Spatial Temporal Information Systems: An Ontological Approach using STK / Edition 1

by Linda M. McNeil, T.S. Kelso

Overview

Designed to be a high-level, approachable resource for engineers who need further insight into spatial temporal information systems from an ontological perspective, Spatial Temporal Information Systems: An Ontological Approach using STK® explains the dynamics of objects interaction from signal analysis to trajectory design, spatial modeling, and other spatial analytics by using STK®, which is a general-purpose modeling and analysis application for any type of space, defense, or intelligence system.

Building a foundation to begin the study of spatial temporal information systems, the book details a form of analysis that is a powerful tool for modeling, engineering, and operations of space, cyberspace, satellites, missile defense, and electronic systems. It discusses the many applications of space technologies by using a mission-proven software for timely and cost-effective development that serves public interests in civil, commercial, academic, national, and international space communities. Written for readers with a background in physics or engineering, the book is also designed for the beginning analyst sitting behind a desk who needs more information on STK.

Upon reading this book, STK new users and power users will not only understand what the tools are, but also how the software can be used to make their job easier. In addition, satellite operators and analysts benefit from the ability to utilize a variety of propagators satellite applications. Analytics, semi-analytic and numerical integrators are discussed, including Keplerian orbital elements and full numerical integration of STK’s High Precision Orbit Propagation or simplified as a two-body analysis. This tool, as well as this book, will bring breadth and depth to the understanding of systems dynamics and the ontology of objects in relationship to other objects and vehicles including central bodies.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780367867010
Publisher:	CRC Press
Publication date:	12/12/2019
Pages:	354
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Linda McNeil , MSGIS-PA is currently executive director of the Federation of Galaxy Explorers.Dr. T. S. Kelso is currently a senior research astrodynamicist for the Center for Space Standards and Innovation (CSSI).

