SEDRIS™ Technology Conference 2002
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, innovators, 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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Weapons of Mass Effect (WME) Support to
Combatant Commands and Homeland Security
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This panel described support by the DTRA to the United States' combatant commands and homeland security in the area of WME. This panel focused on the use of SEDRIS in existing models, simulations, and information systems, as well as in requirements for future systems, for the purpose of national infrastructure protection, national environmental awareness, and knowledge management.
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Panelists:
Walt Zimmers (Panel Chair), U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA)
Tom Stark, Cubic / DTRA
Ian Griffiths, U.K. Defence Science and Technical Laboratory (DSTL)
John Carson, QinetiQ
Gene Layman, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL)
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In Weapons of Mass Effect (WME) Analysis - Support to Combatant Commands and Homeland Security, Walt Zimmer began by identifying and introducing the panel members and the subjects of their individual presentations. He also discussed the panel goals. Walt proceeded to discuss DTRA partnerships with the combatant commands, Joint Staff, military services, and with other federal agencies. He described DTRA support to the warfighter, and provided examples of major events supported, which average 48 per year. Walt then addressed the Weapons Analysis and Lethality Tool Set and joint U.S./U.K. Weapons of Mass Destruction projects. He concluded his presentation with a discussion of the military services and DTRA M&S architectures.

In Mission Planning Training Using DTRA's Weapons Analysis and Lethality Toolset (WALTS), Tom Stark began by providing DTRA background information, and described what is the Weapons Analysis and Lethality Tool Set (WALTS). He addressed WALTS application areas, and discussed the WALTS role in mission planning, and the WALTS architecture. Tom then addressed the target generation process, and discussed complex target modeling and fault tree analyses. He concluded his presentation describing DTRA uses of SEDRIS, and technical challenges.

In Modeling and Representation of NCBR Dispersion in the Synthetic Environment, Ian Griffiths began by describing the approach to modeling atmospheric dispersion. He addressed wind field modeling and dispersion modeling. Ian discussed ensemble-averaged concentration, and modeling using the Gaussian Puff Model. He then described open versus urban dispersion, and discussed urban dispersion modeling results and validation, effects, and realizations. Ian concluded his presentation with a discussion of the Integrated Modeling Platform with Agent-Controlled Tasking (IMPACT).

In GASFOM, John Carson introduced GAS FOM and its objective. He proceeded to address high-level modeling of sensors. John then described supporting modeling of current and future sensors. He also discussed Environmental Data Coding Specification inputs and additional factors in the modeling equation. John concluded his presentation with a discussion of what else we need to describe.

In Technologies for Integrating Simulations into C4I Systems, Gene Layman began by describing the command and control cycle, along with the C4I embedded simulation problem and its solution. He proceeded to discuss the M&S software development toolkit. Gene then addressed a Weapons of Mass Destruction Analysis mission application example, and for what a mission application will be used, with examples. He concluded his presentation with a discussion of general architectures for scenario-based applications.

NBC Battle Management

This presentation discussed development activities within the DoD Commodity Area for Battle Management in the areas of a Joint Effects Model, Joint Operational Effects Federation, and the Virtual Prototyping System.

Presenter:
Candace Conwell, U.S. Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command
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In Integrating DoD NBC M&S and C4I Systems, Candance Conwell began with a brief discussion of integrated NBC defense, and the principles of defense against NBC threats. She proceeded to discuss several commodity areas, of which Battle Management is one, and their products and services. Candance defined the Battle Management commodity area, addressed C4I and M&S priorities, and discussed NBC Battle Management architectures. She then discussed that M&S is used for NBC, and the consistency of NBC representation across various multi-tiered uses/resolutions. Candance addressed the NBC Battle Management schema, and the data schema working group. She identified NBC Battle Management programs and systems, and provided a Battle Management commodity area roadmap. Candance concluded her presentation with a discussion of joint warning and reporting.

SEDRIS and the Joint Mapping Tool Kit (JMTK)

This presentation addressed the general topic of interoperability between M&S and C4ISR systems, using SEDRIS and JMTK as a specific example. The differences in how M&S and C4ISR systems use environmental data were reviewed. A brief overview of JMTK was provided, focusing on the types of environmental data that it imports and how that data is used. Previous and ongoing work on importing terrain elevation and feature data from SEDRIS transmittals into JMTK was also described.

Presenter:
Kevin Trott, Northrop Grumman Information Technology
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In SEDRIS and the Joint Mapping Tool Kit (JMTK), Kevin Trott began with a discussion of M&S - C4ISR interoperability, in terms of terrain data processing and use differences, and terrain data flows. He proceeded to provide an overview to the JMTK, and addressed spatial database and supported import formats, visualization, and analysis functions. Kevin then addressed previous SEDRIS - JMTK interoperability experiments in terms of the JMTK import and retrieval processes, and visual content comparisons. He concluded his presentation with a discussion of future M&S - C4ISR interoperability experiments involving SEDRIS.

