BAE Systems has implemented a new licensing plan for SOCET SET® and SOCET GXP®. Customers can increase productivity for computationally intensive processes, including automatic point measurement in triangulation, orthorectification, mosaicking, and automatic terrain generation.

The new license scheme makes it possible to run up to four concurrent processes with one license instead of the previous two. For example, one Next-Generation Automatic Terrain Extraction license is equivalent to four batch processing licenses, which allows for concurrent processing on four processors with one computer, or on multiple computers in the license server network. To request a license, please complete the Request support form online, or contact the customer support representative in your region for additional details.

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 is hosting a free open house to introduce the new eXtreme Analysis™ (XA) workflows available in SOCET GXP^® v3.0. XA empowers users to satisfy analysis and mapping tasks quickly and efficiently, reducing the dependency on multiple tools. Real-time image analysis, triangulation, terrain model generation, orthorectification, and mosaicking can be accomplished using SOCET GXP’s pushbutton functionality.

BAE Systems SOCET GXP^® open house
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
BAE Systems auditorium
11487 Sunset Hills Road, Reston, Virginia 20910

Photo identification is required for entry into the BAE Systems facility. Foreign visitors will be approved for entrance with photo identification and completion of additional paperwork upon arrival.

The day will be divided into two identical sessions. The briefings present an overview of key software capabilities and insight into how to implement SOCET GXP in the work environment. All presentations are unclassified and lunch is provided.

Preliminary schedule

Morning session: 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

8 to 8:30  |  Opening remarks and introduction to SOCET GXP v3.0
8:30 to 9:15  |  Demonstration: SOCET GXP v3.0 for the IA
9:15 to 9:30  |  15-minute break
9:30 to 10:15  |  Demonstration: SOCET GXP v3.0 for the GA
10:15 to 10:30  |  Demonstration: ArcGIS^® connectivity
10:30 to 10:45  |  15-minute break
10:45 to 11  |  Demonstration: Web feature and map services
11 to 11:30  |  Preview of SOCET GXP v3.1 with Q&A

Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Afternoon session: 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

1 to 1:30  |  Opening remarks and introduction to SOCET GXP v3.0
1:30 to 2:15  |  Demonstration: SOCET GXP v3.0 for the IA
2:15 to 2:30  |  15-minute break
2:30 to 3:15  |  Demonstration: SOCET GXP v3.0 for the GA
3:15 to 3:30  |  Demonstration: ArcGIS^® connectivity
3:30 to 3:45  |  15-minute break
3:45 to 4  |  Demonstration: Web feature and map services
4 to 4:30  |  Preview: SOCET GXP v3.1 with Q&A

Click here to register for the free, unclassified SOCET GXP Open House.

Directions to the SOCET GXP Open House:
www.socetgxp.com/docs/contact/bae_map_reston.pdf

eXtreme Analysis

eXtreme Analysis™ (XA™) is the ability to use one intuitive application for image analysis, mapping, geospatial production, and 3-D visualization.

XA can be accomplished with a single application that employs a ground coordinate system to record latitude, longitude, and elevation data, eliminating the need for manual registration. Automated, user-defined workflows characterize the application, eliminating excessive time spent on laborious tasks.

eXtreme Analyst

The eXtreme Analyst™ (XA™) is capable of completing a wide range of complex image analysis, geospatial analysis, photogrammetric, and mapping tasks using a single application. Previously, multiple specialized software packages had to be used.

The XA has direct access to geospatial databases to store and retrieve features; a link to Google Earth™  for enhanced situational awareness; and the capability to create and transmit geospatial data products to colleagues, field commanders, and operation control centers from the convenience of a desktop or laptop computer.

Increasingly, image and geospatial analysis workflows are being integrated. Image analysts need the capability to extract accurate geospatial information, while geospatial analysts require additional analysis resources and increased ease of use. BAE Systems has listened to users who must learn multiple applications to complete their tasks; SOCET GXP^® was built to address these issues. eXtreme Analysts use SOCET GXP to manage geospatial information and build GEOINT and mapping products. The intuitive interface, automated processes, and customization options give organizations and users maximum control.

