SOCET for ArcGIS®
SOCET for ArcGIS is BAE Systems' latest software offering for GIS users. Easy to learn and use, it allows the ArcGIS community to exploit stereo imagery for the collection and editing of features, and the input of attributes, all in the user’s familiar ArcMap™ environment. SOCET SET takes care of the image handling behind the scenes. SOCET for ArcGIS is a module for SOCET SET, but users see their familiar ArcMap surroundings and Editor functions, with a stereoscopic window in which the data collection takes place. Everything works in 3D.
SOCET for ArcGIS works with the geodatabase, whether personal or multiuser, and takes care of versioning and topology. SOCET for ArcGIS allows users to benefit from SOCET SET’s rigorous handling of airborne and satellite imagery, but without photogrammetric expertise–it embeds the photogrammetry into ArcMap.
Embedding photogrammetry in GIS
The use of photogrammetry to populate and update GIS databases has always been essential, but has not been easy. Typically feature collection and editing has been performed by specialists using software designed for photogrammetrists, with features being moved to and from the GIS database by translators, with the associated inconvenience and losses of data and quality. SOCET for ArcGIS is the modern, rigorous approach that supersedes this, enabling GIS practitioners who need accurate and complete features to work in the ArcMap environment, with stereoscopic viewing of imagery and full 3D capabilities, while the photogrammetric operations go on behind the scenes.
The SOCET for ArcGIS user need not be a photogrammetrist – the important thing is to understand the features that are needed. A new database can be populated rapidly from the imagery. Also, because the features are superimposed on the stereoscopic view of the imagery, it is easy to check the database for completeness or update an existing database. Most modern geographic information loses value very rapidly unless it is up-to-date, but currency can be maintained easily and cost-effectively through SOCET for ArcGIS.
SOCET for ArcGIS architecture
In order to collect and edit features from imagery for the populating and update of GIS databases, it is necessary to use a rigorous approach, with mathematically correct sensor models linked to display and measurement in a window with stereoscopic viewing.
This is accomplished by SOCET SET, which includes formats and sensor models for an unequalled range of airborne and satellite imagery plus complete capabilities for orientation, triangulation and display of the imagery. The GIS user need only load the imagery, which appears together with a cursor for measurement, in a stereoscopic window within the ArcMap environment. The user can then select the familiar Editor tools in ArcMap (which now work in 3D), including their own tools. There is also the option of switching on SOCET SET’s Sketch tools, which include many functions for 3D collection and editing. In addition, Sketch encompasses a capability for input of attributes, with an automated option that provides amongst the attributes circular error (CE) and linear error (LE) estimates as required by NGA and NATO specifications.
The features, whether collected with ArcMap or Sketch tools, are directly populated in a personal or multi-user geodatabase, via ArcSDE in the latter case, or to 3D shapefiles. Because the user sees the stereo viewport within the ArcMap environment, overlaid on top of the ArcMap canvas, the display is very simple and easy to learn and use. Nevertheless, sophisticated functionality, such as capabilities for versioning and topology, is there behind the scenes.
A very powerful production line can be organized through the use of a single SOCET SET workstation to manage projects, import imagery, and carry out triangulation. The orientated imagery can be distributed to a large group of economical workstations with SOCET for ArcGIS for the feature collection and editing. One photogrammetrist serves a whole team of GIS data collectors and editors.
Key Capabilities
- User sees SOCET SET stereo viewport in ArcGIS environment
- SOCET SET in the background for rigorous handling of imagery from unequalled range of airborne and spaceborne sensors
- SOCET SET takes care of stereoscopic viewing
- ArcMap Editor tools work in 3D
- SOCET SET Sketch 3D feature collection and editing tools available on command, including automatic attribution, with CE and LE statistics to NGA and NATO requirements
- Works with personal or multi-user geodatabase, or 3D shapefiles
- Versioning and topology
- Imagery can be imported and triangulated in one SOCET SET workstation, then distributed to a group of economical SOCET with ArcGIS workstations for low-cost feature collection and editing
- Requires SOCET SET v5.2 or later on the Windows platform and ArcMap 8.3 or later