STF Export of ESRI Data with
the SEDRIS/GIS Toolbox for ArcGIS

ProLogic has developed an extension to the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) ArcGIS system that will export features, triangulated irregular networks, and raster elevation into a SEDRIS transmittal. This presentation addressed this tool, which allows producers to utilize the full set of ESRI import and processing capabilities. The tool runs on Windows 2000, has an intuitive graphic interface, supports classification and attribution, and maps ESRI coordinate systems into SEDRIS spatial reference frames.

Presenter:
Chetan Desai, ProLogic, Inc.
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In SEDRIS Export of ArcGIS Data with SAGE, Chetan Desai began by providing and overview of, and the motivation for, SAGE. He gave an ESRI ArcGIS overview in terms of a system description, system components, and applications. Chetan then described the SAGE workflow, including export specifications, the SAGE GUI, and concluded his presentation with example conversions.

Creating Interchangeable Human Models
Using the SEDRIS DRM and H-Anim

Accurate representations of human figures and behaviors are becoming necessary elements in realistic simulations of humans and their interaction with synthetic environments. The development of realistic human models and motion is especially demanding and expensive, but little work has been done to address the reuse of these models and motions across diverse simulation projects and platforms. This presentation described work performed by Arteon Corporation and VCom3D, Inc. to create a mapping between the Human Animation Working Group H-Anim 1.0 specification, and the SEDRIS Release 3.1 Data Representation Model (DRM) and Environmental Data Coding Specification (EDCS). In addition, demonstration applications and sample SEDRIS Transmittal Format (STF) files illustrating instances of the mapping were presented.

Presenter:
Warren Macchi, Arteon Corporation
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In Creating Interchangeable Human Models Using the SEDRIS DRM and H-Anim, Warren Macchi began with introduction and background information on H-Anim (humanoid animation). He also addessed the H-Anim specification, version 1.0. Warren then described the goals and details of the H-Anim to SEDRIS mapping, and provided examples and sample conversions. Warren concluded his presentation with a discussion of human models in synthetic environments and in training systems.

Subsurface Modeling

Subsurface characterization or representation in the synthetic natural environment (SNE) is largely missing in modeling and simulation (M&S). A review of features and attributes specified via SEDRIS and related components revealed sparse information for modeling the subsurface or for simulation systems interaction within the subsurface (e.g., contaminant transport, targeting of hardened buried targets). Homeland security issues mandate the ability to model urban military operations and require knowledge of underground features such as tunnels, subways, and hardened structures. Modeling the threat of release of chemical and biological compounds into the subsurface environment during military operations or acts of terrorism requires the development of an environmental data model for the subsurface. The subsurface dimension of the synthetic environment must be represented to realistically model the effects of such important phenomena to include detection of subsurface features, feeds for sensor performance, weapons effectiveness on buried structures, and contaminant transport.

Presenters:
Stacy Howington, Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers R&D Center (ERDC)
James May, Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory, ERDC
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In Simulating Groundwater Flow and Constituent Transport, Stacy Howington began with a description of DoD needs, specifically DoD water resources concerns. He described the ERDC role, and what ERDC does (research, development and applications). Stacy then provided detailed examples of modeling system environments, including a groundwater modeling system and the Army risk assessment modeling system. He concluded his presentation with a discussion of a common delivery framework, similation model development, and recent examples of numerous simulation model applications.
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In Subsurface Conceptual Models for Numerical Simulations, James May began with background information, a problem statement, and describing the approach to modeling mission critical operations that have subsurface components. Several examples of subsurface components were provided. He then addressed the geotechnical and geosciences mission and research capabilities. James addressed the importance of earthquake research, and discussed seepage modeling and risk assessment for dam safety. He also discussed the Geologic Mapping Program by the Waterways Experiment Station, addressing data collection, geomorphic mapping, drilling and sampling, geophysical profile, and define stratigraphy. James concluded his presentation with a discussion of the geologic conceptual model of the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant.

Integrated Natural Environment
Authoritative Representation Process (INEARP)

This panel addressed the Master Environmental Library (MEL) and Environmental Scenario Generator (ESG) projects of the INEARP. MEL provides a single point of access for data discovery, and ESG provides an expanded query using fuzzy logic on specific databases and the initiation of just-in-time model runs. Each project made presentations on their current and planned capabilities, followed by demonstrations of both systems. An overview of the entire INEARP was also given.

