ATAK Civilian ATAK Civilian: Software User Manual 28 July 2021
ATAK Civilian ATAK Civilian: Software User Manual 28 July 2021
ATAK Civilian
Software User Manual
Version: 4.4
28 July 2021
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Contents
ATAK Civilian Overview ....................................................................................... 5
Compass Interactions .......................................................................................................... 6
Compass Interactions (Continued) ................................................................................. 7
Placement ................................................................................................................ 8
Self-Marker .............................................................................................................................. 8
Point Dropper ......................................................................................................................... 9
Point Dropper (Continued) ................................................................................................ 10
Radial Menus........................................................................................................................... 11
Range & Bearing Tool ........................................................................................... 12
Range & Bearing Line........................................................................................................... 12
Range & Bearing Line (continued) .................................................................................. 13
Range & Bearing Circle Tool............................................................................................... 13
Bullseye Tool............................................................................................................................ 14
Route Planning and Navigation ....................................................................... 15
Routes........................................................................................................................................ 15
Routes (continued) ............................................................................................................... 16
Navigation Flag ...................................................................................................................... 17
Red X Tool................................................................................................................. 17
Bloodhound ............................................................................................................ 18
Route Mode ............................................................................................................................. 18
Navigation Mode with Route Mode ............................................................................... 19
Multiple Bloodhound .......................................................................................................... 19
CASEVAC ................................................................................................................... 20
Maps & Favorites.................................................................................................... 21
Saving a Map Layer ............................................................................................................... 21
Saving a Map Layer (continued) ...................................................................................... 22
Bookmarking a Location..................................................................................................... 22
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The first time ATAK is opened, or after a Clear Content, a passphrase is auto-generated to activate data encryption. The user can supply their own pass-
phrase by using Settings > Show All Preferences > Device Preferences > Change Encryption Passphrase. Following this step, the End User License Agree-
ment (EULA) must be accepted. Next, the user will be prompted to allow ATAK to have access to several areas of the device such as its location, pictures,
videos, SMS, etc. The user is then prompted with a TAK Device Setup screen to allow further configuration of ATAK. All changes/imports can always be
updated later. Finally, the user can manually place the Self-Marker if GPS location is not enabled by following the instructions located in the lower right
corner.
The toolbar runs along the top of the map display. The features whose icons form the center portion of the toolbar are discussed in individual sections of
this guide. The three dots at the right of the toolbar provide additional menu items that appear in a drop-down menu. A Long Press on the map will toggle
the toolbar between hidden and visible.
The North Arrow appears in the upper left and is used to con-
trol map orientation. It has two primary modes: North Up/Track
Up (default) and Manual Map Rotation/Lock. While in North Up/
Track Up Mode, single press on the [North Arrow] icon to cycle
between the North Up and Track Up map orientation. Long press
the [North Arrow] to call out the additional controls menu where
the Manual Rotation/Lock and 3D features are available. Select the [Rotation] but-
ton to enter Manual Map Rotation/Lock Mode. When in Manual Map Rotation/Lock
Mode, rotate the map orientation by pressing on the map with two fingers and piv-
oting them in the desired direction. Single press on the [North Arrow] to lock the
screen orientation, signified by the appearance of the lock icon, and again to unlock
the orientation for further adjustment. 3D controls are discussed in a separate section.
Select the [Magnifier] buttons to zoom in or out on the map. The map can also be zoomed by using two fingers on the screen to pinch and spread the
map. Select the [Back] button to center the screen on the Self-Marker or the [Padlock] icon to lock the center of the screen to the Self-Marker. Select the
[Orientation] icon to toggle the screen position between portrait and landscape.
The optional connection widget indicates whether or not the user is connected to a TAK Server. This has a corresponding Android notification that pro-
vides the same information. Toggle this display on at Settings > Network Connections > Network Connections > Display Connection Widget. Alerts and
notifications are displayed in the lower left of the map interface.
The Map Scale displays a 1 inch to X mi/km reference on the map. The scale adjusts with the map when zoomed in and out. Hint windows are available
to alert users to changes or make suggestions about the use of tools the first time they are opened.
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Compass Interactions
The user has several options when interacting with the [North Arrow] compass icon. Tapping on the compass icon cycles between
North Up and Track Up for Map viewing. Selecting North Up keeps the map locked with North always being at the top of the screen.
Track Up allows the map to rotate based on the bearing of the device itself, keeping the Self-Marker
facing north.
Long Pressing the compass opens additional control menus for Manual Orientation and 3D Modes.
Manual Orientation
To place the map into manual orientation, long press on the compass and select the Manual Orientation
control option. Once in the manual orientation mode, touch the screen with two fingers and simultaneously rotate
both fingers and the map will rotate accordingly. To lock the map in its current rotation, tap on the compass again and
the icon will indicate that the map is locked.
3D View
ATAK features 3D viewing of terrain and map items (Elevation Data such as
DTED, Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), Quantized Mesh or other
forms required). To enable 3D view, long press on the [North Arrow] to call out
the additional controls menu and select [3D]. A tilt angle indicator will appear
around the edge of the [North Arrow] when 3D view is active. Touch the screen
with two fingers and simultaneously swipe up or down on the screen to tilt the
view angle. Once the appropriate viewing angle is set, select the [3D Lock] icon to retain this
view while panning the map. While viewing the map from an angle, some map items will appear
raised above the map surface if they have defined elevations.
ATAK also allows the view to tilt to a 90-degree angle. This allows the user to look at a marker/
image from a straight on perspective.
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Once imported, a 3D Model icon will appear on the map. Zoom into the area of the icon until a loading ring appears.
After the loading process has finished, the 3D model will be projected onto the map. Enable the map 3D View and tilt
the view angle to see the 3D modeling. Loaded 3D models will appear as their own category in Overlay Manager and
can be toggled on/off or removed from there.
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Placement
The user can enter locations of interest using the Point Dropper tool. Select the [Point Dropper] icon to place internationally standardized
markers and other icons on the map, edit the data and share the markers with other network members.
Self-Marker
The Self-Marker is displayed as a blue arrowhead at the user’s current location. The options available on the
Self-Marker radial are: Compass Rose, Polar Coordinate Entry, Fine Adjust/Enter Coordinate/MGRS Location, GPS
Error, R&B Line, Custom Threat Rings, GPS Lock to Self, Tracking Breadcrumbs, Place a Marker at the user’s current
location and Details.
Other TAK users appear on the display as a colored circle. The color of the circle represents the user’s Team affiliation, with
additional lettering inside the circle to identify the role the user on the team. Team Member markers that include a diagonal
line indicate that the GPS location is not available. A solid icon indicated that the team member has GPS reception.
Available roles include: Team Member, Team Lead (designated by a TL in the center of the marker), Headquarters (HQ in cen-
ter), Sniper (S), Medic (+), Forward Observer (FO), RTO (R) or K9 (K9). The options available when the user selects another us-
er’s Self-Marker are: Inner Ring – Delete, Polar Coordinate Entry, Fine Adjust/Enter Coordinate/MGRS Location, R&B Line, GPS
Lock on Friendly, Video Player (if available), Communication Options (if configured by that user), Custom Threat Rings, Tracking
Breadcrumbs, and Details. Outer Ring (Communication Options) options include: Data Package, Email, SMS Messaging, TAK Chat
(XMPP), GeoChat, VOIP and Cellular Phone, when available.
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Point Dropper
Selecting the [Point Dropper] icon will open the Point Dropper menu, containing several
icon sets, a Recently Added Points display, and an Icon set Manager button.
The Markers symbology affiliations are: Unknown, Neutral, Red and Friendly. Select the affili-
ation, then a location on the map interface to drop the marker. To add a marker by manually
entering coordinates, long press on the map interface and enter the MGRS location. Change the standard naming conven-
tion by entering values into the custom prefix and index fields or leave blank to use the defaults. If values are entered, the
next marker will be dropped with the prefix name and starting number(s) or letter(s) and every subsequent marker will be
assigned the next consecutive number(s) or letter(s).
