Jerry Petersen
GCS Geospatial, in partnership with point cloud data management software developer Hobu, has delivered 3D analytics tools to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency under the Boosting Innovative GEOINT Research Broad Agency Announcement, or BIG-R BAA, program.
Tools for Complex Geographic Data
GCS Geospatial said that its work on the program covered BIG-R BAA Topic 10, “Advanced 3D Analytic Tool Development, Enhancement, and Integration” and that it received funding to carry out research in Technical Element 1, “Simultaneous Co-Exploitation of Digital Surface Model, Point Cloud, Mesh Surfaces and Vectorized Geographic 3D Features,” and Technical Element 3, “Line-Of-Sight Enhancements”.
For Technical Element 1, the NGA had a requirement for support for multiple 3D data types within existing ELTs for analysis and visualization. In response, the company improved Eptium, a browser-based ELT. Improvements include deploying browser-based 3D analytics capabilities; making those capabilities interact with various data types; making it possible to add multiple configurable observer locations; and providing support for the importation of 3D models.
For Technical Element 3, the NGA needed a better tool for viewshed — the geographical area that is visible from a given location — and point to point LOS analysis over large areas. In response, the company developed a plugin for Applied Imagery’s Quick Terrain Modeler, or QTM, which is used extensively for work involving point cloud data. The plugin adds an alternative approach to non-overlapping observer viewshed generation. The company also developed three helper functions that work to streamline the generation of markers for traditional LOS analysis using QTM.
Updates to GDAL
Additionally, work on the program has resulted in updates to the Geospatial Data Abstraction Library, or GDAL, that are expected to benefit the geospatial community. The updates include a cumulative viewshed feature that works to provide insights regarding visibility patterns across wide areas.
Evolution of Geodata Analysis
Commenting on his company’s contribution to BIG-R, GCS Geospatial CEO Stephen Grover said, “We set out to solve complex challenges in 3D data analysis and we’re delivering solutions with immediate mission impact. These tools represent an evolution of 3D geodata analysis in ways that just weren’t possible or thought of before.”
The delivery of the tools marks the completion of the first year of the three-year effort.