Panelists:
John Hughes, The MITRE Corporation / U.S. Defense Modeling and Simulation Office (DMSO)
Louis Hembree, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL)
Richard Siquig, NRL
Steve Lowe, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
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In Integrated Natural Environment Authoritative Representation Process (INEARP), John Huges began by identifying and introducing the other panel members. He proceeded with a description of the natural environment, and a discussion of warfighter needs. Next, John provided an overview of INEARP, addressing the overall concept, components and implementation. Next, Louis Hembree provided a MEL project description, along with a discussion of the MEL basic architecture and key features. Louis also identified and discussed MEL resource sites, and concluded with a MEL demonstration. Then Richard Siquig and Steve Lowe provided an ESG project description, discussing M&S and the environment, the current situation and technical gaps, and the key thrust. They then addressed the ESG architecture, followed by discussions of technology development and warfighter customers. They concluded the presentation with an ESG demonstration.
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New Public Release STF Terrain Data Bases

An Integrated Natural Environment (INE) Data Sampler effort is focused on the five specified case studies: Oceanside (low-resolution data set); Pendleton (medium-resolution data set); Range 400 (high-resolution data set); Lake Tahoe (civil data set); and Atlantis (geotypical data set). Each case study has involved (1) assembly of unclassified, unrestricted geospatial source data, (2) generation of integrated feature/terrain simulation data bases at one-to-three levels of density, (3) export of source data and integrated data base(s) in SEDRIS Transmittal Format (STF), (4) analysis of source data and integrated data base(s) using Synthetic Environment Evaluation - Inspection Tool (SEE-IT), and (5) documentation and distribution of assembled data sets within a HTML web-based user interface. Additionally a high-resolution urban dataset "Town Square - Anywhere" was also available. A live demonstration of showing how to locate anomalies in these STFs using SEE-IT was also provided.

Presenters:
Keith Green, U.S. Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA)
Tim Stone, IDA
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In New STF Terrain Data Bases, Keith Green and Tim Stone began by describing the growing volume of geospatial data available today from various federal, state, regional and local authorities. Their effort used SEDRIS-based tools to generate a set of six new terrain databases for general use in the M&S community. They identified the six data sets (Atlantis, Tahoe, 29 Palms, Pendleton, Oceanside and Town Square), addressed the generation and analysis process, and discussed in detail each database. Keith and Tim concluded their presentation with a SEE-IT demonstration of the anomalies discovered in the Pendleton and Town Square data sets.

Port Simulation (PortSim)

Through the years the world's fleets have trained in full-bridge simulators at their various naval academies or training institutions. These simulators require the students to come to the facility. The full-bridge simulator is very capable of training on many subjects such as Ship Handling, Casualty Prevention, Emergency Ship Handling, and Pilot Training. The major drawback for these simulators is the size and cost. Students have to physically go to the simulator. If there is a need to train while on a cruise, that cannot be accomplished. While full-bridge simulators are valuable training tools, technology has advanced such that the same training objectives can be met on Personal Computer (PC) based systems. It is now possible to effectively and efficiently produce the same simulation of ports and harbors on a PC or laptop. PortSim was developed as a portable, high-resolution simulation that is fully deployable with the vessel that will meet the objectives of training, navigational safety, mission rehearsal, security (both vessel and port), and for any special operations that would be required at a price that is affordable.

Presenters:
Greg Hull, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
Rob Cox, SAIC
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In Low Cost Environments - Port Simulation, Greg Hull and Rob Cox began by showing surface visual and simulated depictions of ports and harbors. They proceeded to address the Port Simulation objectives, requirements, and assumptions. Greg and Rob then discussed functional uses, related technologies and projects, and the development of the prototype. They provided a detailed look at the simulation against actual visual photography from the same locations. Gerg and Rob concluded the presentation with a discussion of the GUI, additional features to be added, and a system demonstration.

Moving Toward Higher Fidelity Environments

This presentation included discussion of creating high-fidelity target areas and background clutter for the Joint Combat Identification Evaluation Team (JCIET)/Joint Synthetic Battlespace (JSB) experiments. The creation of these high-resolution inserts included feature attribution with the SEDRIS Environmental Data Coding Specification (EDCS) to ensure proper reflectivity and emissivity were presented to the various sensors. Also included was an update on high-resolution urban environments.

Presenter:
Dana Magusiak, U.S. Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA)
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In Moving Toward Higher Fidelity Environments, Dana Magusiak began by discussing the creation of high-fidelity target areas and background clutter for the JCIET/JSB experiments. He described the creation of these high-resolution inserts, which included feature attribution with the SEDRIS Environmental Data Coding Specification to ensure proper reflectivity and emissivity were presented to the various sensors. Dana then provided an urban environment update, with examples of the McKenna MOUT, Washington, DC (digital and virtual), Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and The White House. He concluded his presentation with a discussion of recent issues in regards to bounding volumes, modeling building interiors, and the need for additional detail for urban environments.