The user can select the mission specific icon set to open point options including Waypoint, Sensor or Observation Point
(OP).
The Mission icon set allows the user to place mission specific markers.
Specifically, the Sensor marker allows the user to place a marker and
then modify the Field of View (FOV) directly from the radial. The radial
options are: Fine Adjust, FOV width, FOV range length, Play Video
(if configured), FOV Color, Free Rotate / 3D View, Sensor Details and
Delete.
The user can move between other icon sets by either swiping in the icon set area or selecting the [Icon set Name] field to bring
up the Icon set drop-down.
The Vehicle Models icon set allows the user to place a to-scale 3D mod-
els of the selected icon. The available radial options are: Fine Adjust,
R&B Line, Opacity, Change Heading, Edit, Free Rotate / 3D View, Details
and Delete. If the Edit option is selected, modifications to the model
can be made in the same manner as the Rubbersheet feature. See the
Rubbersheet section for more details. The Free Rotate / 3D View allows
the user to quickly access the map rotation and 3D view of the Vehicle
Model or other objects on the map.
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Select the [Icon set Manager] (gear) button to add or delete icon sets or to set the
default Marker Mapping.
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Radial Menus
Unknown Object Neutral Object Red Object Friendly Object Spot Object
The options available for Unknown Object Markers are: Delete, Polar Coordinate Entry, Fine Adjust/Enter Coordinate/MGRS Location, R&B Line, Lock On,
Tasking, Custom Threat Rings, Tracking Breadcrumbs and Details.
The options available for Neutral Object Markers are: Delete, Polar Coordinate Entry, Fine Adjust/Enter Coordinate/MGRS Location R&B Line, Lock On,
Tasking, Custom Threat Rings, Tracking Breadcrumbs and Details.
The options available for Red Object Markers are: Delete, Polar Coordinate Entry, Compass Rose/Bullseye, Fine Adjust/Enter Coordinate/MGRS Location,
R&B Line, Tasking, Custom Threat Rings, Tracking Breadcrumbs and Details.
The options available for Friendly Object Markers are: Delete, Polar Coordinate Entry, Fine Adjust/Enter Coordinate/MGRS Location, R&B Line, Lock On,
Video, Contact Card, Custom Threat Rings, Tracking Breadcrumbs and Details. The Video radial option will activate if a properly formatted packet that in-
cludes the link to the video feed is included. Select the video radial to open the associated video. The Contact Card can be selected to display additional
communication options, including GeoChat, Email, VoIP, SMS Messaging and Cellular Phone, when available
The options available for Spot Map are: Delete, Fine Adjust/Enter Coordinate/MGRS Location, R&B Line, Nav-To, Custom Threat Rings, Labels and Details.
The options for User Defined Icon sets are: Delete, Polar Coordinate Entry, Fine Adjust/Enter Coordinate/MGRS Location, R&B Line, Lock On, Custom
Threat Rings, Tracking Breadcrumbs and Details.
Select [Details] on the marker radial to make desired modifications, including: Coordinate, Elevation, Name, Type and Remarks. Selecting Marker Type
opens a dialog box with extra categories. File attachments, including images, can be associated with the object by selecting the [Paperclip] icon. Once
all the desired modifications have been made, the Marker can be sent to other network members using [Send]. The information can be broadcast to all
members or sent to specific recipients. Select the [Auto Send] option to broadcast the marker to other TAK users on the network, with updates automat-
ically sent about once every 60 seconds.
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The R&B Line allows the user to calculate the distance between two locations on a map, calculate the distance between an object on the
map and another point on the map, or calculate the distance between a point on the map and the Self-Marker. Select the [R&B Line] icon
on the toolbar to toggle on (green) and off (white). When green, tap a point to measure from or long press to measure from the Self-Marker
to that point. Once the first point or object is selected, tap another point or object from which to measure. Once endpoints are set, the line
is stationary.
Select the [Dynamic R&B Line] icon to begin creating a line that can be moved and repositioned by the user. Tap once to place an endpoint,
then again for the second endpoint. This R&B Line remains unlocked. Touch and drag and endpoint to move it. When the desired location
is established select at the center of the line and use the [Pin] button on the radial menu to lock the bearing line. This pinned R&B Line will
remain after the Dynamic R&B Line is toggled off.
The pinned R&B Line will show the azimuth, distance and depression or elevation degree between the two points. To reposition an anchor point, long-
press on either end of the bearing line, then tap another location. The line will be moved to the new location with an adjusted distance and azimuth.
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Range & Bearing Line Continued
Select the Angle Bearing Units radial to display additional bearing unit options, including Degrees Grid (measured in relation to the fixed grid lines of the
map projection), Mils Grid, Degrees Magnetic, Mils Magnetic, Degrees True or Mils True.
Select the Distance Units radial to display additional distance unit options, including Nautical Miles, Meters/Ki-
lometers or Feet/Miles. If the length of the R&B line is longer than approximately 30km, the line will then follow
the contour of the ground versus being a straight line from one endpoint to the other. To make changes to the
parameters of the line, select the [Details] icon on the radial.
The Elevation Profile option at the bottom of the Details page allows the
user to view the elevation profile for the selected R&B Line. The Elevation
Profile provides information on Max Altitude, Min Altitude, Gain and Loss.
By checking the Show Viewshed checkbox, a viewshed will be shown
along the line. Slide the blue dot left or right to advance the viewshed
along the line. The R&B Line can be sent or broadcast to other users from
the Details menu.
Range & Bearing Tool settings can be customized in Settings > Show All
Preferences > Display Preferences > Unit Display Format Preferences.
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Bullseye Tool
The Bullseye Tool is an additional Range & Bearing option that gives more information than
the standard R&B Line or R&B Circle. The Bullseye provides a circular grid with lines every 30
degrees. The angles can be changed to be either toward the center point or away from the
center point. Range Rings can also be added. The Bullseye can be sent or broadcast to other
users using [Send] from the Details menu.
The Bullseye Radial options are: Delete, Fine Adjust/Enter Coordinate/MGRS Location,
Range Rings, Ingress/Egress, Units and Details.
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Routes
The Routes Tool allows users to quickly create, view and modify routes. Select the [Routes] icon to list
existing routes, create new routes, import routes, sort, export, delete routes and search for routes. For
an individual route, the user can view the details, send, navigate to, edit, reverse or delete the selected
route. If the [Show All] box in the lower right is unchecked, only routes that are visible in the current
map screen will be listed.
Select the [Import] icon to import a route in one of two ways: either from a file or from a line on the
map. Select [Import From File] to navigate to the location of the saved routes (in KML or GPX for-
mat) and select the desired route. The saved route will be imported and displayed on the map and
will be listed in the Overlay Manager under the Navigation category. Select [Import from map] to
select a line present on the map and have it converted into a route. Examples of lines that can be
used include a drawing tool polyline, a drawing tool telestration line or a line within a KML overlay.
To create a new route, tap on [+], select the route type, and follow the
onscreen instructions. Select a location on the map to make it part of the
route or long press to create Check Points along the route. Select [Draw] to manually create a route segment by using a finger
drag motion on the map.
Once the [End] button is selected, the route details window opens. Within the Details window,
the user can choose to navigate to the route by selecting the [GO] button, change the color of
the route, change the route details and modify the check points.
The Route Details may be changed by selecting the field next to the Color button. The user can
change the method of movement (driving, walking, etc.); Infil or Exfil; Primary or Secondary, and
Ascending or Descending Check Points.
