DATABASE DRIVEN CARTOGRAPHIC VISUALIZATION OF VMAP DATABASE

A. Torun, A. Ulubay

Harita Genel Komutanlığı (General Command of Mapping), 06100 Cebeci, Ankara

[email protected], [email protected]

Commission IV, WG IV/4

KEY WORDS: Spatial database, cartography, visualization, GIS, mapping, knowledge base

ABSTRACT:

Spatial databases contain feature classes that represent real world. Content of geographic database is mainly designed for GIS
analysis. However, a spatial database for cartographic visualization should contain some more rules and information for
visualization. Cartographic visualization of a spatial database is usually in map format. Being expressed in this study, Joint
Operations Graphics (JOG) is cartographic visualization of Vector Smart Map Level 1 (VMAP L-1) spatial database. JOG Air and
Ground series at scale 1:250000 are used for joint operations of allied forces. VMAP L-1 is a spatial database with a content of
middle scale maps such as JOGs at scale 1:250000. JOG Air and Ground series are used for planning of short and long distance
flight, air-ground tactical operations, helicopter operations, tactical and close-air support, visual navigation, and air-ground
coordinated operations and strategic/operational planning purposes by ground units and civil aviation. First and second editions of
JOG series are produced by General Command of Mapping (GCM) - (Harita Genel Komutanlığı-HGK) - between 1971-1973 and
1983-1987 respectively. Vector Smart Map Level 1 (VMAP L-1) database is presently used for the production of third edition by
means of database driven cartographic visualization methods. Visualization based on database driven cartography allows not only
producing different types of cartographic products, but also maintaining consistency of data within database. In this paper, Digital
Landscape Model (DLM) and Digital Cartographic Model (DCM) of JOG charts are given. The JOG production workflow
comprising data preparation, data processing, visualization and reproduction, which are based on database driven cartography is
expressed.

