAR sensor model, or how could we use NGATE’s simultaneous generation of DSM and DEM elevation data to process LiDAR point clouds? We’re looking hard at these issues.

With HSI and MSI, radar, and LiDAR, we have exciting work ahead to meet customers’ requirements for processing data from these popular sensors. That will keep us well occupied, but where could we go next? Someone is always excited by a novel computer platform. What about SOCET GXP on an iPhone? Not very practical, perhaps, but an operational system on a ruggedized handheld with a built-in GPS receiver is intriguing. Or could we offer image analysts, perhaps, better links between the imagery and one of the modern geospatial text searching services, so the analyst can find out more about the places on the image and their culture? How can we distill your aspirations and our ideas into a practical direction for SOCET GXP? Tell us what you would like to have – or all this will just be RUMINT!

Sincerely,

Dr. A. Stewart Walker
Director of Product Initiatives
BAE Systems GXP

Due to growing interest in SOCET GXP^® software, BAE Systems is expanding its training centers to cover all U.S. geographic regions. “We have been swamped with requests for more information about SOCET GXP” said Nikki Spirakis, senior systems engineer and newly appointed training manager for the Geospatial eXploitation Products (GXP) business. “Everyone wants to know what it’s all about and what it can do.”

In addition to the Reston, Virginia, office, new training facilities in Tampa, St. Louis, Denver, and San Diego will make it convenient for software users across the country to participate in hands-on training using stereo workstations for both SOCET GXP and SOCET SET.

GXP also offers on-site customer training and in-field training for government field analysts overseas. Several U.S. military bases and commands have implemented training programs for BAE Systems’ software to prepare troops for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. BAE Systems provides geospatial-intelligence training for military intelligence schoolhouse programs including Fort Huachuca in Arizona, Goodfellow Air Force Base, San Angelo, Texas, and the Iraq Intelligence and Military Security School in Taji, Iraq.

SOCET GXP^® v3.0 software gives infrastructure managers, first responders, and deployed forces wide-ranging new tools for operational planning, change detection, and situational analysis.

BAE Systems unclassified software training at a glance

Course	Duration	Cost	Locations	Content
SOCET GXP for the geospatial analyst	3 days	Free	Reston, Tampa, St. Louis, Denver, San Diego	Fundamentals, including: Workspace Manager overview, VCT, image manipulation, Multiports, image registration and comparison, graphics, templates, Finishing Tool, customizing SOCET GXP, triangulation, terrain generation and editing, orthomosaic generation
Introduction to SOCET GXP	1 day	Free	Reston, Tampa, St. Louis, Denver, San Diego	Fundamentals, including: Workspace Manager overview, VCT, image manipulation, Multiports, image registration and comparison, graphics, templates, Finishing Tool, customizing SOCET GXP, triangulation, terrain generation and editing, orthomosaic generation Optional topics: multispectral processing, stereo viewing, SPIA tags, flythrough, mosaic, terrain visualization, SOCET GXP system administration
SOCET SET	4 days	$2,000	Reston, Tampa, St. Louis, Denver, San Diego	Image import and enhancement, triangulation, DEM creation and editing, orthomosaic creation, feature extraction

Additional classes are added regularly. Click here to register and learn more about BAE Systems software training.

BAE Systems invites you to join us for an exciting opportunity to see new software advancements, geospatial technology R&D, and collaborate with industry peers.

IA + GA = XA
Experience the power of eXtreme Analysis^™ (XA^™) — image analysis (IA) plus geospatial analysis (GA) integrated into a single software package.

This year the conference offers a week-long program dedicated to new automated processes. The technical program focuses on eXtreme Analysis workflows for SOCET GXP^® v3.1, a preview of SOCET GXP v4.0, and SOCET SET^® v5.5 enhancements including the frame sensor model, new sensors, and terrain tools. Additional highlights include emerging technologies, keynote speeches from industry leaders, and customer presentations.

In 2009, BAE Systems is expanding the scope of the annual GXP User Conference to include the new GXP Professional Exchange and SOCET GXP Boot Camp.

GXP User Conference

The GXP User Conference offers a full range of seminars, product demonstrations, new functionality, training sessions, and workshops focused on SOCET GXP and SOCET SET workflows. BAE Systems’ technical staff host these comprehensive sessions, designed for GXP software users from novice to expert.

GXP Professional Exchange

The GXP Professional Exchange is a new component in 2009 open to the global geospatial community — not just current GXP software customers. It is a forum designed to support the exchange of ideas between industry partners, GIS executives, geospatial and image analysts, and others interested in learning and sharing information about trends and technology.

