GXP Mosaic

Kurt de Venecia

SOCET GXP functionality will soon surpass SOCET SET and certain fundamental developments should be acknowledged.

SOCET GXP v3.2, just released, is highly automated to reduce manual tasks. We are addressing demands to increase productivity by building a product that is easy to use and performs rigorous processes behind the scenes to deliver highly accurate results.

A core SOCET GXP requirement that increases the capacity to generate accurate results is using data in its native format whenever possible. This extends from basic image types including TIFF, GeoTIFF, JPEG and NITF through terrain formats such as DTED, NITF and GeoTIFF to features and vectors such as shapefiles. Working with data in its native format has performance and usability advantages. For example, a TIFF image can be dragged from Windows Explorer into SOCET GXP for immediate image viewing. If metadata exists for imagery or other data types, SOCET GXP uses that information to georeference raw data to real-world ground coordinates. The georeferencing may be as simple as a text file that identifies the data’s mapping coordinate system or a tag to extend the basic form of the raw data. Image-to-ground references can be represented with a fundamental orthogonal projection to define the X and Y ground coordinates of a pixel in an image along with scale factors for image line and sample coordinates, or the four-corner locations of an image in ground space.

To move beyond simple planimetric XY models, GXP engineers work closely with organizations such as the Community Sensor Model (CSM) working group, government agencies, specific programs, system integrators, and satellite operators and vendors of airborne cameras, LIDAR systems and hyperspectral sensors. These relationships enable GXP engineers to develop and rigorously model the transformation between an image and the ground based on a projective mathematical function. The projective sensor model relates line and sample image coordinates to X, Y and Z object space coordinates (ground coordinates; latitude, longitude, height; easting, northing, height; etc.).

The projective model is important for SOCET GXP functionality, such as the easy-to-use height measurement and simple building tool, now available in SOCET GXP v3.2, to stereo mensuration and applications such as automatic terrain generation. The projective model can take many forms. In some cases the model might be generic, for example, a cubic Rational Polynomial Coefficient function (RPC), frame or generic pushbroom sensor. In other cases, rigorous sensor-specific models are developed, which typically rely on information about the sensor position, attitude and rate (exterior orientation) as well as focal length, chip size, chip orientation and lens characteristics (interior orientation).

The benefit of using SOCET GXP for geospatial analysis and image exploitation is twofold. The application reads images natively with the associated metadata and sensor model to deliver the highest degree of accuracy through automated triangulation. In addition, complex photogrammetric procedures are simplified, making the process intuitive for novice-to-expert users, with the option to perform further calculations if desired.

Figure 1. Sendai 9.0 earthquake damage of an oil refinery in Shichigahama, Japan. The red areas indicate probable oil spills that were identified using SOCET GXP v3.2 supervised classification functionality. WorldView-2 8-band imagery courtesy of DigitalGlobe.

Figure 2. This rigorous pan-sharpened image is created on-the-fly in SOCET GXP v3.2 by combining WorldView-2 panchromatic imagery at 0.6m ground sample distance (GSD) with WorldView-2 MSI imagery at 2.4m GSD. The zoomed-in view of the probable oil spill outlined in figure 2 shows rigorous projective sensor model support in the pan-sharpening process, thus allowing use of the simple height measurement tool to measure and label one of the damaged oil storage facilities.

Figure 3.

Figure 4. Figures 3 and 4 show GeoEye-1 stereo imagery collected over Port-Au-Prince, Haiti following the January 2010 earthquake. In figure 3 displaced people occupy a soccer field. The green areas in figure 4 identify potential helicopter landing zones. SOCET GXP v3.2 Automatic Terrain Generation is used to produce a digital surface model over Port-Au-Prince with 11 million points at 3-meter spacing and a nominal GSD of 0.5m. Using the surface model, SOCET GXP locates potential helicopter landing zones with a slope of less than 5 percent and an area of 60sq meters or larger. Viewing the two images side-by-side in a SOCET GXP Multiport viewing window provides both geospatial and visual intelligence. Image courtesy of GeoEye.

