Calling All Terrain Model Experts!

February 6th, 2007 · 10 Comments · GIS

The Army Corps of Engineers is in need of some help. They are looking for any models that will make their terrain analysis process easier.

As some of you know, I’ve recently gotten this job working for CTIS (Combat Terrain Information Systems) to test and integrate all of the latest and greatest COTS software into the DTSS (Digital Topographic Support System) systems. In doing so, I’m working to put as many tools into the newest build of the DTSS as possible. I wanted to email you all and see if any of you have “tried and true” ESRI ArcGIS models or XML files created or acquired that CTIS could integrate into the DTSS system. I know there are a lot of “hundred pound brains” out there that have created models and are using them in their units with much success. It is our, CTIS, desire to evaluate what you have created so we can possibly integrate them into the DTSS system for all analysts to use.

We’re looking for any type of models that will make the terrain analysis process easier; models for LOS, HLZ, LOC, MCOO, COO etc… If someone has something created they are using successfully, please let me know.

Please keep in mind that this process takes time and CTIS is trying its best to get the tools needed out to the soldiers on the ground. These models, once received will be tested and integrated into the newest build of DTSS/GS systems. The sooner we get them from you, the sooner I can start the process of integrating them.

Thanks in advance for anything you may be able to send to me. You have an opportunity to make the DTSS system a better tool we can feel confident is making the job easier than before. If you have any questions about this, please don’t hesitate to call or email me.

Rather than inundate the Corps with email, just post any suggestions here. They will be paying attention. I’m almost all packed up and we have found and bought a house so I might finally have time to fix Planet GS once and for all (and with no PHP!).

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10 responses so far ↓

1 David Davis // Feb 6, 2007 at 2:44 pm

Boy that DTSS looks like fun.
2 brett // Feb 6, 2007 at 4:47 pm

I’m interested in hearing a bit more about this. What does he mean, “models”? What does he mean, integrate? We are in the business of providing 3D terrain models of bases to the government, and may have information he would like.

http://metavr.com/casestudies/xctc.html
3 Per B // Feb 7, 2007 at 12:17 am

Sounds interesting. The GES SDK my company produces includes some very usable realtime analysis components, e.g. LOS/Viewshed but maybe the emphasis here was on “ESRI ArcGIS models” and “test and integrate all of the latest and greatest COTS software”, not so much.

http://www.spatialace.com/analysis_screenshots.html?photo=4

http://www.allpointsblog.com/archives/1119-Define-Geographic-Exploration-Systems.html
4 Heidi // Feb 7, 2007 at 5:30 am

Brett,
I’m the one who posted the email from Corps. What I mean by “models” are any or all scripts used for geoprocessing. I would like these created in model builder, but will take XML files as well. “Integrating” them into the Digital Topographic Support System (DTSS) would be my job of breaking the “models” apart, making sure they would accept any or all data without any problems and then analyzing the resultant product to ensure there was no data corruption in the process. Once this has been verified we would then make these models available to the soldiers as a geoprocessing wizard in the DTSS toolset. Thanks for the offer of the 3D models. As you can see, that’s not really what we are looking for but I will take a look at what you have and let you know if we are interested for other uses. Thanks again for your interest.
5 what_nick // Feb 10, 2007 at 7:24 am

So the models are analysis algorithms able to exploit terrain data.
There is a fair bit of this in Intermap’s suite of terrain utilities. May be they will be useful.
6 Joe B // Feb 14, 2007 at 2:26 pm

I can see that a GP model that interpolated a surface, performed a hillshade, and cl ipped it all to fit a polygon may be useful. We have done some work on this and I could share with you the ArcToolbox model builder model. If it helps…

On another note, I am interested in finding out more about the work on sediments and lidar happening at the corps. Can you enlighten me on this?

Check the link mentioned above, and the Marine Data Model sample in the design templates.
Joe
7 DavidB // Feb 20, 2007 at 10:42 am

@JoeB;

Can you check your link? Doesn’t seem to work for me.

As far as the LIDAR and sediment, try this link for info: http://www.tec.army.mil/fact_sheet/what_fact.html
8 Brett // Feb 20, 2007 at 11:28 am

Hi Heidi;

Sorry for assuming you were a ‘he’! The sad part of working with the military, I suppose, you get used to the good old boys clubs.

Anyway, we do much more than provide 3D representations of buildings. I think we are in a similar business: our 3D terrains are the end result of extensive in-the-field surveys, laser scans, photography (aerial and ground), integration with maps, and a few other proprietary steps. Our “terrains” (models?) represent microelevation, we also represent the quality or type of terrain, that is, dirt/mud/road for ground, and concrete/plywood/straw for buildings, to help with simulation and engagement rolls. The final products are used for mission planning, rehersal, after action review, and simulation (live, virtual and constructive).

In short, we are interested in hearing more about what your office does, possibly to integrate some of our techniques.

Thanks,
Brett
9 Brett // Feb 20, 2007 at 11:30 am

Just realized that the web site field is displayed, not the email field.

Thanks,
Brett
10 DavidB // Feb 20, 2007 at 3:30 pm

I thought the request was for models that had been constructed in Arc 9.x using the model builder tool as opposed to actual physical models. (?)