SOCET GXP Boot Camp: unclassified, registration required

New to the program this year is SOCET GXP Boot Camp, designed to introduce all potential users — image analysts, geospatial analysts, GIS and mapping professionals — to the comprehensive tools and functionality available in SOCET GXP. Participants have an opportunity to learn about the SOCET GXP operating environment, typical workflows, terminology, and automated functionality built to streamline rigorous processes. BAE Systems support engineers navigate through the application to demonstrate fundamental concepts such as the Workspace Manager, Multiport, user-defined templates, Ribbon user interface, Virtual Mosaic, and Quick Access Toolbar. In addition, this SOCET GXP orientation offers a glimpse into automated processes including triangulation, orthomosaic generation, automatic terrain generation, spatially enabled exploitation, and advanced product generation using capabilities such as chipping, the magnifying glass, and the Finishing Tool.

After completing the full-day SOCET GXP Boot Camp, participants become familiar with the SOCET GXP working environment, which will provide a richer educational experience during the remainder of the week. To maximize your learning experience at the 2009 BAE Systems GXP International User Conference and Professional Exchange, register for SOCET GXP Boot Camp when you complete your Conference registration online.

Registration is now open!

Register now to attend the conference at the reduced rate of $695 until April 16, 2009 (regular price is $795). Full conference registration includes workshops and general sessions, coffee breaks and snacks Tuesday through Thursday, and the following:

• Monday: evening reception
• Tuesday: breakfast, lunch, dinner social event
• Wednesday: breakfast, lunch
• Thursday: breakfast, lunch, and closing reception

Take advantage of special reduced hotel rates available to all registered attendees. Discounted rates are available through April 20, 2009. We encourage you to secure room reservations as early as possible; the hotel frequently sells out as the conference date approaches.

Room rates for 2009 are as follows:

• Conference rate: $195 per night
• Government rate: $147 per night
• Group name: BAE SYSTEMS

Please use the following links to make your room arrangements directly with the hotel:

• Room reservations for attendees
• Room reservations for government attendees
• Reservations: (877) 414-8020

To register, learn more about the conference, view the conference justification letter, or to see comments from previous years’ attendees, please visit our Web site:
www.gxpuserconference.com

We look forward to seeing you in May!

Time tampering is the process of rolling back the system clock on a PC, tricking an application into continuing to function when it should have been disabled after a limited time, such as with trial versions. There are legitimate reasons for changing the system date and time — for example, clearing a system for classified use.

Recently, a SOCET SET^® customer encountered a problem related to time tampering that prevented the software license from installing. The instructions below describe what to do if you receive the following error message in SOCET SET or SOCET GXP^®:

There are no clock tamper checks for permanent SOCET SET and SOCET GXP licenses. Prior to installing the software, it is imperative to confirm that the computer time and date are set correctly. Accuracy of the system clock also is very important for temporary licenses. A user who has been issued a temporary license must not change the date and time after the license has been installed on the computer.

The license server is configured to detect tampering of the system clock. About 500 system files are checked (in strictly read-only mode) to determine if the system’s clock has been set back to use an expired license. This process is initiated on startup, then periodically thereafter for approximately 10 to 20 seconds. If five or more files are found in violation in one calendar day, or if 1 percent of the system files are off by one calendar day, then a clock tamper is in effect.

The user needs to be careful not to violate any rules for Microsoft^® time tampering. The BAE Systems process checks to see if Microsoft’s process has detected time tampering. Use of time altering software programs that are not Microsoft compliant should be avoided. One example is a program that adjusts its system’s time to that of an atomic clock.

SOCET SET and SOCET GXP software will not generate licenses if the system time is adjusted while the license server is operating. It is recommended that users shutdown the license server temporarily if the system time needs to be adjusted.

To correct for a clock tampering error:

1. Run the SentinelLM Host Information Utility: C:\Program Files\BAE SYSTEMS\GXP License Manager\wechoid.exe.
2. Check each available box in the Locking Criteria window.
3. Send the Locking Data Selector and Locking Data Code information to the BAE Systems Customer Support department.

Additional information about time tampering can be found on the SafeNet Web site:

• www.safenet-inc.com/library/drm/SafeNet_Product_Brief_SentinelVClock_RealTimeClock.pdf
• www.safenet-inc.com/library/8/WP_HighLevelApplSecurity.pdf

TerraSAR-X is Germany’s first national remote sensing satellite to be implemented in a public-private partnership between the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and EADS Astrium GmbH. Its payload is a high-performance synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensor (www.dlr.de/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-4219/).