As new satellites and airborne sensors become available, BAE Systems continues to implement functionality for ease-of-use, and to ensure the highest degree of accuracy as a result of core development requirements imposed on the application development process. I am excited about the SOCET GXP v3.2 release that is now shipping with a breadth of new capabilities for geospatial and image analysis.

The new sensors supported in SOCET GXP v3.2 are: ALOS (PRISM, AVNIR-2 and PALSAR), COSMO-SkyMed, ASTER, KOMPSAT-2 and MSP 1.1.2. These additional sensors complement the ones already supported in the product: TerraSAR-X, EROS-B, FORMOSAT-2, Frame Advanced, SPOT, RPC, Four-Corner, Ortho, GeoEye-1, IKONOS, QuickBird, WorldView-1, WorldView-2, Radarsat-1, Radarsat-2, and MSP 1.0.3.

SOCET GXP v4.0 is planned for release in the fourth quarter of 2011 with further sensor-model support for MSP 1.x, ADS40, and the CSM interface.

Sincerely,

Kurt de Venecia
Director, product management
BAE Systems GXP

Preface: Stephen Horrocks and Keith Morey from the Storm Shadow project team visited BAE Systems’ new training center in Cambridge U.K. during the first week of operation in January 2011 to observe SOCET GXP eXtreme Analysis software training and meet with Royal Air Force operators attending the course.

BAE Systems’ Tornado GR4 aircraft and Storm Shadow missile.

SOCET SET, and now the improved functionality being delivered by the various SOCET GXP releases, such as automated terrain extraction and editing, provide an important element of the mission planning system for the U.K.’s Storm Shadow guided weapon.

Storm Shadow is an air-launched, conventionally armed, long range stand-off precision missile, whose accuracy maximizes military effectiveness, while reducing the risk of collateral damage and civilian casualties. The missile was used for the first time in 2003 for operations in Iraq and demonstrated its exceptional accuracy.

The Storm Shadow programme involvement with the
BAE Systems Target Model Preparation System (TMPS) of which SOCET SET forms a crucial component goes back some ten years, and has continued to improve operational effectiveness to the warfighters. Over the past couple of years the U.K. TMPS has followed the U.S. Tomahawk strategy in migrating software to a service-orientated architecture (SOA) which has happened in parallel with the introduction of SOCET GXP. It has only been possible to undertake these complex changes because of the very close working relationships that have been established between the two BAE Systems project teams, particularly in ensuring that all essential elements of the SOCET GXP transition are available to meet the planned installation dates for the final phase of SOA migration. What particularly impressed the U.K. customer community was the responsiveness of the GXP team in understanding both budgetary constraints and critical timelines, and their preparedness to redirect resources to ensure that dependent software packages would be available to meet the TMPS programme and schedule needs.

The continued demands for specialist imagery personnel to support operations in Afghanistan has meant that the Storm Shadow mission planning team has been subject to a significant amount of staff turnover, and a priority has been the need to maintain skills and knowledge of the various BAE Systems products. The December 2010 GXP Mosaic announced the establishment of a Cambridge-based GXP training facility, which is regarded as a clear demonstration of the company’s commitment to delivering a quality product and ensures that the customer’s ongoing training and support needs are properly met.

With his Royal Air Force background, it is not surprising that Nigel Lambton (Director, Sales and Marketing, Europe, Middle-East and Africa region) has retained a close working relationship with members of the Storm Shadow operator community and the Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) Surface Attack Heavy (SAH) Project Team.

Like any proud father, Nigel wanted to show-off his new ‘baby,’ and invited Stephen Horrocks, the SAH Project Team Leader and myself to view the facility, meet the students and the all important GXP ‘back-office’ team, to discuss areas of mutual interest. Steve Horrocks was very impressed by the commitment of Nigel and his team in ensuring that our team was given the requisite training to fully exploit the tangible benefits that are being delivered by the new range of SOCET GXP products.

2011 GXP User Conference
discover. learn. advance.
September 19 – 23, 2011
Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles | Chantilly, Virginia

BAE Systems welcomes software users, industry professionals and business partners to participate in this open forum to share information and discuss emerging trends. Take your software skills to the next level, while interacting with industry peers. GXP engineers and subject-matter experts will be on hand to answer questions and demonstrate new functionality.