1. INTRODUCTION population of these new attributes. VMAP L-1 being the DLM
is visualized as JOG by means of Digital Cartographic Model
JOG air series are used for planning of short and long distance (DCM) for this product. The DCM is formed by combination of
flight, navigation, air-ground tactical operations, helicopter JOG specifications by General Command of Mapping (GCM)
operations, tactical and close-air support, visual navigation. and National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA),
These sheets are used by not only military purposes but also for symbolization rules, symbols and colour models. The VMAP L-
visual and low-level navigation of civil aviation. JOG Ground 1 database is visualized as a digital map by using formed DCM.
series are used for air-ground coordinated operations and ESRI PLTS/MPS software, running on ArcInfo is used for data
strategic/operational planning purposes to complement the processing and for producing and editing map layout elements.
1:50000 and 1:100 000 scale map series by ground units. Some of pre-press works are done with support of Adobe
JOGs contain reference system and projection information in Illustrator. Final map layout file is colour-separated and pressed
addition to built-up areas such as cities, towns, transportation as hardcopy map and rasterized as softcopy map.
network such as airports, roads, railroads, ferries, infrastructure In the second chapter visualization model of VMAP L-1
such as power lines, pipelines and landmarks and other cultural database as a JOG chart, short description of VMAP L-1
features besides natural features. database are given. Workflow to visualize VMAP L-1 as a
JOG air series are the basic data source of other air charts used hardcopy and softcopy map and tools for map editing are
for long-distance and high altitude navigation such as Special expressed in chapter 3. Results and experiences are presented in
Aeronautical Chart (SAC), Tactical Pilotage Chart (TPC), the last chapter.
Operational Navigational Chart (ONC), Jet Navigation Chart
(JNC) and Global Navigation Chart (GNC). 2. JOG AS A VISUALIZATION MODEL OF VMAP
SPATIAL DATABASE
VMAP L-1 database conveys information on location and
descriptive specifications of thematic features. New edition of Cartographic maps as a model of geographic framework have
JOGs of Turkey are produced by using VMAP L-1 database been widely used for geographic analysis and visual
built by collecting data from scanned JOG sheets, other interpretation. Maps reduce our worlds of enquiry into
rasterized topographic maps, remotely sensed images and by assimilable proportions and cast them into shapes from which
extracting data from other databases such as contour lines, we can derive information (Visvalingam 1994). Design of
populated places etc. Schema of VMAP L-1 database is visualization model of a spatial database as a map is a critical
extended to construct Digital Landscape Model (DLM) of aspect, if these maps are employed in critical mission such as
JOGs. This extension comprises new relations (coverages military operations.
and/or tables) and new attributes in existing relations and
2.1 Conceptual View of VMAP Database for Visualization
of JOG VMAP family of databases is used to extract digital geographic
information, to produce analogue and digital maps for military
Aircrew needs to know all kind of information about every purposes. In Table 1, types of VMAP products, their scale and
phase of a mission, before they fly. Those information are date of availability are given (Ohlhof et.al., 2000). Data source
weight and balance, weather conditions, performance figures, of VMAP L-1 is JOG series which has a density of detail of
flight characteristics and navigation data. Aeronautical charts medium scale maps in NATO Standardization Agreements
are one way of providing the navigational information to the (STANAG). This product is designed to support GIS
pilot. Each different type of flying can require a different type applications with geographic data at medium resolution. Based
of chart: high-altitude or low, visual (VFR) or instrumental on this collection density, the scale of hard-copy product is
(IFR) navigation, departure, cross-country or approaching for 1:250 000. According to this compatibility, VMAP L-1 is a
landing. Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) products are FLIP model of small world containing the phenomenon such as
Enroute Charts. Visual Flight Rules (VFR) products used for boundaries, data quality, elevation, hydrography, industry,
visual flight are JNC at scale 1:2000000, ONC at scale physiography, population, transportation, utilities, and
1:1000000, TPC at scale 1:500000, JOG Air at scale 1:250000, vegetation as separate ten feature classes in medium scale maps
SAC at scale 1:500000 and at 1:250000 (DMS 2002). Visual (NGA 1995-2). Feature class is a group of features sharing a
flight refers to flight operations in fair weather, under VFR, homogenous set of attributes. There are five feature class types
where the pilot is able to see the ground well enough to in VMAP L-1 namely point, node, line, area and text. Rules and
navigate and to see and to avoid other aircraft. minimum size of features collected from source materials are
defined in NGA 1995-1.
Visual aeronautical charts, such as JOG Air, portray
aeronautical data on a basemap of the charted area. This Table 1. VMAP databases and maps produced from
basemap includes the relief (mountains and valleys), drainage these databases
(streams and shorelines, and cultural (man made) features of the Product Name Paper Product Availability
area, drawn and symbolized so that the pilot can easily spot the Scale
mapped landmarks and compare them to the features seen from VMAP L0 1:1000000 Digital Chart of the
the cockpit. World (DCW-2001)
VMAP L1 1:250000 2004
In JOG series, in addition to reference system and projection VMAP L2 1:50000 On demand
information, information about hydrography, populated places, Urban VMAP City Map On demand
transportation, physiography, relief, administrative boundaries,
industry and utilities are presented. Relief is shown by means of
contour, spot heights, elevation tints and shaded relief. Being produced by several NATO countries as a co-production,
Contours are generalized in JOGS. Elevation tints and relief the VMAP L1 database is going to be finalized in 2004. VMAP
shading help the pilot locate the main ridges and valleys in JOG L-1 database is generated by collecting data from scanned JOG
air. Streams and roads are portrayed for their landmark value. sheets, rasterized topographic maps, thematic maps, remotely
Drainage is extremely detailed. Vegetation is symbolized in all sensed images, contour lines in digital format and sources from
areas. other databases. Graphic data –geometric models of features- is
mainly extracted from panchromatic mono SPOT images with
There are some differences between ground and air series due to 10 meters pixel size. However stereo images are used in case of
their functionality. In air charts, other than ground maps, uncertainty in image interpretation as a control of data
information about Maximum Elevation Figures (MEF) in every collection. Thematic information is collected from JOGs and
15’x15’ graticules, magnetic isogons, aerodromes, heliports, large scale topo-maps. And, aeronautical information is taken
radio navigation aids, vertical obstructions, power lines and air- from AAFIF, DVOF and documents for aero-navigation of
defence identification zones (ADIZ) are portrayed in the first State Airport Authority (SAA) and Turkish Air Force (TAF).
order of visual hierarchy with respect to other feature types. AAFIF (Automated Air Facility Information File) contains
Height information is expressed in meters in ground version and information about physical characteristics of airfields and
in air version they are marked in feet for pilots. DVOF (Digital Vertical Obstruction File) comprises a list of
man-made vertical obstructions such as towers, buildings, radio
Accuracy of JOGs are in category 2 standards of NATO. masts and power lines. Toponomy are collected from topo-
Horizontal and vertical accuracies of JOGs are 125 meters and maps, former JOG editions, PPDB_T (Populated Places
50 (half the contour interval) meters respectively (NGA 19951, Database of Turkey) which stores information about populated
NGA 1995-2). places, their population and location.

