SEDRIS™ Technology Conference 2001
Panels and Presentations
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The Panels and Presentations focused the spotlight on some of the latest and most interesting innovations and activities in the field. Industry leaders, practitioners, project managers, and other professionals discussed and shared their experiences on a variety of interesting and thought-provoking topics with regards to environmental data representation, tools, system architectures, business approaches, trends, and technologies.

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Introduction to Extensible 3D (X3D) Graphics and VRML 200x
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The X3D Task Group is designing and implementing the next-generation Extensible 3D (X3D) Graphics specification. They are expressing the geometry and behavior capabilities of the Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML 200x) using the Extensible Markup Language (XML).
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This overview presentation covered the X3D tagset, profiles for GeoVRML and Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS), 1200+ example scenes including the X3D Conformance Suite, translation capabilities, X3D Schema, Scene Authoring Interface (SAI) API, and the open-source Xj3D browser. Copies of both Spring 2001 Web3D Software Development Kit (SDK) CDs were provided to session attendees.

Presenter:

Donald Brutzman, U.S. Naval Postgraduate School
In Extensible 3D (X3D) Graphics: Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) 200x, Donald Brutzman began by providing background information on the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), the Modeling, Virtual Environments & Simulation (MOVES) Institute, What are 3D graphics?, What is X3D?, X3D motivations, and a Web3D ISO road map. He discussed X3D deliverables and XML encoding. Donald continued by discussing X3D editing, in terms of the X3D-Edit authoring tool, GeoVRML 1.0, and Internationalization (i18n). He then addressed DIS and networking, discussing the IEEE standard DIS protocol, an example using DIS-Java-VRML, and the four key network components for large-scale virtual environments (LSVEs). He addressed the conformance test suite, by discussing conformance testing with examples of conformance results. He discussed the VRML/X3D object hierarchy, the scene authoring interface, and the Xj3D Open Source project in terms of goals, functionality and architecture. Donald concluded the presentation by addressing next steps, and areas of mutual interest.

Integrated Natural Environment - Enabling Technologies

An overview was provided of the U.S. Defense Modeling and Simulation Office initiatives in developing critical technologies to enable the specification, generation, evaluation and delivery of fully integrated authoritative environmental representations.

Presenter:

Juan Perez, Defense Modeling and Simulation Office (DMSO)
In Integrated Natural Environment Program, Juan Perez began by presenting the INE program requirements and goals. He provided an INE technology area description, and discussed major projects in terms of environmental domain services (MEL/ESG), environmental requirements/interchange (SEDRIS), and environment integration/experimentation. He then provided a Terrain Scenario Generation & Archiving (TSGA) overview, and addressed the TSGA process. Juan concluded the presentation by identifying recent INE program accomplishments.

The Environment Federation - Application of Novel
Environmental Techniques to Networked Simulation

An overview was provided of Environment Federation II technologies involving the timely acquisition of geo-specific, full-spectrum environmental data, delivered in SEDRIS Transmittal Format, which can be shared within a High Level Architecture compliant federation using a Federation Object Model based on the Environmental Data Coding Specification. This project served as a useful demonstrator of the scope and nature of dynamic environment and terrain modeling capabilities that are available today.

Presenter:

Robert Richbourg, Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA)
In The Environment Federation: Simulated Environments Impact Tactical Operations, Robert Richbourg began by providing an overview of the Environment Federation. He discussed Ocean, Air and Space Environmental Services (OASES), and Dynamic Terrain Simulation (DTSim). JSAF/ModStealth in EnviroFed II was addressed, as was the hlaResults™ system. He continued by discussing DMSO support for High Level Architecture (HLA), the development strategy for FEDEP (Federation Development and Execution Process), environmental common services projects (TSGA & ESG), and SEDRIS. Robert concluded the presentation by addressing the Environment Federation Demonstration and Experiment with examples and outcomes, and the EnviroFed III effort.

Panel: Modeling Urban Environments with High Resolution Data

The panel focused its discussions on the following topics.