2011 GXP User Conference highlights

SOCET GXP Boot Camp

The week kicks off with SOCET GXP Boot Camp. This optional, pre-conference tutorial orients new users to the SOCET GXP operating environment, enabling a richer educational experience for the remainder of the week.

GXP User Conference

Learn the basics, or sharpen your skills with tips, tricks and shortcuts that are helpful for users at any level. A full range of seminars, product demonstrations and workshops are focused on GXP software — SOCET GXP, SOCET SET and GXP Xplorer.

GXP Professional Exchange

The GXP Professional Exchange is open to the global geospatial community. Discuss emerging trends and technology with GIS executives, geospatial and image analysts, industry partners and others. Collaborate and exchange ideas to help shape future product development.

Technical program

Find out about new and future product features and share ideas. Many software enhancements are based on customer input gathered at previous user conferences. BAE Systems’ technical experts lead these comprehensive sessions focused on eXtreme Analysis workflows and new automated tools. Walk-up workstations are available on site.

Classified meeting

The GXP team holds a meeting dedicated to topics exclusive to the classified work environment.

Walk-up workstations

Attendees are encouraged to bring commercial sample data and schedule individual sessions with GXP support engineers to discuss unique issues they are experiencing in their work environment.

We are now accepting abstracts for the GXP User Conference in September.

In addition to advancing user knowledge of GXP products, the conference is designed to encourage and promote the development, advancement and exchange of information and research in the geospatial sciences. We invite GXP customers, geospatial and image analysts, industry partners and GIS executives to propose presentation ideas. Authors may review sample topics and submit abstracts online, http://www.socetgxp.com/conference/2011/call-for-abstracts, starting March 31, 2011. The submission deadline is July 15, 2011.

Note: Conference registration is waived for selected speakers. Compensation and reimbursement is not provided for travel, lodging or other expenses incurred by speakers in connection with their attendance at the conference.

Tactical ISR Technology

As featured in TISR 2011 Volume: 1 Issue: 1 (March)

Excerpt from article…

Photo/Image Analysis Aids

Image analysis software can be used to exploit geospatial imagery for tactical purposes, such as assessing combatant movement and positions. The military has made progress using video to improve mission efficiency within ISR communities.

Geospatial Intelligence Tool

BAE Systems developed SOCET GXP, a versatile geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) tool that uses imagery from commercial, satellite and tactical sources to identify and analyze ground features. With SOCET GXP, users can automatically measure, annotate, store and retrieve ground features in a series of images to expedite geospatial production, image analysis and map creation. The data can be used to monitor changes over time, manage utilities and communications networks, facilitate infrastructure design and development, and coordinate operational missions. more >>

Geospatial Intelligence Forum

As featured in GIF 2011 Volume: 9 Issue: 2 (March)

Excerpt from article…

Automatic Extraction

As the volume of imagery grows, analysts need software help in recognizing specific objects, from hills to roads, in digitized data.

Algorithm Issues

Algorithms that deal with only one invariant property (above the ground) are much simpler and therefore much more likely to be successful. At BAE Systems, engineers and scientists are taking this approach for automatic 3-D feature extraction. The company’s new automatic feature extraction functionality takes a digital surface model as input and automatically extracts 3-D buildings, houses and trees. more >>

Can I use SOCET GXP to measure piles of coal extracted from a mine?

Background

BAE Systems’ regional GXP support team in St. Louis received an inquiry from a SOCET SET customer who was interested in measuring and monitoring piles of coal extracted from mines. The following scenario describes how SOCET GXP can be used to establish baseline coal volume at mining facilities, and outlines a methodology for measuring coal periodically to gain a perspective of what is actually mined, shipped and maintained.

Figure 2. USGS NED 10m terrain on GeoEye-1 image.

Figure 1. GeoEye-1 image.

Methodology

The GXP team recommends using a combination of traditional photogrammetry with remote sensing analysis to produce the most accurate results. This task is accomplished using SOCET GXP v3.2.

