SEDRIS™ Technology Conference 2001
Technical Area Tutorials
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The technical area tutorials described below provided complete coverage of the core SEDRIS technologies, SEDRIS-based tools and utilities, and were intended for those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the technical details and how-to techniques.

These tutorials were designed to impart working knowledge of the key SEDRIS technologies. The tutorials covered the practical aspects of these technologies such that environmental modelers and software engineers could gain a full appreciation for their depth and breadth.

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Introduction to Side-by-Side Terrain Viewer

The Side-by-Side (SBS) Terrain Viewer is a versatile tool designed to perform visual database comparisons. SBS is a powerful tool that enables the simultaneous visual inspection of multiple SEDRIS transmittals in an intuitive easy-to-use manner. Its software architecture allows advanced capabilities to be added through software plug-in modules. This tutorial demonstrated the key features of SBS, and showed how the tool supports the viewing of many environmental databases to visually compare their terrain elements, and identify discrepancies. Discussion included how identified differences can be made to conform by replacing the data in one transmittal with data from the other transmittal.

This tutorial was for environmental modelers and software engineers interested the interpretation of environmental data using SEDRIS-based tools and utilities, those who intend to design and implement other SEDRIS-based conversion applications, tools, or utilities to operate on SEDRIS transmittals, or anyone who is interested in learning the design and implementation of the Side-by-Side Terrain Viewer.

At completion, the attendee had gained an understanding of the Side-by-Side Terrain Viewer, and how it is used to identify discrepancies, and what additional functionality future Side-by-Side Terrain Viewer Plug-ins will bring.

Presenters:

Jesse Liu, AcuSoft, Inc.
Andrew Tosh, AcuSoft, Inc.
In The Side-by-Side Viewer, Jesse Liu and Andrew Tosh began with an introduction of What is the Side-by-Side?, and discussed the SBS design principles. They provided an overview of database process workflow, with examples. Next a demonstration was conducted of a multi-channel comparison. Jesse and Andrew then addressed the SBS features, and using the SBS -- loading databases, using the Transmittal Browser, using the 3D Viewer, using the 2D Viewer, using the SEDRIS Loader, and browsing STFs with the SBS. Another demonstration illustrated use of the SBS. Increasing SBS functionality through the use of SBS plug-ins was addressed -- discussing the SBS interface, developing plug-ins, and examples of existing plug-ins. Jesse and Andrew concluded the tutorial with a discussion of installing the SBS -- where to obtain it, and the system requirements for SBS operation.

Data Representation Model (DRM)

The SEDRIS DRM allows one to describe and articulate one's environmental data clearly, while at the same time using the same representation model to understand others' data unambiguously. The DRM includes the logical relationships or associations between data classes. It also ensures the syntax and the structural semantics of the data are fully expressed and correctly understood by users. The combination of the DRM classes and their relationships provides a rich, powerful, and expressive schema that can be thought of as the grammar of a language for describing environmental data. This tutorial covered a complete introduction to the SEDRIS DRM. It included: a review of the notation used; the DRM organization and usage; how the DRM utilizes the Environmental Data Coding Specification (EDCS) and the Spatial Reference Model (SRM); and a description of the key DRM classes such as metadata, libraries, topology, point-sampled and grid data, organizational schemes, attributes, features, and geometry.

This tutorial was for environmental modelers interested in using SEDRIS, software engineers who plan to implement applications based on SEDRIS technologies, and anyone interested in gaining a better appreciation for the most fundamental SEDRIS technology, the DRM. Prior knowledge of object-oriented design and key issues in representation of environmental data was strongly recommended.

At completion, the attendee was able to read and understand the DRM, the rules defined and imposed by the DRM, the use of the EDCS and SRM, and the use and organization of the data classes in the DRM.

Presenter:

Michele Worley, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
In SEDRIS Data Representation Model Overview, Michele Worley began with a short refresher on SEDRIS technologies -- capabilities, and technology components. She discussed What the DRM is, and What the DRM is not. She then addressed object-oriented basics, by providing detailed examples with Unified Modeling Language (UML) notation. Next, Michele presented an overview of the SEDRIS DRM, discussing its 360 classes, and providing a tour of the on-line data dictionary. She then addressed how to assemble the pieces, by transitioning into detailed examples of the numerous <Geometry> class and <Feature> class building blocks. Aggregate classes/principles were then discussed, by addressing component inheritance and organizing principles. Michele concluded the tutorial with a discussion of advanced topics, a student exercise, and future work.