XAs have the best of both worlds — image analysis and geospatial analysis combined in a single application — SOCET GXP.

ITAC Systems, Inc., developer and manufacturer of trackballs and other computer input devices, has designed two custom USB compatible trackballs for SOCET SET and SOCET GXP stereo workstations. Jim McKinney, vice president of sales for ITAC Systems, unveiled the new evolution
Fx-Scroll for SOCET GXP and evolution Fx-Scroll for SOCET SET trackballs at the 2008 GXP International User Conference last month in San Diego. The new evolution Fx-Scroll products are part of the Mouse-Trak^® product line, popular on BAE Systems’ computer workstations for many years, and the only products on the market that offer direct USB connectivity for SOCET SET and SOCET GXP.

Mouse-Trak trackballs give users who spend many hours a day navigating large maps and images an alternative to the typical PC mouse. They are designed to compliment a standard mouse or trackball and provide powerful z-axis control, as well as six programmable keyboard function keys for application-specific tasks. The programmable trackball keys let users map frequently used functions with any of the six keys, and the ergonomic design eliminates the need for repetitive side-to-side motion, which helps reduce stress and injuries to hands, wrists and arms. The evolution Fx-Scroll sits on the desk under one hand, leaving the other hand free for standard mouse and keyboard activity.

The smooth z-axis control, rugged construction, and economical price are favored by many customers worldwide. In addition, Mouse-Trak devices are reliable, and perform well in harsh environments. The evolution Fx-Scroll for SOCET GXP and evolution Fx-Scroll for SOCET SET, both designed for optimum productivity and ease of use, each sell for $200, which makes them a cost-effective option for secondary mouse navigation on stereo workstations.

Because Mouse-Trak input devices are convenient and easy to operate, many companies such as United Airlines, Motorola, Morgan Stanley, Intel, and Sun Microsystems have implemented similar Mouse-Trak products in their work environments.

About ITAC Systems, Inc.

ITAC Systems, Inc. provides standard and custom trackballs in addition to other input devices for a variety of applications and environments. For more information please visit: http://www.itacsystems.com/inlink.cfm?ref=126

ITAC Systems, Inc offers USB models for different operational environments: office environments, less pristine forward areas, and the dirty, dusty field. All models provide smooth z-axis control, function keys, and require no driver installation.

ITAC Systems USB trackball models
Office desktops	Industrial desktops	Rugged field areas
evolution Fx-Scroll for SOCET SET evolution Fx-Scroll for SOCET GXP	Industrial Fx-Scroll for SOCET SET Industrial Fx-Scroll for SOCET GXP	HAND-TRAK Fx-Scroll for SOCET SET HAND-TRAK Fx-Scroll for SOCET GXP
Designed to complement a standard mouse or trackball Six keyboard function keys, all quickly and easily assigned in SOCET SET or SOCET GXP Powerful z-axis control	Designed to complement a standard mouse or trackball Four keyboard function keys, all quickly and easily assigned in SOCET SET or SOCET GXP Smooth, fast z-axis control Optional dust ring to install in dusty locations Built with Mouse-Trak Industrial trackball mechanical parts Suitable for use in forward areas	Designed to complement a standard mouse or trackball Three keyboard function keys, all quickly and easily assigned in SOCET SET or SOCET GXP Smooth, fast z-axis control Sealed (NEMA 4, IP66 rated) Very small footprint Suitable in high g-force operational surroundings No cursor drift due to vibration Dimmable for low light applications

Since the days of mammoth sized CRT monitors appear to be numbered, how in the world am I supposed to view stereo imagery?

Now that many companies are reporting that they are no longer producing CRT monitors, many GXP users are asking the same question. Fear not, my fellow stereo viewing geospatial types; all is not lost.

Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to try out several different stereo display options in the hope of finding that one special monitor I call the “Holy Grail” of stereo monitors. This special monitor should have the following qualities:

• light weight
• flat panel
• high-resolution
• easy to set up and configure
• work well when roaming, or in mono mode

In addition, the monitor should not require a separate apparatus such as synch box, ZScreen or active glasses. Last but not least, I should not have to take out a second mortgage to pay for it.