The superb accuracy defined in the TerraSAR-X data product specifications has now been confirmed by the Civil and Commercial Applications Project Group within the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). The group published the results of its geolocation accuracy evaluation of TerraSAR-X radar satellite imagery during the ASPRS Annual Conference in March 2009. In their paper, “Geometric Precision in Space Radar Imaging: Results from TerraSAR-X,” Thomas P. Ager, NGA systems engineer for radar, and co-author Paul Bresnahan of Observera Inc. describe the evaluation processes and parameters applied to 13 high-resolution SpotLight and another 13 StripMap acquisitions. These were collected in single-polarization, or VV mode, generated as multi-look, ground-range detected products with spatially enhanced processing, and included the rapid orbit metadata. Ager confirms, “The results of this evaluation are consistent with the accuracy values listed in the product specification,” and adds, “It is plausible that the TerraSAR-X accuracy is even better.”… Read more >>

BAE Systems implemented the sensor model for this data source in both SOCET SET and SOCET GXP. All exploitation tools in SOCET SET and SOCET GXP can be applied to SAR data.

Infoterra GmbH holds the exclusive commercial exploitation rights for the German radar satellite TerraSAR-X, launched on June 15, 2007. It enables the company to provide weather-independent, high-resolution radar data and reliable data access services.

A SOCET GXP^® software update is scheduled for late 2009. SOCET GXP v3.1 offers enhanced graphic performance for easier point measurement, graphic and image display enhancements, hyperspectral and multispectral (HSI and MSI) processing, new terrain analysis tools, and video analysis capabilities. The video component includes image metadata to provide feedback on georeferencing for precise geographic orientation.

SOCET GXP v3.1: HSI and MSI

• Reflectance calibration
• Supervised classification algorithms
• Anomaly detector
• Spectral change detector
• K-means clustering
• Dark current removal
• Destriping
• Pan sharpening
• PCA algorithm
• ISODATA clustering algorithm
• Spectral unmixing
• GMAD: Google^™ Maps application programming interface for digitizing

 

SOCET GXP v3.1: video analysis

• Live video mosaicking and stabilization
• Real-time geo-registration
• Resolution enhancement
• Video storage and dissemination with synchronized metadata
• Dissemination and reporting
• Simultaneous multi-platform and heterogeneous exploitation
• Video displayed over a map with overlays
• Platform agnostic playback
• Extensive image and video format import and export
• Measurement and annotation tools

SOCET SET^® v5.5 offers new functionality to increase data sharing, enhancements for the frame sensor model, additional satellite sensors, and new terrain tools. The release is scheduled for late April, with shipping to commence in May.

Enhancements to the frame sensor model allow exterior orientation data from third-party triangulation packages to be imported into non-local space rectangular (LSR) coordinate systems. The new frame sensor model includes 43 parameters for self-calibration and expanded exterior orientation. Frame import supports the new Applanix^® DSS 439 medium format, 30-megapixel, 6.8 μm pixels digital frame camera. New satellite sensor models include ALOS AVNIR, ALOS PALSAR, COSMO-SkyMed, EROS-B, FORMOSAT-2, RADARSAT-2, and TerraSAR-X.

BAE Systems continues to advance its Next-Generation Automatic Terrain Extraction (NGATE) functionality to provide simultaneous bare-earth and reflected surface model generation. In addition, Interactive Terrain Edit (ITE) tools have been enhanced for bare-earth product generation from reflected surface models. The new release supports SOCET GXP^® v3.1, Microsoft^® Visual Studio 9 (2008), and the Microsoft Vista operating system.

Frame sensor model theory: A closer look

• All Grid coordinate systems are mapped without transformation.
• Rigorous transformations through the World Geodetic System (WGS)-84 coordinate system are maintained allowing coordinate conversions to any SOCET SET supported coordinate system.
• Provides compatibility with third-party software packages for all Grid coordinate systems.

SOCET GXP^® product manager and U.S. Air Force Reserve senior non-commissioned officer Rob Stout traveled to OSAN Air Base, Republic of Korea (ROK), for a training exercise in mid-March with participants representing the U.S. Air Force and South Korea. More than 1,000 Airmen from around the world gathered on the Korean peninsula to execute operations for the annual Key Resolve/Foal Eagle 2009 joint military exercise. This command post exercise, which focuses on crisis management and warfighting operations, is the largest of its kind in the world.

“These exercises are designed to help teach, coach, and mentor military members from both the ROK and U.S., while exercising senior leaders’ decision-making capabilities,” said Gen. Walter Sharp, commander of the Combined Forces Command. “The primary goal is to ensure that the command is ready to defend the ROK in the event it becomes necessary.”

Training exercises included simulated before-and-after battle damage assessments using SOCET GXP’s two-color compare, porthole, and swiper tools. The pre- and post-strike analyses are used to determine effectiveness. Other SOCET GXP image comparison tools include three-color multiple views, merge, flicker, and side-by-side.

Rob Stout was selected as one of 10 top performers out of the 70 participants from the Air Operations Center (AOC) Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Division. His service was recognized with an award for outstanding performance. The battle damage assessment techniques used in this exercise were nominated as a “Best practice” to be implemented by other AOCs in future operating procedures.