Paper # 574

Title: Smart Management of Digital Geospatial Imagery and Analysis

Author: Miriam Buzi

Lockheed Martin

Abstract: Digital geospatial imagery presents unique challenges for archiving, retrieval, tracking, distributing and analyzing. These large, complex imagery files and associated reports represent valuable assets that, if properly managed, can shorten the cycle and improve the accuracy of geospatial analysis. The author describes an integrated solution for geospatial imagery and analysis management that automates the cataloging, distributing, tracking, and preserving of all the original files and derivative products. Through a single browser interface, users retrieve imagery and reports and download their analysis tools. Solutions are scalable and individually configured for required processing speed, total storage, and simultaneous users.

The increase in size, complexity and availability of high resolution digital geospatial imagery has underscored the need for smart management of the source files and derived analysis and reports. The improvised storage solution – typically a box of CD’s under a desk – has grown beyond our ability to efficiently retrieve what we need. At the same time, the intrinsic and dollar value of our digital imagery assets clearly call for retiring that box of CD’s in favor of a more effective method of cataloging and sharing data.

So what’s keeping us from doing something about it? Some of the barriers are commonplace business and time pressures. We may fear that any technology we buy will soon become obsolete. Or we may see digital storage getting cheaper and think waiting might be a good financial decision. Additionally, digital asset management is usually not a budgeted item. And even if it is, we’re confused by the multitude of options. Finally – we have no time to become efficient!

One key to overcoming the barriers to more efficient management of digital imagery and files is the realization that there is a better end state we need to achieve. A difficult yet necessary first step for any organization on the road to achieving efficient imagery handling is to assess its own needs. In defining your requirements, it is important to address not only the current workflow methods, but also the ideal state you are trying to achieve. Before you look at any technology solutions, you should document your own processes and projections. Some of the major points to consider:

• Size, types and quantity of imagery and data files acquired and created – now and in the future. Estimate the number and size of files received and produced per day, per month or per year.
• Need to preserve imagery and files over time (number of years. Note whether it’s important to maintain source files at their highest level of resolution.
• Speed of access required to new and to existing imagery and files. This may differ by the location or job function of the recipient.
• Workflow: typical and ideal. Review and authorizations required for different types of reports and analyses; requirements for routing and cataloging incoming material; recurrent patterns and types of distribution. Acceptable levels of resolution for different functions, e.g. searches versus analysis.
• Distribution requirements: total users, typical number of simultaneous users, location of users and connectivity; types of media or electronic distribution used and preferred.
• Current equipment and infrastructure. Specifications of hardware that is available for reuse.
• The types of imagery analysis tools that will be used and the people that need access to them.
• Budget availability or the feasibility and ground rules for obtaining budget, such as required return on investment or payback period. Any potential partners that could share the set up and operations costs of a central repository of digital assets.

In addition to the quantifiable system requirements, it is important to articulate the essential mission of the organization and how geospatial imagery and analysis supports that mission. Any system selected needs to serve that mission, and ultimately, your customers.

Requirements definition as described above is the first milestone on the road to smart imagery management, and one that will likely take several iterations to complete. Compile a first draft and review internally before you begin discussions with vendors.

Once the needs are initially defined, a process of hardware and software selection can begin. Software selection for a total imagery management solution comprises tools for processing incoming imagery and files, for distribution, archiving, protection and preservation of files over time, and, of course, for analysis and reporting. An integrated digital imagery and file management solution balances functionality of the total software suite, overall hardware performance needs and interoperability requirements.

Hardware selection for a digital imagery management solution also takes into account considerations of cost-effectiveness, compatibility and seamless integration of diverse components, as well as providing for their future maintenance, and ensuring scalability and ability to accept upgrades.

An experienced systems integrator will employ a system optimization process weighing the system parameters such as cost, capacity and speed against candidate configurations and such considerations as existing hardware.

Once a hardware/software solution is defined, facilities, utilities and networks need to be surveyed and perhaps modified before installation and check out of the system can occur. Finally, a plan for training of staff in the system and a roadmap for maintenance and future upgrades need to be devised.

Except for requirement definition, all of the above steps can be squarely placed in the experienced hands of integrators and solutions providers.

A Lockheed Martin technology, recently licensed for resale to the commercial market, has been providing integrated, customized digital imagery and file management solutions for over 15 years. In May 2001, Lockheed Martin announced that its commercially available Intelligent Library System was deployed to capture thousands of Gigabyte-size satellite images per day and securely store millions of images and files for easy and rapid retrieval. Since that time, different configurations have been delivered to capture, process and manage not just imagery and text, but also digital video and audio data critical for applications outside geospatial analysis.

Despite their diverse applications, configurations and capacity, these systems share common characteristics and automated features, including:

• Requirements driven design: To meet the varied interface and functional requirements of different customers, the technology employs modular components and customizable user interfaces. Automated workflow processes are readily modifiable to meet current and future business practices. New data formats can be added as they evolve.
• Single user interface: All processes provided by the system are available through a single browser interface. From the authorized end user’s perspective, functions such as ingesting and processing data, cataloging (metadata entry), associating files, query and retrieval are all readily accessible.
• Scalable storage scheme: The system employs one to three tiers of archival storage. For smaller archives, a simple online solution may suffice. As archiving needs expand, a second tier of near-line storage, e.g. tape jukeboxes, can be added. If access times greater than a few minutes are acceptable, cost effective storage of tapes on shelves can be integrated. All tiers are accessible from a single online user interface for search and retrieval. The user never needs to search in more than one virtual location.
• Preservation of data integrity: Automated processes monitor data age, usage and other characteristics to prevent loss of data, whether it’s stored online, near-line or off-line. Continuous backup and other methods are employed as required to assure data integrity and its preservation over time.
• Secure access: A multi-level, user-defined security scheme prevents unauthorized access to data. Access can be restricted by file type, ownership, or other parameters. In addition, the use of that data can be limited, e.g. to viewing or low-resolution retrieval. Another important security feature of the system is the permanent recording of every transaction, file retrieval or distribution.
• Automated workflow: Just as access can be limited to certain users, administrative rules can be set up to ensure incoming data or completed analysis or reports are automatically sent, or email notification given, to the appropriate parties for review and/or approval. The automation of the distribution, assignment and approval processes speeds work to the desktop of the appropriate party or to several parties in parallel, permits tracking of work in progress, and enables ongoing prioritization adjustments among different projects or customers. Depending on the current and forecast workflow requirements of an organization, this type of automation can yield significant returns in efficiencies.
• Integrated application tools: Software for applications as diverse as imagery analysis, demographic analysis, route planning, report writing or file editing and repurposing can be integrated and accessed through the user interface.
• Automated system administration and maintenance: Over the years, features were developed to ease and automate the everyday maintenance of the system comprised of multiple software and hardware components. The automation results in lower operating costs and highest availability of the total system.

Thanks to the flexibility inherent in the design of the system, additional features are added based on feedback and requirements from customers and end-users.

Before selecting any imagery and file management system, weigh the options against your business and operational criteria. Will it provide efficient processing and distribution? Ease of use? Access to and preservation of imagery and files? Protection from unauthorized interception? Assess its ability to scale to future needs, to adapt to changes in workflow patterns, new file types and standards, new applications software and future hardware and storage technology. Consider whether your integrator can serve as a partner on the road forward, providing ongoing expertise to keep ahead of ever-changing technologies.

But most importantly, consider carefully what employing such a system will do for your customers. If you can shorten the time to produce product for them, decrease cost, improve quality, or provide a new and valuable service, you’ve got all the justification you need – and no time to waste.

Miriam Buzi

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