You may be thinking to yourself that I should be committed for believing a monitor like the one described above could exist. You may be right; but I set out to prove that such a monitor was a reality and I’m happy to report…it sort of is.

The stereo displays I evaluated include: Planar, MacNaughton, MiraCube, and True3di. Ratings are based on ease of use, set up/configuration, display/performance and cost. Each stereo display is given a number based on the following rating system:

Holy Grail criteria

5 = best
1 = least desirable

Note: All prices are approximate; contact the manufacturer for exact pricing.

Stereo displays reviewed

Planar

Model reviewed: Planar SD01710 17″ LCD Display
Other models available: 20″ SD2020, 24″ SD2420W, 26″ SD2620W
Price: Approximately $4,000 for model reviewed
Specifications and additional stereo display models can be found at:
http://www.planar3d.com/3d-products/

The Planar monitor uses two LCD flat panels with a semi-reflecting mirror at a diagonal between them. A special pair of polarized glasses is used to view in stereo. The Planar monitor requires a computer that contains dual PCI Express slots (if dual screen display is required) and the ability to hold a separate stereo flip card. The benefit is increased resolution for each monitor because each is run off an individual video card, provided by Planar. The display performance is also excellent; graphics appear clean and crisp. In addition, there does not seem to be any lag or other issues when roaming over imagery.

The Planar system can be more difficult to set up compared to some of the other options below, which is primarily due to the need for additional hardware. However, once properly configured and set up, the Planar monitor is easy to use, and the LCD displays are bright enough to allow stereo viewing even in a well lit environment.

MacNaughton

Model reviewed: Perceiva DSD190 19″ LCD Display
Other models available: N/A
Price: Approximately $6,500 for model reviewed
Specifications for this display can be found at:
http://www.nuvision3d.com/download/Perceiva%20sheet-corp-mid.pdf

The Perceiva stereo display is an all-in-one unit containing a synch box and two LCD displays. However, the total size of the monitor is much smaller and lighter than a CRT monitor. The Perceiva has a flat screen which is very bright, making stereo viewing in lighted areas easy. A benefit of this monitor is the wide angle of view; you do not have to be directly in front of the monitor or at a certain height to see stereo. Additionally, set up is a breeze; only one stereo enabled video card is required, along with the choice of using one DVI or VGA input.

The monitor can cost more than some other options; however, there is no need for additional hardware. The light source within this monitor is very bright, which means it will get extremely hot. Imagery can look somewhat grainy in mono mode when compared to standard flat panels, but when in stereo mode, the monitor performs well. Lastly, when roaming around an image, it can appear to blur more when compared to roaming on a standard flat panel.

MiraCube

Model reviewed: G240S 24″ LCD Display
Other models available: 31″ G320S, 19″ C190X, 19″ C190S
Price: Approximately $4000 for model reviewed
Specifications can be found at:
http://www.miracube.net/product/

The MiraCube stereo display has a 24″ glossy screen and looks like a standard 24” flat panel monitor. One of the best features of this monitor is how easy set up and configuration is; simply plug the monitor in and make sure the video card has been stereo enabled.

There are four stereo input modes to choose from: sequential frame, interlaced, and two-sub-field formats (images displayed side-by-side or top-to-bottom). SOCET SET uses sequential frame-to-display stereo. The monitor resolution must be set to 1900X1200 to display stereo. No matter what the input stereo format is, the monitor will reformat the video output to be horizontally interlaced, dropping the resolution to 1900X600 when displaying stereo. The reduction in resolution is not very noticeable when viewing imagery. The view is similar to that of the MacNaughton Perceiva monitors, with a slight graininess.

The interlacing method has a profound effect on graphics. Thin lines, those only one pixel wide, tend to look more like dashed lines than solid lines. Making the graphics thick alleviates part of the problem. The interlacing can also affect the cursor display by occasionally dropping the horizontal parts of the cross hair. Despite these deficiencies, the monitor proves sufficient for simple feature extraction and terrain editing.

The monitor has a fairly small sweet spot (six-degrees viewing angle), making it suitable for a single analyst, however, two people would have a hard time seeing stereo. When you venture too far out of the sweet spot, the image appears in pseudo-stereo.