Mission Planning and Rehearsal
System (MPARS) [not presented]

AcuSoft, with Science Applications International Corporation, has developed a suite of applications named MPARS. MPARS is made up of MSDE (Military Scenario Development Environment), OTB (OneSAF Testbed Baseline), PowerSTRIPS (an After Action Review tool) and AcuScene (an integrated 3D Stealth). This presentation covered how these applications take advantage of SEDRIS technologies and SEDRIS Transmittal Format (STF)-based datasets.

Presenter:
Jesse Liu, Acusoft, Inc.

In Mission Planning and Rehearsal System (MPARS), the presentation begins with a description of MPARS operational capabilities for collaborative mission planning and mission rehearsal. It proceeds to address the key components and characteristics of MPARS. Then a description of MPARS use in brigade mission planning is provided, and mission plan workflow is addressed. Next covered are MPARS potential capabilities and a notional equipment laydown. The presentation concludes with a description of a potential training approach for MPARS.

Data Set Content Requirements Framework

Identification of content is needed to specify a procurable item (SEDRIS transmittal) that must meet certain criteria. It is desired to develop configuration data that may be used as input to database compilers to produce compliant data sets, and to develop configuration data that may be used as input to transmittal verification utilities. This presentation described the development of a framework for specification of data set content representations, targeting the framework for use with EDM data sets and the SEDRIS DRM, and using relational database technologies to provide both automated use and reportability.

Presenter:
Annette Janett, Lockheed Martin Information Systems

In Data Set Content Requirements Framework, Annette Janett began by stating that identification of content is needed to specify a procurable item (SEDRIS transmittal) that must meet certain criteria. She described that it is desired to develop configuration data that may be used as input to database compilers to produce compliant data sets, and to develop configuration data that may be used as input to transmittal verification utilities. Annette then described the development of a framework for specification of data set content representations, targeting the framework for use with EDM data sets and the SEDRIS DRM, and using relational database technologies to provide both automated use and reportability. She concluded her presentation wiith examples of DSCR reports, SEDRIS DRM/DD reports, and a discussion of challenges and complexities.

Joint Virtual Battlespace

This presentation provided an overview of Joint Virtual Battlespace, and briefly discussed the terrain generation process.

Presenter:
Major Rick Schwarz, U.S. Army, Joint Precision Strike Directorate

In Joint Virtual Battlespace, Rick Schwarz began with an overview of JVB, providing a JVB description, and addressing the current focus, current approach, and the JVB framework. He identified the JVB team and partners, and discussed the JVB objective, software architecture, what JVB can do, and its unique capabilities. Rick concluded his presentation by addressing the JVB environmental data base (EDB) plan. He discussed capturing JVB environmental data requirements, and the JVB EDB, terrain and AOS generation processes.

Toward A Common API
for Sensor Simulation Models

Frequently synthetic environment designs lack the level of predictive signature and atmospheric propagation modeling required for credible sensor performance simulation or visualization. There are several well-known, sequential aspects of physics-based phenomenology modeling that must be performed well to provide realistic stimulation of an Electro-Optical (EO), InfraRed (IR), or RADAR Frequency (RF) sensor model or federate. JRM is developing a Software Development Kit (SDK) to streamline the development of sensor-capable synthetic environments and appropriately integrate disparate phenomenology codes that are required to meet specific technical program needs or customer preferences. The SDK shall consist of component phenomenology application programmer's interface (APIs), support libraries, sample code and associated documentation. Each of these APIs consists of a comprehensive set of physics-based classes with input and output data-structures to accommodate current-art physics-based models. The APIs will be designed rigorously to provide radiometric quantity predictions at the sensor apertures, like time-dependent 2D radiant-emittance images at the optical aperture of a Forward Looking InfraRed (FLIR), and power densities at radar receiver antennas.

Presenter:
Russ Moulton, JRM Technologies, Inc.

In Toward a Common API for Sensor Simulation, Russ Moulton began with a discussion of the problems with developing sensor simulations. He addressed a proposed software development kit (SDK) for sensor simulation development, and discussed the components of the sensor simulation SDK. Russ proceeded to discuss the API development approach, and provided an overview of the JSB design, and JSB spectral meteorology modeling. He then discussed the material system concept, and addressed SEDRIS improved material modeling, with sample examples. Russ provided a detailed discussion of BRDF and directional reflectance modeling. He concluded his presentation addressing existing and future tools and products.

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