The user can modify check points as follows: Rename, Add Cues, Align (only available when us-
ing a route alignment plug-in) or Delete. To rename the check point, select the current check
point and a Rename window will appear. After changing the name, select [Done]. To add a
cue to a check point, select the box to the right of the distance column. The Cues window will
appear and a preset cue may be selected or a custom cue may be entered. When the desired
cue is added, select [OK].
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Routes (continued)
At the bottom of the route details screen, the user has options to Send, Export, Edit, View the Elevation Profile,
and view/modify Route Preferences. When the send option is selected, the route may be sent to selected recip-
ients on the network or broadcast to all available recipients. The route can be exported to a file in either KML or
GPX format. This file will be located in the “/atak/export” folder.
The Elevation Profile icon is also available to allow the user to view the
elevation profile for that route. The Elevation Profile provides information
on Total Distance, Maximum Altitude, Minimum Altitude, Gain and Loss.
If the Show Viewshed checkbox is checked, a viewshed will appear on the
route and trace the route as the Elevation Profile blue dot is moved along
the graph.
The Route Tool offers two different sets of radial options depending on which portion of the route has been selected. If a line segment
is selected, the radial options include: Clamp to Ground, Label, Navigation, Edit, Details and Delete.
If a point is selected, the radial options include: R&B Line, Edit, Navigation, Enter Coordinate and Details. Enter Co-
ordinate has been added to the route point radial to allow users to quickly alter the position and elevation of check points, within a
route, without having to enable editing mode first.
Route navigation can be initiated by selecting the route’s navigation radial option or by selecting the route’s [Navigation] icon in the
Routes listing. Navigation information will appear in the top left corner. If a cue has been established, when the user
gets close to a check point, the cue for that check point will be displayed; if the volume is turned up, the cue will be
audible. Voice Cues can be turned off by selecting the [Mute] icon. The user can collapse the displayed cue to provide
more screen space. The arrow buttons on either side of the navigation information allows the user to move forward
to the next check point or move back to the previous check point. Selecting the [x] will end navigation.
When navigating a route and titled in 3D mode, a 3D billboard feature can be enabled to pop up an
image associated with a marker. As the user approaches a marker with an attached image, the image
associated with that marker will pop up, once the user is within the defined billboard render distance.
The image remains displayed until the user has travelled past the marker.
The user can modify the default distance for the images to appear by changing the preference located
in Settings > Tool Preferences > Route Preferences > Billboard Render Distance. The billboard feature
can also be turned off by toggling the Settings > Tool Preferences > Route Preferences > Show Attach-
ment Billboards.
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Navigation Flag
Selecting the [Quick Nav] icon allows the user to begin navigation (a bloodhound) to any point, object or route on the map. A pairing
line is drawn and navigation information is displayed in the lower left portion of the screen. Estimated time to the next check point, speed
and distance to the next check point are updated as the user moves. See the Bloodhound section in this document for more information.
Red X Tool
The Red X Tool provides a quick way for discerning coordinate and elevation
information of a point on the map. Additionally, the tool can create a Range &
Bearing line from the Self-Marker (or other object) to the X. Select the [White
X] on the toolbar to toggle the Red X tool into a movable state. The icon will
turn red with a red dot denoting that each time the map is tapped, the Red
X will move to that location. When the icon on the toolbar is tapped again,
the Red X is pinned to its current location. The icon stays red, but the red
dot disappears. The widget in the upper right of the screen shows pertinent
location information. Long press the [Red X] icon on the toolbar to disable
the tool.
Selecting the [Red X] will open the radial. The options available are: Delete, R&B Line-to-self, Compass, Fine Adjust/Enter Coor-
dinate/MGRS Location, R&B Line and Place a Marker.
Note: The Red X is not persistent. When ATAK is closed and then reopened, the Red X will no longer be present.
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Bloodhound
The Bloodhound Tool provides support for tracking and intercepting a map item. It allows the user to select two points on the map and/
or map objects and display range & bearing information between the chosen tracker and the target.
Select the [Bloodhound] icon to open the Bloodhound Tool. A window will open, prompting the user to choose where to start by tapping
the [From Reticle] (default = user’s Self-Marker) and where to bloodhound (track) to by tapping the [To Reticle].
Targets include map objects like other User’s Self-Markers, DPs, Markers, Shape center points, Range & Bearing end-
points and any other map objects. If the user selects a map location instead of an object as the target, Bloodhound will
place a waypoint marker there. The Self-Marker will then track towards the waypoint. Select [OK] and Bloodhound will
be activated.
If either point moves, the green widget in the lower left will show
the updated information. As the tracking object begins to navigate toward the target, the Esti-
mated Time of Arrival (ETA) will update accordingly.
The green line showing the direct path from the tracker to the target will flash when the user-de-
fined ETA outer threshold is reached (default = 6 minutes from target). The line will flash as the
tracker continues toward the target until the next ETA threshold is reached (default = 3 minutes).
The line will turn a flashing yellow until the final ETA threshold (default = 1 minute) is reached. The
line then flashes red until the target is reached.
Colors and thresholds can be modified in Settings > Tool Preferences > Bloodhound Preferences.
Route Mode
By selecting the [Route Mode] icon in the bottom left corner of the screen when the Bloodhound Tool is active, the user can turn on Route Mode.
Once the [Route Mode] icon has been selected, the user will be prompted to select an installed route planner (that come
bundled with plug-ins such as VNS), and to configure the different rout-
ing options available for that planner.
Once the route planner has been configured and [Done] is selected,
the Bloodhound’s Range & Bearing line will become a route. This will
update periodically (the default is 1 second) to determine if the route from the start map item to
the end map item needs to be calculated. This will occur when either the start or the end map item
is a pre-configured distance away from the calculated route (the default is 150 meters). Both of
these settings can be changed in the Bloodhound preferences.
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Multiple Bloodhound
To create multiple bloodhounds, selecting the Range and Bearing Tool and select the [R&B
Line] icon. Select two markers on the map and once the R&B line is created, select the line
to bring up the radial. Select the [Bloodhound] radial, and the bloodhound information
will be displayed on the R&B Line itself.
If either point moves, the Bloodhound information shown on the R&B Line will be updated.
As the tracking object begins to navigate toward the target, the Estimated Time of Arrival
(ETA) will update accordingly.
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CASEVAC
The casualty evacuation CASEVAC tool is used to denote any casualties/injuries in the field. The CASEVAC tool
follows Appendix G of the JFIRE 2016 publication and can be used for either CASEVAC or the more restrictive
MEDEVAC.
The user can drop a CASEVAC by selecting the [CASEVAC] icon in the menu and placing its
marker on the map. CASEVAC radial options include: Delete, Bloodhound, Fine Adjust/Enter
Coordinate/MGRS Location, R&B Line and Details.
When the CASEVAC Details window is opened, the user may fill out the nine lines of information. The user can also add a
ZMIST (ZAP number, Mechanism of Injury, Injury Sustained, Symptoms and Signs, Treatment Given) report and/or a Helo
Landing Zone (HLZ) brief. Once the user has entered all the applicable information, the CASEVAC may be sent to available
users by selecting [Send].
Multiple ZMIST reports can be associated to one CASEVAC. This can be performed by selecting [ADD] next to the initial
ZMIST heading and section. A ZMIST report can also be deleted by selecting the [Delete] icon. ZMIST submenus contain
hotkeys for common entries and allows for text entries for nonstandard conditions.
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The user can choose to create a new tileset or add to an existing one. Enter the name to be ap-
plied to the selected layers and select [OK]. A status indicator will appear to show the download
progress. Cancel a download-in-process by clicking the [Cancel] button.The user can toggle be-
tween Online and Local map layers. When [Local] is selected, a listing of the downloaded Imagery
layers in the current map interface appears. The local layers are listed in order beginning with the
area closest to the map center. Select the [Outline] checkbox to toggle the outline around layers
on or off. When the user selects a layer from the list, map source data corresponding to that down-
loaded layer will be used as the source for map data.