Introduction to Synthetic Environment Evaluation - Inspection Tool (SEE-IT)

SEE-IT is a powerful tool that provides two primary utilities to environmental database users and developers. It checks for conditions that may be inaccurate descriptions of the physical environment they are intended to model. It also evaluates environmental databases to find conditions that can lead to anomalous behaviors by entities operating in the simulated world. SEE-IT also provides data query and filtering mechanisms for highlighting, detection, and diagnosis of environmental data. This tutorial demonstrated how SEE-IT allows users to examine the content of a SEDRIS transmittal for "geometric" anomalies. Discussion included examples on finding conditions such as: cracks in the terrain, improper road junctions, mis-aligned boundaries between features, narrow or sliver polygons, and a variety of other anomalies usually found in terrain databases. Plans for future content checking of non-terrain data sets were also discussed.

This tutorial was for environmental modelers and software engineers interested in the interpretation of environmental data using SEDRIS-based tools and utilities, those who intend to design and implement other SEDRIS-based conversion applications, tools, or utilities to operate on SEDRIS transmittals, or anyone who is interested in learning the design and implementation of the SEE-IT.

At completion, the attendee had gained an understanding of what SEE-IT does, and how it is used to identify and interpret various anomalies that can occur in environmental databases.

Presenters:

Bob Richbourg, Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA)
Tim Stone, IDA
In Introduction to the Synthetic Environment Evaluation - Inspection Tool (SEE-IT), Bob Richbourg and Tim Stone began with the discussion of Why is SEE-IT useful? -- verification and validation of environmental data. They addressed the purpose and system requirements. Next, they discussed what alternative methods are available, illustrating the value of SEE-IT through a time analysis and comparison. Bob and Tim continued by addressing how SEE-IT relies on SEDRIS, by discusssing the SEE-IT software structure. The SEE-IT philosophy of data inspection was then discussed, addressing importing SEDRIS data, the data that is kept, the data that is ignored, the SEE-IT classificatory system, and examples of viewing and inspecting data with SEE-IT. A hands-on tour and demonstration of the SEE-IT system capabilties was provided. Bob and Tim concluded the tutorial by addressing future work, and the SEE-IT User's Guide.

Interface Specification / Application Programmer's Interface (API)

A working knowledge of the interface specification and the SEDRIS API is key to developing SEDRIS-based applications. This tutorial provided insights into the basic capabilities of the SEDRIS API, and introduced the attendee to the most common functions and data structures used by the application developers. The key capabilities of the Read/Write/Modify API, along with explanations of the major data types and how to invoke most commonly used functions, were covered. The relationship of the API to the Data Representation Model (DRM) and the SEDRIS Transmittal Format (STF) was discussed, and examples of simple applications were given.

This tutorial was for software engineers who intend to design and implement SEDRIS-based applications, or anyone who is interested in learning the design and implementation of the SEDRIS API. Prior working knowledge of C, C++, or other programming languages was strongly recommended. Prior knowledge of the DRM, or attending the DRM tutorial, was a prerequisite.

Attendees gained an in-depth understanding of the SEDRIS Read and Write APIs (extraction and insertion of data), general techniques for using the API, construction of iterators and filters, and basic data types and API conventions.

Presenters:

Jesse Campos, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
Greg Hull, SAIC
In The SEDRIS Interface Specification: A Tutorial on the SEDRIS API, Jesse Campos and Greg Hull provided API background and fundamentals -- definitions, functional components, transmittal format, conventions, and data types. The extraction functional component of the API was discussed in terms of its capabilities, detailed examples, advanced features, and miscellaneous extraction features. Next, the insertion functional component of the API was addressed, discussing its capabilities, providing numerous illustrative examples, and touching on miscellaneous insertion topics. The SRM, DRM, EDCS, and Color Conversions functional component of the API was then discussed in terms of related API functions. Jesse and Greg concluded the tutorial by adressing basic tools, and providing an API summary.

How to Produce and Consume SEDRIS Transmittals

This tutorial was conducted in two consecutive parts. Part 1 covered creation and writing of SEDRIS transmittals. Part 2 focused on accessing or extracting data from SEDRIS transmittals. Each part was conducted independent of the other. Common application development techniques and strategies utilized in the production and consumption of SEDRIS transmittals were covered. The steps in development of mapping documents and the effective use of the SEDRIS API were discussed. A number of examples based on actual use cases were reviewed.