Table of Contents

Preface xiii

Acknowledgments xv

About the Authors xvii

Section I The Basics

1 The Basics of Spatial Temporal Information Systems 3

Objectives of This Chapter 3

Introduction 3

Understanding STK Basics 5

The Workflows of STK for Ontological Studies 6

Ontology 8

Delineation between Objects and Tools 9

Exploring the Objects 10

Building Relationships with STK Tools 12

Output 13

Data Providers 13

What to Expect 14

2 Ontology 15

Objectives of This Chapter 15

Defining Ontology 15

The Engineering Workflow 20

Understand the Properties 22

Four Primary Levels of Set Domains 23

The Root Level 23

Basic 24

Object Level 29

Tool Level 31

STK Objects, STK Tools, and Ontology 32

3 The Scenario 33

Objectives of This Chapter 33

The Scenario 33

Starting a Scenario 33

Defining Your Scenario 34

Step 1 Understand the Problem and the Question 35

Step 2 Draw Out the Problem in Sketch Form 36

Step 3 Select and Input Terrain and Imagery 36

Step 4 Input and Refine Objects 37

Step 5 Evaluate Constraints 38

Step 6 Develop and Refine Output, Reports, and Graphs 38

Putting It All Together: Creating a Scenario 38

Section II STK Objects

4 The STK Object 43

Objectives of This Chapter 43

The STK Object 43

Dynamic Interaction within the STK Object 44

Feature Geometry 44

Time Features of the Object 45

Calculations within the Object 45

Using a GIS Shapefile in STK 46

Using the Data Federate 47

The STK Object Instance 48

Basic 48

Basic Attributes in Common 49

2D Graphics 52

3D Graphics 52

Constraints 56

Understanding the STK Object 59

5 Area Targets 61

Objectives of This Chapter 61

Area Target Objects 61

Methods: Countries, US States, and Shapefiles 61

Method: Area Target Wizard 64

Defining Properties 65

Basic Properties 65

2D Graphics Properties 65

3D Graphics Properties 66

Vector 67

Constraints 68

6 Targets, Facilities, and Places 71

Objectives of This Chapter 71

Fixed Point Objects 71

City Database Files 72

STK Facility Database Files 74

The Static Point 77

7 The Moving Object 79

Objectives of This Chapter 79

Moving Objects 79

Spatial Temporal Analytics Using a Time Clock 80

Point, Point Mass, and Vector Geometry 82

Moving Vehicle Propagators 83

Ground Vehicles 84

Aircraft 84

Satellites 85

Launch Vehicles 85

Missiles 85

MTO 86

8 Aircraft 89

Objectives of This Chapter 89

Aircraft Object Overview 89

The Aircraft Object 90

Aircraft Route Propagators 91

Aircraft Mission Modeler 94

Vehicle Translation in AMM 96

9 Satellites 99

Objectives of This Chapter 99

What Is a Satellite? 99

Creating a Satellite in STK 99

Insert Satellite from Database 101

GPS Satellites 102

Orbit Wizard 104

Insert from Saved External Ephemeris File 106

Satellite Objects 106

Satellite Propagation 106

Classes of Propagators 107

Accuracy of Propagators 108

How Data Availability Affects the Choice of a Propagator 110

Configuring Other Satellite Attributes 110

Attitude 110

Eclipse Bodies 111

Pass Break 111

Pass 111

Orbit System 112

10 Advanced Satellites 115

Objectives of This Chapter 115

Astrogator 116

MCS Toolbar 118

Run Button 118

Summary Button 118

Clear Graphics 118

MCS Options 119

Segment Properties 119

MCS 120

Defining Mission Control Segments 120

Initial State 120

Initial State Tool Segment Parameters 123

Spacecraft Parameters and Fuel Tank 123

Launch Segment Parameters 123

Follow Segment Parameters 125

Maneuver Segment 125

Hold Segment 125

Propagator Segment 125

Sequence Segment-Forward and Backward 126

Target Segment 128

Other Astrogator Components 128

11 Child Objects 133

Objectives of This Chapter 133

Child Objects 133

STK Child Object Methods 134

Attaching a Child Object on a Parent Object 135

Sensor Models 137

The Child-of-a-Child Relationship 138

Modeling Communications Equipment with STK Child Objects 138

The Transmitter STK Child Object 139

Transmitter Properties 140

Retransmitter Properties 141

The Receiver STK Child Object 145

Receiver Properties 145

The Antenna STK Child Object 147

STK Communications Components 148

12 Constellations 153

Objectives of This Chapter 153

The Constellation Object 153

Filling a Constellation 153

Constellation Constraint Conditions 155

All Of 156

Any Of 156

At Least N 156

Exactly N 157

None Of 157

Cross Parent 158

Section III STK Tools

13 STK Tools 161

Objectives of This Chapter 161

Tools within STK 161

Tools and Ontologies 162

Tool Classes 164

Ontological Tools 165

Nonontological Tools 166

Time Computations 166

Understanding Light Time Delay 167

14 Access and Deck Access 169

Objectives of This Chapter 169

General Description 169

Access 170

Access Logic 170

Access Using Geometric Ontology 172

Access Defaults and Options 173

Access Global Defaults 173

Local Access Options 175

Advanced Local Access Options 177

Access Data Providers 178

Customization of Data Providers 180

Deck Access 180

15 Chains 183

Objectives of This Chapter 183

Chains 183

Chain Logic 185

Basic 188

2D Graphics 189

3D Graphics 189

Constraints 190

16 Coverage 191

Objectives of This Chapter: 191

Overview of Coverage 191

Coverage Tools 192

STK Object Coverage 193

Attitude Coverage Tool 194

Figure of Merit 194

17 Communications 199

Objectives of This Chapter 199

Signal Communication Basics 199

Access and the Link Budget 202

Chains: Single Hop and Multihop 205

Coverage 207

CommSystems 207

Communication Extensions 208

18 Conjunction Analysis 211

Objectives of This Chapter 211

Conjunction Analysis 211

How Does CAT Work? 212

How to Use CAT 213

Calculating Probability of Collision 215

Real-World Applications 215

19 Nonontological Tools 221

Objectives of This Chapter 221

Overview of Nonontological Tools 221

Vector Geometry Tool 221

Angles 223

Axes 223

Coordinate Systems 224

Planes 224

Point 225

Vectors 225

Custom Vector Geometries 225

Globe Manager 227

Terrain Conversion 227

Calculation and Time Tools 228

Calculation Tool 228

Time Tool with Timeline View 229

Section IV Output

20 Output 233

Objectives of This Chapter 233

STK Ouput 233

Graphs and Reports 234

Data Providers 236

Closing Thoughts on Ontology 238

References 239

Appendix A Plug-in Scripts 245

Appendix B Light Time Delay and Apparent Position 317

Appendix C Flow Diagram for the Transmitter Modulation Settings 327

Index 329

Editorial Reviews

"… the definitive work to guide STK users in maximizing the potential of this powerful spatial temporal information system. The material is well organized, clearly articulated, and superbly illustrates the breadth and depth of this software. This book is the best in its field and STK users from high school to space operations centers will greatly benefit from owning it."
—Nicholas Eftimiades, Kings College London

"McNeil and Kelso move beyond a mere software feature walk and instead take the reader through a guided tour of how to solve specific problems with each of the modules of the tool. … A novice can use this book as a primer to learn the software suite and get exposed to the wide variety engineer problems it addresses. However, even the most experienced user will appreciate the new perspectives on the nuances of the tool and its application that this book provides."
—Hank Grabowski, CTO, Applied Defense Solutions

"… an incredibly comprehensive introduction to using Systems Tool Kit (STK) software for modeling and simulating spatial temporal information systems. … a must-have resource for anyone who wants to learn the basics of STK – from rocket scientists to engineers and students!"
—Paul Graziani, Analytical Graphics, Inc. (AGI)

" the authors have done a very good job highlighting an important study area where ontological representation using STK could be the way forward for the next generation of SpatioTemporal Information Systems.
—R. Dutta, CSIRO Computational Informatics, Hobart in Journal of Spatial Science, 2014

From the Publisher