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If [Show All] is checked, all the layers are shown. Otherwise, only layers that are visible
in the current map screen will be displayed. Imagery based map products (e.g., MrSID,
GeoTIFF, NITF) that are placed in the atak/imagery folder will appear under the IMAGERY
tab when ATAK is restarted. To view the list of supported products, select Settings > Sup-
port > ATAK Dataset Instructions.
Bookmarking a Location
To save the current view and displayed imagery, select the [FAVS] tab and tap [Add Current View]. The user
will be prompted to name the view, which will be saved along with its coordinates and the map source that
was used. Selecting a view in the FAVS listing will pan the map to that location and transition the map source to
match the one used in the saved view. The Favorite view can be sent to other TAK users.
WFS Imagery can also be added by selecting the right arrow at the bottom of the Maps & Favorites Mobile tab to expand the Map Source option, select-
ing the [+] and then entering a WFS Imagery Service URL. After querying the service, the user will then be presented with a list of available Imagery sets.
The user can select which services to Import and then select [OK].
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Overlay Manager
Overlay Manager sorts map objects, files and overlays into categories and subcategories. Select the
[Overlay Manager] icon to bring up the list of categories. These include: Teams by color, Alerts, Markers,
Data Packages, Navigation, Shapes, Hashtags, Elevation Data, Map Controls, as well as other file types.
Selecting a category will open a detailed listing of the items available in that category. The available items
within each category are annotated on the menu entry, allowing the user to reference sub-menu content.
When a displayed item in a specific category is selected, the map view will
pan to that item and its radial will display.
Users may turn visibility of any category on and off through the circular radio
buttons. When the circle appears green, the corresponding layer objects are
visible. A half-filled circle indicates that the subcategory has some, but not
all, objects visible. A hollow circle corresponds to layer that is not visible. The
objects in a category can be sorted alphabetically or by proximity to the Self-Marker.
If the [Show All] checkbox is left unchecked, Overlay Manager will filter map
items listed based on the current map view.
Additional filters can be applied to the Markers category. Currently available filters include Auto Send and Self Au-
thored. The Auto Send filter will only show markers that have the Auto Send feature enabled. The Self-Authored filter
will show only markers created on the local device and exclude all markers received from other TAK contacts.
To apply a filter, select [Filters] to open the filter dialog, select a filter to activate it, then select [OK].
To deactivate a filter, select it a second time.
The user may search the available overlays by selecting the [Search] icon in the main Overlay Manager toolbar. Select
specific categories of overlays to narrow the search results.
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Hashtags and Sticky Tags
Hashtags and Sticky Tags can be added to map items to aid the user in catorgizing and
searching items.
Select the [#] icon to the right of the [+] to open the Sticky Tags dialog. Enter a name and select [+] to
add that sticky tag to all subsequently placed map items. More than one sticky tag may be added. To
discontinue adding a particular Sticky Tag to subsequent items, select the Trashcan associated with the
sticky tag and then select [Done].
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Multi-Select Export & Delete
The user can export an existing overlay to a file or directly to additional users for use in other applications.
Select the [Multi-Select Action] icon, select [Export], choose a file format and then select each category of
overlays that should be included in the export file. The user can also select [Previous Exports] to send to
other users.
After the selections have been made, select [Export] to open the Enter Filename in-
terface. Enter the desired file name and select [Export] to create the file. A dialog will
open notifying the user the file has been exported. Select [Done] to save the file or select
[Send] to a TAK Contact, TAK Server or an application.
Elevation Data
ATAK will, by default, download DTED0 elevation data if the device was not provisioned with elevation data. To disable the
default preference, uncheck [Stream Elevation Data] in Settings > Tool Preferences > Elevation Overlays Preferences.
To view the area of coverage, select Overlay Manager > then toggle
the Elevation Data radio button. The yellow grids indicate where the
DTED0 data has been downloaded.
Note: If the user has multiple streaming sources of elevation data con-
figured (i.e. DTED0 and Quantized Mesh), DTED0 takes precedence
when querying elevation data.
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File Editing
The user can edit the color and thickness of file overlays (Shapefiles, KMZ, DRW, etc). The user selects the edit
icon from the listing to begin the process. This displays the options to change the thickness or color of the lines.
Map Controls
The user can control different aspects of the map by using Map Controls in the Overlay Manager. Options include the ability
to enhance visualization of depth when looking straight down in 2D mode with the Enhanced Depth Perception option, the
ability to enable or disable Lollipop Visibility when Tilted in 3D mode and the ability to use a slider to change the Map Imagery
Transparency.
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Radio Controls
Select the [Radio PRC-152-A is a Harris voice and data radio, this enables point-to-point and
Controls] icon to ac- displays the coordinates of the 152-A SA Radio. Note the text will state
cess controls for the whether the device is supported. Harris Soft KDU is a keypad display unit to
currently supported access the Harris radio controls.
ATAK radios. ISRV (Rover) is capable of video downlink from aircraft to ground through a
TacRover and TacRover-E.
PRC-152 Connection
Connect to a PRC-152 Harris Radio and select the configure icon on the Radio Controls menu.
The Cable Configuration window will display allowing to user to choose the appropriate cable
configuration.
A description of each cable and the radio’s hardware interface is provided and the user must
select [OK] to exit the cable configuration selection menu.
Slide the [OFF] button to [ON] in the PRC-152 section to begin connecting. Once a connection
is established, point-to-point protocol communication is available and indicated on the Radio
Controls menu. Other radios on the same network will appear on the map once squelched.
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Rover Controls
Slide the [OFF] button to [ON] in the ISRV (Rover) section to begin connecting through an Ethernet connection. ATAK
scans through frequencies to establish an active feed. When the connection is established, the antenna icon will turn from
gray to green and will indicate that it is connected.
Select the [Rover] menu item to open the Rover Controls menu. The Status field will indicate the device connection status
and the current waveform. The waveform can be changed by accessing the Frequency Scan menu. The user can change
the Frequency or Module/Channel (DDL) from the Rover Controls menu, as well as entering the Settings menu, launching the
web configuration page for the Rover device, and watch the video. The preset can be added through this interface as well. Set-
ting the Module and Channel will automatically change the waveform to DDL. The [Recently Used] and [+] buttons have been
added to save hand jammed frequencies and DDL, for quicker viewing capability. Tap [+] to add a channel to the recently used
list. Video frequencies and DDL information will not automatically be added it to the list.
The user may manually change the frequency by tapping the current frequency en-
try or by opening the Scan Frequency Range Menu by selecting the [Scan] button.
The user can change the frequency by entering a [Start Freq Code] and [End Freq
Code] and selecting [OK]. ATAK will scan all available frequencies within the estab-
lished range. The user can select [Next] on the Rover Controls menu to advance to
the next available stream in the range. Tap the [Waveform] drop-down to open the
menu of available waveforms and select the desired waveform from the list. Ad-
ditionally, the user may choose between L-Band, S-Band, C-Band Low and C-Band
high, Ku-Band Low, Ku-Band Low(2) and Ku-Band High.
Select the [Settings]
icon to access the Rov-
er Configuration set-
tings. Options are available to initiate
Select the
the Web-based Configuration for the
[Watch] icon
Rover device in a web browser, Ping
to view a vid-
Radio, Initiate Test Video, engage the
eo stream.
Raw Video Recorder and Advanced
Options.
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Select the [+] icon in the Data Package Tool to create a new Data Pack-
age. Choose the selection method; Map Select, File Select, Overlays or
Lasso to add items to the Data Package. The Map Select option allows
the user to select one or more items on the map to be included in the
Data Package. The File Select option allows the user to navigate the file
browser and select one or more files to be included in the Data Package.
The Overlays option allows the user to select categories or individual items from the Overlay Manager to be included in the Data Package.
