Apps strategies simplify handling of geospatial intell data

Military users are quickly adopting smart phones and tablets, which has prompted a push for apps that let warfighters tailor these lightweight devices to their personal requirements. Raytheon made applications the focal point of its GEOINT 2011 Symposium introductions, with a military application marketplace and a group of applications that address a number of tasks that simplify the handling of geospatial intelligence data.

Appsmart is a market where approved vendors can offer applications they have created for military uses. It currently contains about 20 programs. Some are basic tools, such as weather applications that let users gather and manipulate feeds from various weather sources.

Others are more focused. For example, a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) application analyzes elevation data to determine the best landing sites for helicopters. This application also sets the stage for further evolution by using techniques that let developers reuse software.

Raytheon’s role as a market manager begins by validating companies that want to submit applications, then checking their applications for viruses and malware. If there are problems, vendors are informed so they can correct the problem. Vendors can set their own prices for applications.

Raytheon has developed an application environment called GOtab online services that addresses a larger issue. It’s a number of closely related applications that allows users to locate and access geospatial intelligence data, products and services.

"GOtab is a visual GEOINT user environment that offers access to applications, data, information, products, tools, analytics, and services when and where the user needs them," said Kevin Brown, the technical director for GEOINT programs with Raytheon Intelligence and Information Systems. "It is an integration of apps or an app-of-apps concept that empowers users to solve both routine and complex GEOINT challenges."