True3Di

Model reviewed: 19″ True3Di
Other models available: 40″, 24″ and 8″ versions
Price: Approximately $4,000 for model reviewed
Specifications can be found at:
http://www.true3di.com/content/products.htm

This stereo display is very similar to the Planar setup; it contains two LCD monitors with polarized glass set at a diagonal between them. These LCD displays are housed within a single case making the monitor about as large and heavy as a standard CRT. Moreover, if you wish to run a second monitor such as a standard flat panel, a second video card is required on the machine. There is no need for an additional flip card as that is done within the True3Di display.

Since this stereo display uses two independent LCD monitors, the resolution is very good and the display performance is excellent. Roaming around an image is smooth, and viewing stereo in a lighted room is easy. The display is slightly harder to set up due to problems with the documentation; however, we have been in contact with the manufacturer and they are working on improving this. Once set up and configured, the display is easy to use. The stereo image appears to be at the back of a tunnel due to the fact that both LCDs are inside a case. This tunnel-like effect may take some time getting used to; but it does not seem to have any influence on production.

Conclusion

The stereo displays featured in this review may not fit perfectly into the description for “Holy Grail” of stereo monitors; however, depending on the work environment and the products produced, any one of these displays provides an excellent alternative to the near-extinct dinosaur, CRT-asaurus.

Stay tuned. When I find the Holy Grail I will spread the word.

Note: Some of these vendors will be exhibiting at our forthcoming User Conference. I invite you to come and try these stereo displays, and decide for yourself the best possible CRT replacement.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at socetgxp.support@baesystems.com.

A special thanks to all of our valued customers, industry partners, and colleagues for your concern and well wishes during the recent southern California fires this past October. All of us here in San Diego watched in horror as the flames, spread by extreme Santa Ana winds, threatened much of San Diego and nearby counties. We are grateful for the dedicated responders, relief agencies, and citizens who cooperated to limit the loss of life and property during these widespread fires. We are also proud of our company. BAE Systems announced a three-pronged approach to support employees, the relief efforts, and the first responders. This support illustrates an ongoing commitment to the local community, which is demonstrated year after year.

BAE Systems made a $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross’ Natural Disaster Relief Fund. The company also made a $50,000 donation to the California-based Fire Services Training Institute which was identified as the preferred beneficiary by the California State Firefighters’ Association. The Fire Services Training Institute is a California-based non-profit with the primary mission of bringing quality training to firefighters and promoting firefighter safety.

In many applications, customers need a bare earth digital terrain model/digital elevation model (DTM/DEM). SOCET SET’s NGATE and ATE modules generate a digital surface model (DSM), which has points on top of trees and buildings. Customers spend a significant amount of time editing these points down to the bare earth. Some customers spend as much as 65% of their DTM production budget on editing. To address this need for efficient editing, we have developed six new bare earth tools, which will be available in SOCET SET v5.4.1 later this fall. The six tools employ new filtering algorithms to create bare earth surfaces over areas with dense tree canopies, and urban areas with trees and buildings. The bare earth tools also help in the editing of small objects such as dense grassland and brush, by removing anomalous spikes and wells based on terrain histogram profiling. In SOCET SET v5.4.1, these six new tools are part of the Interactive Terrain Editing (ITE) module. In future releases, bare earth tools will be integrated with NGATE for generating DSMs, DEMs or both.

Software link-up with Google Earth helps military mission planners

A new version of BAE Systems’ image analysis and mapping software enables analysts to evaluate and share intelligence data more effectively by integrating with Google Earth, and the ESRI geodatabase. SOCET GXP v2.3, available in September, interacts with Google Earth in real time for quick, 3D color visualization and gives geospatial context to objects of interest, resulting in enhanced intelligence for mission planning. With additional tools for detecting changes from one day to the next, analysts can anticipate conditions such as rough terrain or collapsed bridges and pinpoint operational routes more accurately.

It also provides a direct connection to the ESRI geodatabase, the Environmental Systems Research Institute’s common data storage and management framework. Connection with the database allows users to work with data over secure networks for accurate, timely analysis.