The Lasso option allows the user to draw a lasso around the items on
the map to be included in the Data Package. External Native Data items
(such as the map source) are also included with the Lasso. The user can
modify the items that have been selected with the Lasso and remove
any unnecessary items. Select [Done] or [Select] with Lasso when fin-
ished, then choose to either create a new Data Package or add the items
to an existing Data Package.
When the user adds to a Data Package, a red asterisk will appear on the Data Package name to indicate that the user should save the Data Package. Select
the [Save] icon to save the changes.
The information under the package name includes the callsign of the user who created the data package and number of items in the data package.
Select the name of the Data Package to view the included items. Toggle the visibility radio button to control data package content visibility on the map
interface.
When done with modifications, select the [Send] icon to open a list of options for sending the Data Package including
TAK Contact, TAK Server or another application. If the package size is larger the value set in preferences, the size shown
in the package list will be changed to red and will not be allowed to be sent. The threshold size may be changed in
Settings > Tool Preferences > Data Package Control Preferences.
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When the [Delete] icon is selected, the user will be prompted to remove or leave the contents of the
Data Package on the map interface.
Select the [Download] icon to access an existing Data Package from a TAK Server.
Select the [Transfer Log] icon on the Data Package Tool menu to view the file transfer log of im-
ported and exported data packages. The Data Package Tool can be customized in Settings > Tool
Preferences > Data Package Control Preferences.
Select the [Multi-Select Action] icon to export or delete multiple Data Packages via the Overlay Manager.
Select the [Search] icon to locate a desired Data Package in the listing.
An existing Data Package can be modified by either selecting the [+] icon
and following the same steps as above. Select the Data Package listing
name and then select the [Edit] icon to change the name or add remarks
or hashtags.
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Contacts
The Contacts list includes a variety of ways in which a user may communicate with other users. A default communication type (shown in the
last column) may be selected and used until another type of communication is selected.
There are several ways within the Contact Tool to filter the contact list. The first allows the user to only see contacts that use a specific communication
type. Select the arrow next to the word “Contacts” at the top of the list window. A window will open showing all of the types of communication, such as
Data Packages, GeoChat (built-in Chat capability), Email, Phone, SMS, VoIP and XMPP. Choose one of these so that all contacts without that type avail-
able are filtered out of the contacts list. Note: if the type chosen is not the default for a user, the type can be accessed through their radial.
Options located at the top right of the window available for all of the different communication types include
Favorites, Sorting and Searching. To add a contact to Favorites, select the [Star] icon, select the [+] icon, then
select [Add].
Select [Sort] icon to sort contacts. The sort type will change with each tap of the icon. The types will rotate between alphabetically, by
status, by unread messages or by distance.
Select the [Search] icon to search for a specific contact. As the search criteria is entered, any contacts that meet the criteria will
begin to appear.
The Contacts list also has two filters available at the bottom of the screen. The Unread Only box,
when checked, will display only contacts with whom there are unread message waiting. When
unchecked (default), all available contacts are displayed. The [Show All] box, when checked (de-
fault), will display all contacts regardless of their location. When unchecked, only contacts that are
visible on current map screen will be displayed.
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Contacts (Continued)
Profile cards (accessed by selecting the second to last column) are available for each contact containing additional information about that contact
including: 1) Role, software type and version installed, node type, default connector, last reported time, battery life, 2) Location information and 3)
Available types of communication.
If a parent group is being created, no contacts need to be added at this level. To add a nested
group, select the parent group, select the [Add Group] icon to create the name of the sub-
group and add contacts. Groups may be managed using the options to add / delete contacts
or to add / delete GeoChat groups.
To add users to a group, select the [Groups] line (not the com-
munications button), then select the name of the group to add
users. Select the [Add Users] icon. A window will open allowing
the group creater to add users to the selected group. Select the
[Add] button when all the users to be added are checked.
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GeoChat Messaging
If the user specifies the GeoChat (built-in Chat capability) communication from the drop-down at the upper left, group
and person-to-person messaging is filtered. In addition to the toolbar options that are available with other communication
types: Favorites, Sorting and Searching, the GeoChat communication type also has a History option ([Clock] icon). If the
History option is selected, chat history with the selected contact is displayed.
To view messages from or send messages to an individual, select the desired contact’s [Communication] icon.
Select [All Chat Rooms] to view all messages from or send messages to those present on the network and TAK Server.
Other groups available for viewing or sending messages are: Forward Observer, Groups, HQ, K9, Medic, RTO, Sniper, Team
Lead, and Teams. If the user’s current role is Forward Observer, HQ, K9, Medic, RTO, Sniper or Team Lead, that user can view
or send messages to all other contacts with the same role. If a GeoChat message is sent from the top level of Teams, it will be sent to all contacts, similar
to All Chat Rooms.
When a sub-Team is chosen, messages can only be sent to the user’s active (My Team) team color. When a parent group is
chosen, messages are sent to all members of the parent group, as well as all of the sub-groups. When a sub-group is cho-
sen, messages are sent only to members of the sub-group. Individuals or groups listed within GeoChat may be removed
from the Contacts menu by toggling off their visibility in Overlay Manager.
Selecting in the [Free Text Entry] area will bring up an onscreen keyboard.
At the bottom of the Chat area are pre-defined messages that may be used
to quickly create a message to send. Select the current menu button to scroll
through the eight different menus of pre-defined mes-
sages, including: DFLT1, DFLT2, ASLT1, ASLT2, JM1, JM2,
RECON1 and RECON2. These pre-defined messages
present an easy way to transmit a brief message to
other network members concerning position or other
important communication. The messages may be changed by long pressing on the button and
changing its label and corresponding text.
Selecting the [Pan To] icon, located at the top right of the call sign in an individual chat, will pan the map interface to that user’s location.
A numbered red dot will appear on the [Contacts] icon when a message has been
received successfully. The number denotes the number of unread messages that
have been received. Select this icon to view the contact list. The username who sent
the message will appear with a numbered red dot next to their name. Alternatively, the text of the message can be read by dragging down
from the top to see the Android notifications window. This notification will only stay available for a short time.
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Newer TAK servers can hold messages sent to disconnected users and deliver the messages the next time the offline user reconnects
to the server.
To configure encryption, navigate to Settings > Show All Preferences > Network Preferences > Network Connection Preferences > Configure AES-256
Mesh Encryption.
Select the [Generate Key] button to create an encryption key, then enter the desired file name. The encryption key
is saved in the atak/config/prefs folder and can be added to a Data Package to be shared with other users (prior
to enabling encryption on the device) or can be preloaded onto the devices. At the time the key is generated, the
user has the option to load the key immediately.
To load an encryption key, select the [Load Key] button and navigate to the location of the key file. Select
the [Forget Key] button and revert to unencrypted traffic.
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Video Player
Select the [Video Player] Options for the video player include: viewing video snapshots, adding a
icon to open the Video new video alias, downloading an alias from the TAK Server, selecting the
player. The Video Player Multi-Select Action option to either Export or Delete aliases or searching for
supports playing video a specific alias.
streams from IP cameras, Rover5 and
H.264 encoders. The menu allows the Select the desired listed video alias or file name to begin playing the stored
user to add, edit, delete, play or send or streaming video. The video will display half the width of the screen.
videos to other network members.
To view a video at full screen, slide the pull bar. To return to half screen,
slide the pull bar back to the right.
To add a stored video file, select the [Import Manager] icon, select [Local SD], and navigate to the video file and select
[OK] to add the video to the list of available videos. The user can also manually place video files in atak\tools\videos\ to
be listed after ATAK is restarted. When a video is playing at half width, slide the pull bar to the right to hide the video but
maintain the connection. Slide the pull bar to the left to unhide the video. The status of the video player is reflected in
the main Android toolbar located at the top of the screen.
