Common Geospatial Tool Set Programme for MoD
Geospatial consultancy Helyx, UK, has delivered on key objectives in the operational application of the Common Geospatial Tool Set (CGTS) programme being undertaken by Team SPARTA for the UK Ministry of Defence. Helyx is the team’s advisor in Geospatial Information eXploitation (GIX) strategy and is focussed on meeting the operational needs of the end user at all levels.
Under Phase 2 of the programme one of the Helyx-led investigations examined how the vision developed by the research could be achieved in the deployed environment, both in general and specifically for operations in Afghanistan. This resulted in roadmaps that show how a Service Oriented Architecture can be achieved by incremental changes in the current capability, without the need for large, sudden system changes while giving operational benefit at every stage.
Combining a detailed understanding of GIS technology and end user requirements and expectations, Helyx developed a number of simplified user interfaces for non-GIS specialists, delivered as ‘wizards’ and implemented using a services-based approach. The wizards work was informed by an earlier investigation into the detailed requirements for Cross Country Mobility. In Phase 2 Helyx also supported three demonstrations, which achieved interoperability between users, services and data. The demonstrations through the programme lifecycle highlighted the benefits to be gained by adopting common standards, wizards and web services.
Now contracted on Phase 3, Helyx is developing a further two wizards with the potential to be deployed later this year onto DATAMAN, the new geo server developed and built by the Joint Aeronautical & Geospatial Organisation (JAGO) now in service on operations in Afghanistan. In addition to the two new wizards, Phase 3 will deliver technical documentation to guide the future production of wizards so they conform to a common Geospatial User Interface (GUI) and technical architecture, thus enhancing ease of use and maintainability.
