PNNL

Abstract

This paper addresses the conflation problem of integrating/aligning/fusing vector and image data in geospatial products, with special focus on the aspect of bringing a solution to the commercial market. Users of geospatial data in government, military, industry, research, and other sectors have need for accurate displays of information such as roads and other terrain information in areas of interest and operations. Our general approach to vector/raster conflation examines the problem in three activity areas: preprocessing, conflation processing, and postprocessing. We use two well-developed and complementary methodologies with the goal to integrate them into a unified framework for an optimized conflation solution. This research is conducted within an Army SBIR project with the critically important aspect of pursuing a technology transfer and commercialization strategy that would result in a likely pathway for transition into an operational capability. We describe fundamental principles and generalized roles of participants in the commercialization process. Further, we introduce the concept of putting technically sound products to beneficial use through the steps of (i) defining the specific use scenarios and the respective operational/business environment of that use, and (ii) performing product marketing in accordance with use scenarios and the stimulation of related environments. Several sample scenarios are presented, along with operating/business environments, to demonstrate the concept. The approach assesses the technological readiness of the user for a vector/raster product with a view towards application of a more penetrating market analysis that attempts to pinpoint the technology transition opportunities in a complex and ever expanding geospatial data arena.