This tutorial was for software engineers who intend to develop tools, utilitaes, or conversion applications to operate on SEDRIS transmittals. Prior working knowledge of C, C++, or other programming languages was strongly recommended. Prior knowledge of the SEDRIS API, or attending the API tutorial, was a prerequisite.

At completion, the attendee had gained a working understanding of the various how-to techniques for use of the SEDRIS API in the creation or extraction of transmittals.

Presenters:

Jesse Campos, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
Farid Mamaghani, SEDRIS
Greg Hull, SAIC
In How to Produce and Consume SEDRIS Transmittals, Jesse Campos, Farid Mamaghani, and Greg Hull began with a detailed discussion of SEDRIS transmittals, with illustrative examples. They then discussed the transmittal creation process. Native analysis was addressed, where a native data organization is logically mapped to the SEDRIS DRM. Writing a mapping document to describe the conversion from a native data format to SEDRIS was discussed. An extensive mapping document example was provided, which touched on object sharing, utilizing component inheritance, transmittal metadata, feature versus geometry representation, and summary items. Using the SEDRIS Write API was addressed in terms of writing translating software. The production portion of the tutorial concluded with a discussion of validating the transmittal using testing and validation utilities.
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They began the consumption portion of the tutorial with a discussion of using SEDRIS, elements of a successful translation, and needs and expectations. Consuming SEDRIS transmittals was then addressed in terms of the consumption process. A native analysis to analyze the data requirements was discussed. The development of a mapping document to describe the native data, and the translation from SEDRIS to the native format was discussed. Next, they addressed extraction capabilities, and the extraction process. Consuming techniques were discussed, which included determining the consumption strategy, and development of a Transmittal Content Requirements Specification to document what your tool/importer will handle. Consumption/translation strategies with an example were then investigated in terms of creating consumption software, taking advantage of common services. Extraction techniques with examples were provided. The consumption challenge was then discussed in terms of expanding the consumption base, and a SEDRIS to Compact Terrain Database (CTDB) case study was provided. They concluded the tutorial with a discussion of the development of a solution path, addressing existing solutions, and the issues that will shape the ultimate solution.

SEDRIS to CTDB and CTDB to SEDRIS Conversions

Compact Terrain Database (CTDB) is an optimized run-time format used by the popular ModSAF and OneSAF applications. A compiler that converts SEDRIS terrain databases to the CTDB format has been developed, and a complementary application that converts existing CTDB databases to the SEDRIS Transmittal Format (STF) is in testing. The SEDRIS to CTDB compiler gives users the ability to access a wider range of databases through SEDRIS. The CTDB to SEDRIS conversion allows the resulting STF data to be analyzed or visualized using a variety of SEDRIS-based tools. This tutorial covered the capabilities of both applications. The tutorial on the SEDRIS to CTDB conversion covered the basics of the CTDB format, what the compiler expects to find in a SEDRIS transmittal in order to produce a useful CTDB database, and the variety of terrain data types that can be converted to CTDB. The CTDB to SEDRIS portion of the tutorial covered the conversion process and the mapping of CTDB data to STF, and how SEDRIS-based analysis and visualization tools are utilized to examine the content of CTDB databases.

This tutorial was for developers or users of ModSAF, users of other Computer Generated Forces (CGF) applications, and anyone interested in converting terrain data to CTDB through SEDRIS. Prior knowledge of basic SEDRIS concepts and technical components (such as DRM, API, and EDCS) was recommended, and some familiarity with CTDB and ModSAF was helpful, but not required.

The attendees learned what type of data the SEDRIS to CTDB converter will expect, how to use both applications, and how the conversions have been implemented.

Presenters:

Farid Mamaghani, SEDRIS
Andrew Tosh, AcuSoft, Inc.
Kevin Wertman, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
In SEDRIS to CTDB and CTDB to SEDRIS Conversions, Farid Mamaghani, Andrew Tosh, and Kevin Wertman began with the basics of the CTDB format -- definition and details of its component parts and formats. A quick review of classification and attribution in the SEDRIS DRM was provided. Next, mapping from SEDRIS to CTDB was addressed, with illustrative examples. The SEDRIS to CTDB compiler was discussed -- how it works, and how to use it -- in terms of compiler operation, system requirements, compiler invocation, and other related tools. Mapping from CTDB to SEDRIS was addressed, with illustrative examples. They then discussed how the CTDB to SEDRIS compiler works in terms of its code architecture. They concluded the tutorial by addressing the usage/invocation of the CTDB to SEDRIS compiler, and references for further information.
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