Select the [Snapshot] icon to save the current frame of the video as a JPEG image file, the icon will flash green
to indicate that the snapshot has occurred. The file will be saved in \atak\tools\videosnaps.
The user can view the saved snap shots by selecting the [Video Snapshots] icon. The user has the option of
sorting the images by time taken or by the name of the snapshot. The user can also search within the snap-
shots taken by their name. By selecting an image, the image will be displayed within the window.
The user will have the options of cycling though the images, [Send] to a TAK user, or edit in [Image Markup]. (Image
Markup must be installed.)
If a live UDP or appropriately formatted RTSP stream is being viewed, it can be recorded by selecting the [Record] icon. The icon will change
to a green square while recording. Select the [Green Square] to end the recording. The recordings are saved in \atak\tools\videos\.
Note: This is only available for UDP streams.
To close the video player, select the [X] located at the bottom right corner of the video player or select the [Back] button.
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Enter the necessary information for the selected stream type: Stream Type (UDP, RTSP, RTMP, RTMPS,
TCP, RTP, HTTP, HTTPS, RAW, SRT) along with the necessary streaming information including, IP address
(leave IP address blank to listen on the local IP), Port Number, Alias Name, Network Timeout, Buffering and Buffer
Time. Selecting buffering along with a buffer time will provide a small amount of buffering of input video flow to
help smooth video streams. Adding buffering will increase latency. When the necessary information is entered,
select [Add].
A video alias can also be added to a [Sensor Point] from the [Mission Specific] icon pallet within the Point
Dropper Tool. After the user adds the URL and FOV to the details window of the Sensor Point, the video can
be viewed. This Sensor Point can be sent to other users when provided with the URL and FOV.
Viewing KLV
If a video includes associated metadata, an option will be available to view a
representative SPI or CoT Marker. These markers indicate the map location of
the sensor at the corresponding time viewed within the video player.
The SPI marker will indicate the center of view corresponding to that sensor
as the video plays. The user may zoom to the SPI or CoT Marker by selecting
the [Zoom To] icon on the video controls, or may lock to an SPI by selecting
the SPI on the map and selecting the [Lock] icon on the radial.
Note: This functionality is only available for live streams in UDP format if the
KLV data is available as well.
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Go To
Select the [Go Select from the [MGRS] (military grid reference system), [DD]
To] icon to en- (decimal degrees), [DM] (degrees - minutes), [DMS] (degrees-min-
ter details and utes-seconds), [UTM] (Universal Transverse Mercator) or [ADDR]
navigate to a specific loca- tabs on the Go To interface and enter the location data of interest.
tion on the map.
The user can enter the Latitude, Longitude and Elevation in the space provid-
ed for MGRS, DD, DM or DMS searches. If DTED is installed, the elevation val-
ue can be automatically populated by tapping the [Pull From DTED] button.
The user can select a desired marker type (spot, unknown, neutral, hostile, or
friendly) to be placed at the entered coordinates. If [No Point] is selected, the
map will pan to the location but will not add a point.
The user can also enter an address and drop a marker or zoom to the entered
location. If the [Add Address] box is checked, the marker that is placed on
the map will be labeled with the address instead of the default label.
The address lookup provider used for the ADDR tab can be configured in
the Settings > Tool Preferences > Address Lookup Preferences. The address
provider name appears beneath the Elevation Data when the user selects
the ADDR tab.
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Drawing Tools
The Drawing Tools Icon allows the user to create different shapes and/or telestrate on the map. The
Radial menu options available on enclosed shapes are: Delete, Fine-Adjust, Labels, R&B Line, Free
Rotate / 3D View, Geo Fence, Edit and Details. The Delete, Fine Adjust, R&B Line and Details radial op-
tions behave in the same manner as other map objects. The Labels option offers the user the ability to
toggle on/off a label that is associated with the shape, it will either display that
shape’s dimensions or name. The Free Rotate / 3D View (eye icon) radial option
allows map rotation and to view in 3D mode. A green eye will appear on the
left side of the screen and as the map is rotated, the degrees of rotation are also
displayed and updated. If the user taps on the green eye on the left, the feature
will be turned back off. The Geo Fence Tool allows users to create a virtual fence
that triggers entry/exit notifications based on its assigned parameters. The Edit
option can be used to re-adjust and make additional changes to the shape, as needed. In addition to
the standard configuration options that are present in the Details window, the area of the shape is cal-
culated and displayed here as well.
Create a Shape
To add a Circle, select the [Circle] icon, select a location to place the cen-
ter point and tap another location for the radius. Select the circle and
select [Details] on the radial menu to change the name, radius, number
of rings, color, opacity, line thickness, addition location information, add
a height, a remark or to send/broadcast the circle information to others. Selecting
any point of the circle on the map, will open the circle radial menu. To edit the circle,
select the [Edit] icon. Long press the center point to move the circle or long press the
edge to resize. Select [Undo] to reverse changes or select [End Editing] to save the
changes.
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To add a Free Form shape, select the [Free Form] icon and then select a location
to place the first vertex for the shape; continue to tap to add vertices. Select the
initial vertex to close the shape or select [End Shape] to form an open shape.
Select the [Undo] button to remove the links in sequence. Select the free form
shape on the map and select [Details] on the Radial Menu to change the coordinate of shape
center point, coordinate type, name, color, opacity, line thickness, add a height, add a remark,
and to send/broadcast the shape information to others. Note that an open shape’s center point
cannot be changed.
Note: An open shape’s center point cannot be changed.
Selecting any point of the shape on the map, will bring up the free form radial. Note that Fine Adjust is not active for this shape. To edit the shape, select
the [Edit] icon on the radial. Drag a vertex of the shape or long press a line to add a vertex. Select [Undo] to reverse changes or select [End Editing] to
save the changes.
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Telestrate
Select the [Telestrate] icon to access the Telestrate tool- Selecting the
bar. Selecting the [Telestrate] icon enables and disables Color Selection
map scrolling by turning telestration on or off. When Te- icon will open
lestrate is toggled on, the user is able to free form draw the Choose Te-
manually or with a stylus. Select [Undo] to reverse the most recent lestration Color
activity. Selecting [End], ends the current telestration session saving menu. The user may choose a provided
all activity as a single Multi-Polyline and returns the user to the main color or select [Custom] to customize
Drawing Tools menu. Selecting a telestration on the map open the radi- a color using the Choose Custom Color
al menu. Options available are Delete and Details. Select [Details] on interface.
the radial menu to change the name, add a height; change, delete or
add lines, adjust line thickness or send/broadcast to others.
3D Shapes
All shape types with heights can be rendered as 3-dimensional objects when the map is in 3D Mode.
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Geofencing
The Geo Fence tool allows users to create a virtual fence that triggers entry/exit notifications if map items of interest
cross the virtual boundary lines. The Geo Fence options are added to the existing drawing tools. After a shape has
been added, the Geo Fence Tool can be accessed either by selecting the [Geo Fence] icon from the menu items or
selecting it from the radial. The Geo Fence radial option will be highlighted when a Geo Fence
has been added to a shape. The Enabled Field slider will move to Tracking by default when
a new Geo Fence window is created. Toggle the slider between Tracking and Off to enable/
disable the Geo Fence. Use the Trigger field to define which types of Geo Fence breach to
monitor. Choose between Entry, Exit or Both. Use the Monitor field to define which entities
the Geo Fence will track.
Choose between TAK Users, Friendly, Hostile, Custom or All. Check the [Specify
Elevation] box to enable the Elevation field, where elevation boundaries for the
entities being tracked can be defined. Select the [OK] button to finish creating
the fence. Select the [Send] button to create the fence and
send it to another user. Select [Delete] to close the Create
Geo Fence window and discard changes.
