MAPPING


Increased resolution for spatial mapping


❱ ❱ Terrain mapping databases provide enhanced flight deck awareness (main image) through the use of the latest SAR technology being deployed in micro- satellites (inset)


S


wedish defence aerospace giant, Saab, has set up a partnership with Vricon to develop an aeronautical database using the most


advanced 3D global terrain and elevation data commercially available. The purpose is to provide the database to the commercial aircraft industry. Saab and Vricon have considerable


joint expertise in advanced avionics systems and flight decks, including applications for Synthetic Vision Systems (SVS), Terrain Awareness Warning Systems (TAWS) and digital moving maps. The high-resolution 3D database provides superior global coverage, accuracy, integrity, and continuity, including denied areas, compared to existing non-military digital terrain databases. Until now, the commercial sector had to rely on traditional aeronautical databases relying on NASA’s decades-old Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data, which is very limited. SRTM data lacks detail and resolution in lower altitudes, is often incomplete in many geographic locations and only meets minimum regulatory requirements, presenting end-users with technology that fails to meet the demands of today’s flight operations. According to Jan Widerström, head of


the Avionics Systems business unit at Saab, the database offers unmatched operational and safety advantages that modernise existing as well as future flight decks.


16 /// Aerospace Test & Validation Vol 2 No. 2 “We are proud to be working together


with Vricon to make this significant innovation commercially available and to equip the industry with today’s most advanced aeronautical database technology,” he says. Saab’s technology combines the world’s


largest source of archive satellite data with robust multi-view stereo algorithms. The database delivers 3D elevation data sets with unprecedented accuracy with no ground control points required and with half meter resolution that includes photo-realistic imagery layered on 3D elevations, greatly enhancing a pilot’s situational awareness.


CONSTELLATION IMPROVEMENTS The database developed by Saab and Vricon depends on the quality and accuracy of the imaging information it uses. Currently, there are improvements being made in the satellite constellations that provide that data. This takes the form of both optical and SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) imaging. Two Operators of such satellite


systems, ICEYE and EOS, are implementing innovations to make the data available to the commercial sector as accurate as possible. ICEYE has now developed its purpose built Spotlight imaging mode, which enables 1-meter radar imaging from the company’s satellite constellation to support a variety of uses for both commercial and government applications. The kind of high resolution radar


3D global terrain and elevation data paves the way for improved avionics and synthetic vision systems.


imagery available using the Spotlight mode is particularly useful for distinguishing between small objects and in helping data users classify larger objects with more certainty. Apart from its aviation uses, 1-meter Spotlight radar imagery can also be used for detailed volume monitoring of stockpiles, vehicle count monitoring and oil transshipment monitoring.


HIGHER RESOLUTION Relative newcomer in the industry, EOS, is taking resolution to a higher level with its constellation of SAR micro- satellites. According to the company, its engineers are in advanced stages of the development of a low-cost, high- performance SAR payload for small satellites with ultra-high resolution down to just 25cm. EOS SAR satellites will operate in Stripmap and Spotlight modes (including interferometry) and will cover a wide range of applications. EOS is also considering dual-frequency SAR in X-band and S-band on a single satellite. Dual-band operation increases versatility for all weather imaging and improves object-ground contrast. A special configuration of the radar front end allows for imaging of selected areas in both bands in a single orbit. With such innovations in satellite imaging and the development of commercially available databases, the civilian aviation industry is close to having access to greater advances in flight deck navigation systems.


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