The first step is finding data that can be used to set baseline coal pile amounts. Periodic re-measuring can be accomplished into the future if data is available. Thus, we are not concerned with providing change amounts to address this situation. We observed a coal mining transshipment point along the Mississippi River in the St. Louis area, and selected GeoEye-1 data of the area. We typically use this data for testing customer issues and demonstrating GXP software. In addition, we obtained USGS NED 10m GeoTIFF terrain over the same area that includes this coal mining transshipment point. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the GeoEye-1 images and USGS NED 10m GeoTIFF terrain files in SOCET GXP Multiport viewing windows.

The recommended workflow to complete the project is a combination of traditional photogrammetry with remote sensing terrain analysis applied. First, we used a GeoEye-1 stereo pair and the USGS NED 10m terrain file run through SOCET GXP’s Multi-Sensor Triangulation (MST) process to increase the geopositional accuracy of the stereo pair. MST fine-tunes the geoposition of the stereo pair, creating adjusted support files. The next step is running SOCET GXP’s Automated Terrain Generation (ATG) process through the Next-Generation Automatic Terrain Extraction (NGATE) process to generate a 1.5m digital surface model (DSM) and digital elevation model (DEM). Some minor editing is required on the DEM to provide flat surfaces where the coal piles are located at the coal transshipment point. Figures 3 and 4 show terrain files generated using NGATE.

Figure 4. NGATE 1.5m DEM.

Figure 3. NGATE 1.5m DSM.

The end-result is a triangulated stereo pair and two high-resolution terrain files for remote sensing analysis. Next, both terrain files are loaded into a single Multiport window. The new SOCET GXP v3.2 Volumetric Terrain Comparison analysis tool is used to draw polygons around specific areas to determine the volumetric amounts contained within the polygons. In this case, two polygons are drawn around each of the two coal piles that were observed at the coal transshipment point. Figure 5 indicates results of the remote sensing terrain summary.

Figure 5. Volumetric terrain analysis results.

Results

One pile has 2,860 cubic meters of coal, and the second pile, 15,246 cubic meters. These measurements give the owner of the transshipment point an estimate of how much coal exists at the facility to establish baseline coal amounts for periodic review into the future, given additional commercial images. This coal measurement method does not indicate material loss through ground seepage or site waste (material lost in transport from using open ground storage vice permanent concrete storage facilities). However, further analysis can be derived by combining the results of the photogrammetric and remote sensing analysis and the shipping and inventory manifests for the site.

Conclusion

The St. Louis support team used SOCET GXP v3.2 to perform a quick volumetric terrain analysis to determine how much coal is being stored at the transshipment facility. The results generated from SOCET GXP are highly accurate due to enhancements to terrain analysis tools.

The same theory can be applied to mining facilities such as salt or rock queries that use open storage piles. It is also useful for dredging efforts along rivers to keep siltation from closing river transport efforts, and to capture terrain measurements associated with mudslides and avalanches.

SOCET GXP v3.2 volumetric terrain analysis workflow.

Special thanks to Steve Lossman, GXP senior applications engineer, for providing input to build this scenario. Satellite imagery courtesy of GeoEye; USGS supplied terrain data.

Dr. Bingcai Zhang, GXP engineering fellow, was invited to speak at the University of Southern California’s Integrated Media Systems Center (IMSC) annual advisory board retreat on February 17, 2011.

His talk focused on automated 3-D object recognition from LIDAR point clouds, which is the research behind a new building extraction tool for SOCET GXP v4.0 that increases the productivity of geospatial data. The 3-D object recognition process generates city maps and site models and extends to the navigation of unmanned ground vehicles and aircraft.

According to Dr. Zhang, the new Automatic Feature Extraction tool (AFE), together with BAE Systems’ Next-Generation Automatic Terrain Extraction (NGATE) functionality, completes the next-generation photogrammetric automation system that the GXP R&D team began six years ago. NGATE uses a hybrid matching process to create precise elevation data for 3-D terrain and surface models and decreases manual editing time, resulting in shorter workflows. AFE automatically extracts 3-D buildings and houses using a digital surface model which can be from either LIDAR or NGATE. Automatic feature extraction is considered by many to be the Holy Grail in photogrammetry.