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Quick Pic
Select the [Quick Pic] icon to access the Android device’s camera or another camera application. After taking a pic-
ture, the user may [Discard] a picture or [Save] it. Saving the picture opens a map view with a camera icon present at
the user’s location and attaches the image to the camera marker. The user has the ability to send, mark-up the image
(if the Image Markup application has been installed and loaded), add overlay metadata onto the image or pan-to
the Quick Pic marker on the map.
Select the Quick Pic marker to activate its radial. Options include:
Delete, R&B line, Image View and Details. Selecting image view al-
lows the user to view the image along with
the marker and the approximate field of view
of the still image. The image can also be ac-
cessed by selecting [Details], the [Paperclip]
icon and then selecting the image thumbnail.
Gallery
The integrated Gallery Tool allows the user to view media at-
tachments. The marker attachments are shown on the right
side of the screen. The user can add a caption to the image by
opening the thumbnail in the gallery and tapping the line at
the top of the image.
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Track History
The device’s GPS can be used to track movements with the Track History tool. These tracked paths can be
exported to a TAK server, to a route or to a KML, KMZ, GPX or CSV file. A GPS position must be established
before tracking can begin.
Selecting the [Track History] icon will open Track Details for the current active track.
The track title, color and style can be modified. Initiate a new track by selecting the
[Add Track] icon. Accept or edit the default track name and select the [OK] button to
begin the new track. User location data is recorded as breadcrumbs in a new track file.
Track Search
Use the Track Search function to view track information that has been previously saved locally or on a TAK Server. The tool
searches the track database for matches against the specified time range and by user callsign. Matching tracks are displayed
as a list, and can be selected to view on the map interface.
When viewing the track list, the Track History Toolbar will appear at the top of the screen. The options include [Add a
Track], [Multi-select], [Track Search], [Clear Tracks] and [Exit]. The Track History List allows the user to select tracks
of other users that have been saved on their device. The Track Search – Local Device allows the user to perform a
tailored search for tracks meeting their criteria. The searching option allows the user to retrieve all the tracks on the
device.
The Track History Breadcrumb and Settings can be configured in the Settings > Tools Preferences > Track History Preferences.
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The Digital Pointer (DP) button allows the user to place an indicator on the map. If other team members are on the same network, the DP
marker will automatically be sent to them as a notification message. The DP icon will autosend to all other users’ maps with a line to the
user’s marker that set the DP.
Selecting the user’s own DP opens a radial menu, allowing the user to Delete, Fine Adjust, R&B Line to
Self-Marker, R&B Line, Custom Threat Rings and Place a Marker. Selecting another user’s DP opens a radial
menu with more options including Delete, Bloodhound, R&B Line to Self-Marker, R&B Line, Custom Threat
Rings, Breadcrumbs and a flyout Color option for the Breadcrumbs, Place a Marker and Lock-On.
Select the [GoTo MGRS] icon to manually enter desired MGRS coordinates to place a local DP. This allows for fast entry of the 10-digit Easting
and Northing and includes the corresponding grid zone for that map view.
The Digital Pointer Tools settings can be customized in Settings > Tool Preferences > Digital Pointer Toolbar Preferences.
The user can also enable the legacy toolbar mode in the same preference area. The legacy mode will add the Dynamic R&B Line. The user can also con-
figure between 1-3 DPs to be shown on the toolbar.
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Elevation Tools
Select the [El- The Heatmap shows the user elevation data
evation Tools] on a color scale with lower elevations repre-
icon to open sented by blue and higher elevations by red.
the Elevation The Intensity, Saturation, Value and Sample
Tools which includes Heat- Rate of Resolution can be modified to user
map, Viewshed and Contour preference. Elevation Data (such as DTED,
Lines functionality. SRTM, Quantized Mesh or other forms) is
needed for this tool to work properly.
Viewshed
The Viewshed tool allows the user to choose a position on the map interface and
determine visibility from that location. Select the [Eye View] icon and then tap
a location on the map or a map marker. An Eye marker will appear on the map
interface.
Note: If zoomed out too far, the user will only see the Eye View icon and will need
to zoom in further to see the viewshed.
A radius will display, that the user can modify, with green representing areas vis-
ible to the viewer and red representing areas that are obstructed from view. The
Height Above Marker can be altered to reflect how far above ground level the
viewshed should calculate. Intensity can be increased or decreased using the
slide bar or entering a numeric value. Select [Remove Viewshed] to delete the
viewshed from the map.
Tap [Select Viewshed] to show a list of all created viewsheds. Select an individ-
ual viewshed name to pan to it on the map. Select the details icon [i] to view or
modify the current viewshed parameters. The user can also remove viewsheds
through the Multi-Select Tool.
The viewshed radial will open by tapping the [Eye View] icon. Available options are Delete, Fine Adjust/Enter Coordinate /MGRS Location and R&B Line.
Settings for Elevation Tools can be changed by navigating to Settings > Tool Preferences > Elevation Overlay Preferences.
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Contour Lines
The Contour Lines Tool allows the user to generate contour lines
on the map in the area within the current window.
Select the [Contour] tab within the Elevation Tools screen. The
[Generate] button becomes active when the map is zoomed to
the correct scale (Scale varies based on screen resolution). Modify
any of the fields desired and then select the [Generate] button.
A progress bar and the percentage complete will appear to give
feedback on the contour line generation. Major Lines, Minor Lines
and Labels can be toggled on or off without having to regenerate
the contour lines. Line color, Units (meters or feet) and Major Line
Width can be changed without regenerating the contour lines. If
the Interval is modified, select the [Generate] button to regener-
ate the contour lines with the new value.
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Resection Tool
The Resection tool is located on the Overflow Menu. The Resection Tool provides a capability
for users without a GPS signal to estimate their location from known points/landmarks on the
map. Two or more reference points on the map are needed to provide a more accurate estimate
of the user’s location.
From their position, the user identifies and places a series of landmarks on the map. As each landmark is placed via
the point dropper icon, a compass is displayed, allowing the user to adjust the bearing from their position to the
landmark.
After a landmark has been placed it can still be adjusted one of two ways. By touching the location entry of the desired land-
mark’s entry, the location itself can be modified. By touching the Magnetic Degree entry, the bearing value can be modified.
When two or more landmarks have been placed, an intersection point is computed and displayed to the user. As landmark
points are placed, the intersection continues to be updated in the Intersection field.
To plot the intersection location at any time, select the [Plot Intersection] icon and the current intersection point will
be placed on the map. If additional landmark points are added, the intersection point will be updated and the [Plot
Intersection] icon can be selected again and an updated intersection point will be placed on
the map. The marker will be labeled with the callsign of the device.
To move a landmark point, long press the point on the map and then select another location
for the point. To remove an individual landmark point, select the landmark point on the map
to open the radial and select the [Delete] radial option. Other landmark point radial options
include: Bearing, Fine Adjust, R&B Line and Details. To delete all landmark points that have
been place on the map, select the [Clear Landmarks] icon and confirm deletion of all land-
mark points.
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Import Manager
Select the [Import Manager] icon to import From the Select Import Type interface drop-down
supported files into the TAK application from that appears, the user can select [Local SD], [KML
an SD card or via the network. Link], [HTTP URL] or choose a different application.
Select [LOCAL SD] to import from a folder residing on the internal or external SD card. Navigate to the folder from where
files are to be imported. Various types of files can be imported via Import Manager including: ATAK configuration, ATAK
Data package zip files, Elevation Data (such as DTED, SRTM, Quantized Mesh or other forms), imagery and overlay files.
Imagery file types that are supported include XML, SQLite, GeoPackage with imagery, CADRG, CIB, ECRG, GeoTiff, JPG2000,
KMZ with imagery, MrSid, NTIF and PFPS. Overlay file types that are supported include DRW, GPX, KML, KMZ, LPT and
Shape. Dependent on file type, most imported files will be accessible via Maps and Favorites, Overlays or Data Package.