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Panelists:

Robert Clover (Panel Chair), Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA)
In Virtual Emergency Response Training System, Robert Clover began by introducing the other members of the Panel discussion. He then began to discuss the Virtual Emergency Response Training System (VERTS), and the Institute for Defense Analyses' (IDA) Virtual Cities. Numerous examples were provided of Virtual Cities in and around the Philadelphia, Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington, DC areas. Robert concluded the presentation with a discussion of Civil Support Teams' use of VERTS and Virtual Cities, and the Virtual Cities process.
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David Colleen, Planet 9 Studios
In Game Technology for Virtual Cities, David Colleen began by addressing the history of city building at Planet 9 Studios. He discussed the Traveler project as an outgrowth of a NIMA challenge to use state-of-the-art game technology to develop truly useful military simulations. The lessons learned from Traveler One were identified, and the continuation of a second phase of the project, Traveler Two, was discussed. He then provided a brief overview of game technology for simulation. David concluded the presentation by discussing future steps -- next generation game platforms, and release of digital cities in GeoVRML format.
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Dean Kaul, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
In CATS-JACE Exploitation of High Fidelity Urban Data for Hazard Prediction & Consequences Assessment, Dean Kaul began by providing a CATS-JACE overview, characterized as a user of high resolution urban data. He discussed the Extended Collateral Damage (ECD) model, and addressed ECD building data, providing examples of human injury footprints. He then addressed Building Model Generator (BMG) building model data, and structure representation and detail. Dean discussed the Munitions Effects Vulnerability Assessment (MEVA) structural damage analysis. He continued by addressing Multi-zonal Blowdown Model (MBLM) structure input, agent distribution plan view, and chemical agent leakage. Dean concluded the presentation by discussing the Building Catalog, with examples of building footprints, information, model run results, and supplementary materials.
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Dave Baxter, Logicon - TASC
In Rapid Terrain Visualization, Dave Baxter began with a discussion of the RTV Acquire Digital Topographic Data (ACTD) mission, and data requirements. He addressed RTV feature generation by discussing feature extraction software, terrain data management, lines of communication, terrain categorization, and feature attribution. He continued with a discussion of RTV Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology, by addressing terrain resolution comparison, LIDAR characteristics, and providing several example resolutions of sites in and around Baltimore, Salt Lake City, and Washington, DC. Dave concluded the presentation by addressing the LIDAR Toolkit, providing examples of automated feature extraction from LIDAR data, collection areas/customers, and providing a Conceptual Demonstration and points of contact.
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John Pace, Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA)
In DTRA Urban Dispersion Modeling, John Pace began by providing an overview of the DTRA Urban Dispersion Modeling program -- what they do, goals, and examples of models in use and sample model outputs. John concluded the presentation with a discussion of urban terrain data requirements -- goals, system requirements, current status, and formats/protocols.
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Charles Woodhouse, ITT Industries
In Terrain for CB Passive Defense Representation, Charles Woodhouse began the presentation by creating a simulated "situation" where a chemical or biological (CB) device/agent is released into the environment. Given this "situation", he then discussed elements of the problem, interactions, scales of interaction, timelines of interactions, and data elements of concern. Charles concluded the presentation by addressing representation challenges to be faced.

Panel: Use of Environmental Data in Social and Civil Applications

The panel focused its discussions on the following topics.

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Panelists:

George Lukes (Panel Chair), Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA)
In Integrated Natural Environment Data Sampler Project, George Lukes began by discussing the INE Data Sampler concept and process. He provided extensive data sampler case examples, including a large area, low-resolution data set of Saudi Arabia, and an operational-scale geotypical terrain database of Atlantis (fictitious). He addressed EnvironFed III METOC data, and provided examples from the Oceanside, CA, Camp Pendleton, CA, Twentynine Palms, CA, and Lake Tahoe, NV areas. George concluded the presentation with a discussion of data transformation and analysis.
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Terry Rees, U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) - Nevada District
Terry Rees had no slides. He discussed the Lake Tahoe Data Clearinghouse Project. Terry provided an overview of the types of issues that affect the Lake Tahoe Basin -- tress are dying, erosion in stream channels, decreasing clarity of the lake, and tight land control. He explained that the data clearinghouse was started due to the need for good, hard scientific and engineering data that could be applied to these issues/problems. He discussed the fact that approximately 65 - 70 different agencies have responsibilities for some aspects of management of things within the Lake Tahoe Watershed. The data clearinghouse provides a central location where all interested agencies can place their information, so that all parties have access. The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) was charged with starting and maintaining the data clearinghouse.
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Jim Gardner, USGS Marine Geology
In Mapping Lake Tahoe with a High-resolution Multibeam Echosounder, Jim Gardner described how he became involved in mapping Lake Tahoe, the techniques used to map the lake, and then provided some examples of what the lake looks like. He discussed the problems and inaccuracies with the early mapping methods that were employed -- lead-line sounding, and the Tanner sounding machine. He continued by addressing the progress of more recent years, by discussing single-beam and multi-beam echosounders. He provided examples from San Francisco Bay, and a 1998 bathymetry map of Lake Tahoe. Jim concluded the presentation by addressing Lake Tahoe factoids, and mentioning the 2000 USGS lidar survey of Lake Tahoe, as a lead-in to the following presentation by Eddie Wiggins.
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Eddie Wiggins, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
In Airborne LIDAR Shallow-Water Bathymetry Data Collection, Eddie Wiggins began by addressing the mission of SHOALS (Scanning Hydrographic Operational Airborne Lidar Survey). He discussed the Joint Airborne Lidar Bathymetry Technical Center of Expertise, and the center staff. He introduced the SHOALS airborne platform, and discussed the advantages of airborne LIDAR, and a summary of airborne platform specifications. He continued by addressing SHOALS survey applications, and discussing the equipment layout. Eddie concluded the presentation with a discussion of how SHOALS LIDAR works, with detailed illustrative examples of bathymetry results.

Optimizing the SEDRIS Core Software

Analyzing and improving the efficiency of software implementations of SEDRIS technologies is an on-going task. Prior to releasing the latest SEDRIS core software, an in-depth analysis and study of the software's efficiency was undertaken. This presentation gives an overview of the findings of this work, discusses some of the lessons learned, and outlines additional future changes to the core software.

Presenter:

Jesse Campos, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
In Optimizing the SEDRIS Core Software, Jesse Campos began by addressing why it is desired to optimize the SEDRIS core software, in terms of International standardization, stability, and education. He presented the optimization goals, in terms of storage efficiency and access efficiency for the Data Representation Model (DRM) and SEDRIS Transmittal Format (STF). He concluded the presentation by presenting sample findings, and discussing continued optimization work.

Panel: Innovating with SEDRIS-based Tools - Solutions to Complex Problems

The panel focused its discussions on the following topics.

Topics:

Panelists:

David Shen (Panel Chair), Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
In Innovating with SEDRIS-based Tools - Solutions to Complex Problems, David Shen began by introducing the other members of the Panel. He concluded the presentation by discussing the tool domains, and identifying the topics/issues to be covered by the other panel member speakers.
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Michael Polis, TerraSim, Inc.
In TerraTools, Michael Polis addressed database generation issues. He introduced the TerraTools® application, discussing its organization and basic concepts. Michael concluded the presentation by providing an example Condition Report Browser linked with the TerraTools source data editor.
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John Carswell, Reality by Design (RBD)
In Tools to Support the Environmental Data Enterprise, John Carswell addressed database conversion issues. He addressed developing an Enterprise-level Perspective -- What it is, What drives you to it, What you do once you've reached it, and What tools you see a need for as a result of reaching such an Enterprise-level Perspective.
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Tim Stone, Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA)
In The Synthetic Environment Evaluation - Inspection Tool (SEE-IT), Tim Stone addressed database analysis issues. He provided examples of anomalies identified through the use of the Synthetic Environment Evaluation - Inspection Tool (SEE-IT). He provided a comparison of current practices, versus using SEE-IT. Tim concluded the presentation by identifying and discussing programs and organizations that are using SEE-IT.
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Warren Macchi, Arteon Corporation / AcuSoft, Inc.
In Innovating with SEDRIS-based Tools - Solutions to Complex Problems, Warren Macchi addressed database inspection issues. He provided examples of modeling anomalies, terrain geometry, multi-channel comparison, and feature comparison. Warren concluded the presentation by addressing Side-by-Side (SBS) functionality -- What it is, the SBS plug-in interface, and an inter-application interface.
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Jesse Campos, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
Jesse Campos had no slides. He addressed tools integration issues by discussing the future of SEDRIS tools, in which users specialized in a localized area of interest will be leveraged to develop tool solutions to solve larger SEDRIS issues.

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