“Out in the field, where SOCET GXP is used to make quick decisions, efficiency and accuracy are crucial,” said Dan London, BAE Systems’ vice president for Geospatial eXploitation Products. “With the integration of Google Earth and ESRI database, SOCET GXP transforms data into usable intelligence.”

The SOCET GXP upgrade enables analysts to use familiar tools and universal file formats to edit, store, and retrieve information, avoiding time-consuming searches for hard-copy reports. The application also supports the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s Spatially Enabled Exploitation initiative to standardize image data formats for optimal information sharing across global networks. The application produces image graphics – such as roads, buildings, and targets – using a ground coordinate system that records latitude, longitude, and elevation data, eliminating the need for manual registration.

SOCET GXP v2.3 runs on Microsoft^® Windows and UNIX^® Solaris^™ 8, 9, and 10 operating systems and supports ground space graphics for a wide range of government and commercial sources.

2007 BAE Systems GXP International User Conference
March 26 – 30, 2007
Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
San Diego, California

Master classes offered

During the 2007 Conference we will debut our master level software classes, designed for experienced SOCET SET and SOCET GXP® users. Following the success of this optional activity last year, we will offer users the opportunity to work closely with our most knowledgeable and experienced instructors.

Classes include details of new functionality, workflows, tips and tricks. Most importantly, registrants will be contacted before the Conference and asked about compelling topics to cover. After reviewing the input we receive, the program will be tailored according to the feedback, and adequate time will be allowed for impromptu discussions based on popular topics. Class materials will be distributed to all attendees.

For more information, visit our website: www.gxpuserconference.com.

Conference highlights

• New features for SOCET SET v5.4 and SOCET GXP v2.3
• Preview of SOCET GXP v3.0
• Focused, hands-on product workshops
• Software workflow presentations
• Special sessions for government and classified customers
• Social activities and networking events

On behalf of BAE Systems, Stewart Walker attended the ISPRS Commission I Symposium, in Paris, France, in early July, and gave a joint paper with Gordon Petrie of the University of Glasgow-a regular contributor to the European journal GeoInformatics. The paper, “Airborne Digital Imagers: An Overview & Analysis” covered hardware, software and industry trends.

It was clear during the Symposium that the airborne digital imagers that have attracted so much attention over the last six years are now fully operational and selling well. There are perhaps 120 systems from the three best known suppliers in use, plus an even larger number of medium-format single- and multiple-camera systems of many different types from numerous suppliers. Experts are reviewing issues such as calibration, triangulation and systematic image distortions, but the critical trend is that we have moved forward from talking about the basics of the new systems to reviewing their performance and potential. The airborne digital imager, sensor or camera, is here to stay.

There is abundant evidence of superb image quality and the capability of the new systems to serve as the basis of workflows leading to timely and compliant deliverables. There is some suggestion that results equivalent to or better than those from scanned film can be obtained even with larger pixel sizes, though not yet enough examples to induce new guidelines or principles. Similarly, it is too early to judge the effect of the new imagery on the success of operations such as image matching. And of course return on investment is a complex, longer-term issue that will become clearer in the months to come.

Immediately after ISPRS Commission I, Walker took part in a meeting of the Geospatial Data Acquisition Technologies in Design and Construction Committee of the Transportation Research Board, held in Port Angeles, WA. The meeting addressed many topics, but the most captivating moments were spent participating in a discussion on the future of the aerial film camera.

The Committee has many members from various Departments of Transportation (DOTs), the State level bodies responsible for highways in the U.S., which have been prime movers in the development of U.S. photogrammetry over the years. Concern was expressed that the days of the aerial film camera are numbered. People are worried, for example, that it will soon become difficult to obtain the cameras themselves, or spare parts, or technicians with the skills to assemble and install them. They are worried that films, chemicals and papers may become unavailable.

The suppliers would say otherwise: film cameras are readily available for purchase, as are spares and supplies. It is true that users of the new digital cameras are allocating as much work as possible to them, so some film cameras are seeing less use than before, but it seems certain that our industry, with its customary ingenuity and search for efficiency, will use film and digital methods in the optimal combination for many years to come. We are in the midst of healthy debate, but the underlying process is evolutionary rather than cataclysmic.