Some file extensions, like ZIP or GPX files for example, may result in a prompt for the user to select which import method
to use.
Select [KML Link] to import a KML file via the network using HTTP or tap [HTTP
URL] to import other file types via the network using HTTP. Enter a name for
the link, a valid HTTP URL and a refresh interval (KML link only). Finally, indicate
whether or not the local content should be removed when ATAK is shutdown.
Select [Add] to save the link.
Once the KML Link or Remote File Resource have been added, it will be listed in
the Remote Resources category of Overlay Manager.
The Red Status Indicator appears next to files that are available for download but have yet to be added. Selecting
the [Download] icon initiates the download process after the user verifies the activity. The Green Status Indicator
lists files that have been successfully downloaded.
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Rubber Sheet
The Rubber Sheet Tool allows the user to add georeferencing to a non-rectified 3D model as
well as editing a 3D model that is already georeferenced. Select the [Rubber Sheet] icon to
open the toolbar. Options available on the Toolbar are: Import, Sort, Export and Search.
Imported Rubber Sheets can be sorted in either alphabetical order or by distance from the Self-Marker. To import
a 3D model, pan and zoom the map to the desired location for the model. Select the [+] icon and navigate to the
location of the desired 3D model then select [OK].
If the model is not geo-rectified, projection options are presented. Choose between ENU (East
North Up), with the option to Flip Y/Z, or LLA (Lat, Lon, Alt), then select [Import].
Once the Model has been imported and placed on the map, the user can select the model to
bring up a radial with the following opions: Fine Adjust, Labels, R&B Line, Opacity, Free Rotate / 3D View, Edit, Details and Delete.
To edit the model, select the [Edit] icon from the radial. Once in edit mode, the mod-
el can be dragged on the map, rotated and/or raised or lowered.
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Emergency Beacon
Select the [Emergency Beacon] icon to open the Emergency Beacon Tool.
The Emergency Beacon allows the user to indicate the need for assistance, the type of emergency and their
location on the map. The type of emergency can be selected from the drop-down menu, before activation, and
includes options for an Alert, Ring the Bell, Geo Fence Breached or In Contact.
Once the Emergency type has been selected and both switches have been enabled,
the TAK Server broadcasts the announcements to all network contacts. Even if the
user’s device is turned off, the beacon will continue. The beacon will be canceled
and removed when the user returns to the Emergency Beacon tool and toggles the
switches off. If the SMS for Emergency option has been configured, the alert will be
sent via text message to the configured numbers.
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A search interface is provided. Select [Search] (magnifying glass) to enable a text search field and filters by Status and
Origin.
Upon opening ATAK Civilian or after a Product Repository sync completes, if any current products have available updates
(e.g., a new version of an application or plug-in), the user will be prompt-
ed to open the TAK Package Management view for updates. Note that
compatible products may still be run when an update is available; how-
ever, incompatible products will not be loaded until they are updated.
The lists of plug-ins will have a red or green shield associated with it. A
green shield signifies an officially signed plug-in or application. A red
shield signifies that the plug-in or application is not officially signed.
Note: The status of installed but inactive plug-ins will appear as STATUS: Not Loaded.
Over the Air Update Server product repository is disabled by default, but
may be enabled to (1) view status of Remote Repository (status of last sync
attempt); (2) view time of last successful sync with the Remote Repository
and/or (3) switch to a custom or private Remote Repository (change the
URL). To enable Over the Air Server product repository, go to TAK Package
Mgmt > Settings and check the box for Update Server. [Update Server
URL] becomes available (empty by default). Select it to enter the URL for
the desired repository server and select [OK]. Return to the TAK Package
Mgmt screen and press [Sync] to populate server and local plug-ins. The
server status information will appear near the top of the screen.
ATAK Civilian automatically syncs with the configured product repositories the first time it runs after being upgrad-
ed to a new version. This allows ATAK Civilian to check for available updates and incompatible plug-ins. If a repos-
itory sync is manually initiated by the user, a sync operation will display a progress dialog. Auto sync operations
which occur during startup do not display a progress dialog, minimizing interference of the user working in other
tools.
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Toolbar Manager
Select the [Toolbar Manager] The Toolbar Manager interface displays the
icon to access the Toolbar Man- icons for all the available tools. Plug-ins that
ager interface. The user can hide have been installed by the user can also be
tool icons, customize the icons managed through this interface. The follow-
displayed on the top menu bar and custom- ing preset toolbars are available through the
ize the appearance of tools listed in the addi- Default drop-down: Default, Minimal and
tional menu items drop-down. Planning.
The user can create and name a new toolbar by selecting [Con-
figure]. The user drags and drops icons to configure the inter-
face as required. The Configure Tools interface is comprised of
three areas (1) the Action Bar, which displays tool icons on the
main toolbar in ATAK; (2) the Hidden region, which allows the
user to select tools to remove from the toolbar and menu views and (3) the Overflow region, which lists
the tools available in the Additional Menu Items drop-down. The [Undo] and [Hide All] options are
available at the top right corner of the interface. Selecting the Additional Menu drop-down allows the user to discard the toolbar or save it.
Selecting [Save As] opens the [Enter Label] window and allows the user to name the new toolbar. The label will appear among the available toolbars
drop-down on the main Toolbar Manager interface.
The user may select [Reset] to discard all the toolbars that have been configured. The [Default] view
is always available and after the Toolbar Manager is reset, ATAK Civilian will revert to the default view.
Additional views allow the user to customize tools needed for specific mission planning.
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Clear Content
Select the [Clear Content] icon to remove all ATAK content from the Android de-
vice. Note that this action will permanently erase all content.
Select the [Clear maps & imagery] checkbox to clear map and imagery data as well.
Lock both switches by swiping them to the right to activate the [Clear Now] button then tap
[Clear Now]. ATAK Civilian will exit after this action has completed. The user can select specific
items to delete by tapping the [Select Items] button. This will navigate to the Overlay Manager
Multi-select tool. Select [Cancel] to return to the main interface.
During the delete process the file data is corrupted, making file recovery nearly impossible.
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Installing a Plug-in
Plug-ins must be installed and then loaded to function in ATAK.
Manual Install
If an update server is not available, a manual install can be done. Acquire the plug-in .apk file and place it on the local device, browse to it, then select
the apk to launch it. Android will prompt for permission to install. Allow the installation to run until notified that it is complete.
A list of currently installed plug-ins will be displayed. Also included in the list are stand-alone appli-
cations that are available.
If the newly installed plug-in is not on the list, select the [Sync] icon to update the local list.
The status of installed but inactive plug-ins will appear with a Status of Not Loaded. Check the checkbox for the
new plug-in to be loaded. The plug-in can later be unloaded by unchecking the box. When the plug-in has a status
of Loaded, it is ready for use. The status of an installed plug-in that is no longer compatible with ATAK will appear
with a status of Incompatible. The lists of plug-ins and applications will also have a red or green shield associated
with it. A green shield signifies an officially signed plug-in or application. A red shield signifies that the plug-in or
application is not officially signed. If an updated plug-in is not available, the plug-in should be uninstalled. To unin-
stall the plug-in, select the [Trashcan] icon.
To install an application that has a status of Not Installed, select the application entry in the list. Once the selected
application dialog appears, select the [Install] option. Once installed, the application is loaded.
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Plug-ins can also be installed via an Update Server. The Update Server can be configured
by selecting Settings > TAK Package Mgmt > select the additional options drop-down
> Select [Edit]. Check the box for [Update Server] and configure the three subsequent
fields.
Launch ATAK and go to the TAK Package Management screen by navigating to Settings >
TAK Package Mgmt. A list of currently installed applications and plug-ins will be displayed.
Select the [Sync] icon to update the list from the server.
The plug-ins and applications can be installed, loaded, upgraded and uninstalled in the same manner that was described in the previous section.
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