During the IMSC retreat, Bingcai fielded questions about his research from technology innovators, Facebook, Qualcomm, HP and IBM, who expressed an interest in geospatial technology. The fusion between geospatial information and social information could become the next new computing paradigm.

IMSC’s mission is to inspire and encourage students, faculty and industry to apply sophisticated IT techniques to designated geographical areas.

Learn more about 3-D object recognition from point clouds and
BAE Systems’ Automatic Feature Extraction tool.

SOCET GXP v3.2 grid reference graphic tool creates customized grids
for mission planning; create products with overprinted grid.

A Grid Reference Graphic (GRG) is a custom grid used for mission planning.

The grid can be displayed over imagery to designate locations without using geocoordinates.

To display a Grid Reference Graphic:

• From the Products tab, in the Active Panel group, click the GRG button.

GRG lines, colors, spacing and label display properties can be adjusted in the Grid Reference Graphic Properties dialog box.

To access the dialog box, from the Products tab, in the Active Panel group, click the GRG Properties button.

BAE Systems has expanded its Reston training center
to meet growing customer demand.

The new location, in the same building as the former training lab, features increased square footage to accommodate 12 participants. “The new training center is much more comfortable than our previous space. Each workstation has a dual-monitor setup and course material is projected onto two 8′ X 5′ screens,” said Brian Roberts, deputy director of customer support for the GXP business. “All software courses taught in our regional training centers are hands-on so that students can easily follow the step-by-step training exercises based on actual workflows. We’ve found that scenario-based training is really the most effective way to transfer knowledge.”

Customers who attend the free GXP training classes learn how to navigate through the application, optimize workflows, build finished map products such as true orthophotos and mosaics and streamline rigorous tasks. Skills taught range from terrain analysis, image comparison and change detection, to generating user-defined templates, hyperspectral and multispectral analysis, and triangulating images to improve geospatial accuracy. Participants also pick up tips and shortcuts that they can take back to the office or the operating environment.

In addition to learning core competencies, customers are encouraged to offer their insight and feedback on workflows and usability. Many GXP software enhancements are implemented based on suggestions from users. Each new software release reflects recommendations to improve workflows and create the best product possible.

2011 SOCET GXP and SOCET SET training courses:

• SOCET GXP: eXtreme Analysis (3 days) | Learn more and register online >>
• SOCET GXP: Photogrammetric workflows (3 days) | Learn more and register online >>
• GXP products for system administrators (2 days) | Learn more and register online >>
• SOCET for ArcGIS using SOCET SET (3 days) | Learn more and register online >>
• SOCET SET (4 days) | Learn more and register online >>

Please note: All scheduled SOCET GXP and SOCET SET training courses held in our regional training centers are now FREE for current and prospective customers. Classroom seating is limited, so please register online in advance to secure your space! We regret that we cannot accept walk-in registrations.

Visit the GXP training pages to learn more about free for SOCET GXP and SOCET SET training courses. GXP Xplorer training courses will be available in the near future.

NGA employees can now get credit for classes offered through the NGA College and extended learning center sites.

The NGA course number for the SOCET GXP: eXtreme Analysis class is 022539. Keep an eye out for additional SOCET GXP courses that will be added to the NGA curriculum.

SOCET GXP v3.2.0 is now available with groundbreaking updates to automate arduous photogrammetric routines and simplify image processing tasks. This release continues our fundamental goal of delivering ease-of-use, performance and accuracy in one product.

SOCET GXP v3.2 adds capabilities to transfer information from imagery into feature databases for convenient multi-user access, such as handling NULL values as attributes.

We are excited to move to a new level of support for SOCET SET workflows with the addition of Frame-Advanced sensor modeling, import and triangulation. SOCET GXP v3.2 also includes terrain registration, comparison and volumetrics that go well beyond the tools in SOCET SET. In addition, advanced hyperspectral and multispectral analytics build on v3.1.1 mid-range exploitation tools. New classification algorithms, spectral libraries and pixel thresholding offer real-time visualization and insight.

To complement SOCET GXP functionality, the video analysis tool has been redesigned, adopting the familiar look and feel of the Multiport Ribbon for improved usability. Video search and review controls provide slow-motion or frame-by-frame metadata analysis to track moving objects, and operators can log results from collaborative sessions for easy reference. Connectivity with SOCET GXP enables further analysis of video snapshots and advanced product generation.

To learn more, download the SOCET GXP v3.2 release enhancements brochure.

We have commenced SOCET GXP v3.2 product package shipments. Please be patient. We have implemented increased security measures for all software packages and shipments.

• SOCET GXP IA Bundle is now SOCET GXP GeoElement
• SOCET GXP IA Advanced Bundle is now SOCET GXP GeoAnalysis
• SOCET GXP Classified IA Advanced Targeting Bundle, which includes GeoAnalysis and CGS Interface (classified module) is now SOCET GXP GeoAnalysis Targeting Bundle

• GXP00024518: Applying Elevation Options from MSP Toolbox does not work the first time button is pushed
• GXP00024577: TNT crashes when drawing DTM graphics for stereo images
• GXP00024921: Geodatabase viewed in stereo in SEE
• GXP00024996: Wrong enhancement chain for FIA Imagery PEDF
• GXP00025187: Patch install is missing some files
• GXP00025189: EnhChains link points to incompatible location

More info: http://www.socetgxp.com/content/category/support/software-patch-updates

• GXP00021566: Updated ClearFlite Surface Model Library based on August 2010 SML from NOAA
• GXP00021858: Fixed viewport color glitch
• GXP00021901: Fix for frame import with UltraCam imagery
• GXP00023462: Fix for Review Edit DPPDB Segments to resolve bug with corruption of accuracy files when segments edited
• GXP00023551: Removed unnecessary reading of image request files during initialization of DPPDB-like generation
• GXP00024055: Fix to modify NextView icov file as part of running nextview_join utility program
• GXP00024363: Fixed bug with multiple external rectangle IDs in task_mbrs.fps file when running Stereo Model Generation

More info: http://www.socetgxp.com/content/category/support/software-patch-updates

SOCET SET v5.6 includes the following updates:

• Support for Esri ArcGIS 10 when using the SOCET for AcrGIS module
• Enhancements and bug fixes integrated as patches in SOCET GXP v5.5 following the June 2009 release
• Support for numerous sensor models and the EGM2008 geoid, provided as patches to SOCET SET v5.5. Sensors and geoid rolled into SOCET SET v5.6 include:
  • ALOS (PULSAR, PRISM, AVNIR 2)
  • RapidEye
  • Aster
  • Kompsat-2
  • WorldView-2
  • GeoEye-1
  • CSM sensor model support
  • EGM2008

GXP Xplorer is a revolutionary data discovery and management tool that makes
it easy to locate, retrieve, and share geospatial data on a local network or across
an enterprise.

BAE Systems designed the software to provide a convenient way to access images, maps, terrain, videos, features, documents, PowerPoint files and numerous other data sources with a single query — geospatial, temporal, free text or advanced details search — without logging on to multiple systems.

GXP Xplorer v2.0 is scheduled for release in late May 2011

New features include:

• Search by date cataloged to find what has been cataloged in the last five days
• Save searches to repeat the same search daily
• Retrieve geospatial products such as MPEG-2, CADRG, CIB, DNC, VMAP, and more
• Retrieve multiple-file products using a download manager
• Geotag files such as documents by clicking on the map
• Snapshot to geotagged PowerPoint files and catalog them
• Stream images on low bandwidth connections using JPIP streaming
• View 4-corner footprints, coordinate displays in MGRS, UTM, lat, long coordinates and a jump-to-point capability
• Process data during delivery, including terrain merge and format conversions
• Catalog, search and view search results faster than in previous versions
• Simple installation

GXP Xplorer is supported on:

• Internet Explorer 8
• Mozilla Firefox 3.5+
• Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 2003 Server and Windows 2008 Server

Learn more about GXP Xplorer >>