2.2 Data sources of JOG maps (Extended VMAP L-1 2.3 Production of JOG Series by Using VMAP L-1
database) Database

Geographic extent of VMAP L-1 database is global. Data is Former editions of JOG series (firs edition 1971-1973 and
continuous and seamless. VMAP database is a vector-based second edition 1983-1987) are produced by means of
product implemented in VPF. Each layer contains thematically cartographic generalization of topographic maps at scale
consistent data. The VMAP thematic layers are organized into 1:100000 which are extracted from base topographic maps at
ESRI ArcInfo coverages contained in VPF (Vector Product scale 1:25000 and addition of aero-information. Vector Smart
Format) libraries. VPF is a subset of DIGEST (Digital Map Level 1 (VMAP L-1) database is presently used
Geographic Information Exchange Standard) FACC (feature production of air and ground series of third edition. The source
attribute Coding Catalogue) (NGA, 1995-1, Ohlhof, et.al. of VMAP L-1 is the basic data of JOG series, density of which
2000). is appropriate for density defined for middle-scale. This
compatibility enables to use VMAP L-1 for JOG production. etc (Frye, C. et.al, 2003). Integrity and visualization rules of
JOGs are used as a basic data source for other air and DCM are introduced in rule-bases. And, constraints are
topographic maps at smaller scales. modelled as processes in the software. Definitions expressed in
knowledge base are utilized as a process during implementation.
The third edition of JOG series are produced by means of All the map elements except data frame (basemap) are
database driven cartographic visualization methods. encapsulated in data and map processing functions. Map
Visualization based on database driven cartography allows not elements are located due to product type (air/ground) and size
only produce to different types of cartographic products, but of graphic elements created based on information for each map.
also maintains consistency of data within database. Therefore, the user doesn’t need to re-arrange them. The tools
and models customized and extended MPS software are
Visualization is done in a semi-automated manner such that; employed producing cartographic visualization of VMAP L1
• some of the processes are done by computer, database.
• some are firstly done by computer than edited by
cartographer, However, the DCM of the software used is based on FACS of
• some are done interactively by cartographers. NGA. The database schema is extended for cartographic
visualization with necessary attributes. These attribute values
Because of diversity of information on JOGs, the cartographers are calculated and populated as a function of other attribute
in JOG production are trained on aeronautical cartography. The values in the same feature class for visualization model.
training is provided by Mobile Training Team of Defence
Mapping School of NGA. Computer skills of cartographers on 3. APPLICATION
the software for map production work flow are enhanced several
times before and during the period of process. Visualization of VMAP database is done by enriching the
visualization model of ESRI PLTS/MPS in two ways: first
customizing the open source tools for the needs and national
2.4 Digital Terrain Model and Digital Cartographic Model mapping requirements in the frame of NATO STANAGs;
for JOG second, generating new tools and methods. The visualization
system, analogue map production workflow, data content,
Digital Landscape Model (DLM) consists of data model, data visualization model and brief explanation of implementation are
dictionary, rules, condition, constraints and relationships (Kraak expressed in this chapter.
and Ormeling 1996). DLM is a subset of conceptual schema of
VMAP L-1 database. However, this schema is extended with 3.1 Workflow of JOG Production
necessary dimensions (attributes) for the need of cartographic
visualization. In addition to extended VMAP L-1 database, Digital JOG production workflow from VMAP L-1 database is
aeronautical information, magnetic and normal magnetic given in Figure 1. Firstly, data with extent of a sheet are cut and
models, digital depth model of the seas surrounding Turkey and extracted from VMAP L-1 data library. Errors due to cut are
Populated Places Database of Turkey (PPDB_T) are the data corrected and data is transformed into UTM projection from
content supporting JOG. geographic coordinates. Then, descriptive information of the
sheet such as name of the sheet, country, vertical unit,
Data dictionary and rules for data collection are strictly defined producing company, copyright etc. are defined for a project
in MIL-J-80100 (DMA) of NGA (NGA 1995-2). The feature
classes and features are coded by means of DIGEST FACC of Sheet Definition
NATO.
Symbolization
The content, accuracy, density and symbolization rules of
spatial/non-spatial data are defined in Digital Cartographic
Model (DCM) (Kraak and Ormeling 1996). DCM is Surrounding
Generalization-
implemented in the conceptual model of extended VMAP L1 Editing- elements
database for visualizing JOG. The rules and knowledge are Annotation
stored in a logical model of extended VMAP L1 database. The
DCM is constructed by combination of former editions of JOGs Visual integration
by GCM, JOG specifications by GCM and NGA, STANAGs, of shaded relief
Editing
symbolization rules and rules defined in ESRI PLTS/MPS. elevation tints and
(OK)
Previous editions of JOGs, JOG specifications and STANAGs vegetation
are used for generating and compiling surrounding information
and graphics (NGA 1995-2, NGA 1995-3, STANAG-3675
2000).
Map compilation
There are two main approaches to construct spatial databases
for cartographic visualization. First one is preparing a database
Proof
for cartographic use only. The database is transferred into a
visual model by means of batch or manual editing processes and
adding cartographic features prepared for certain type of maps. Press
The second approach enables the user to generate multiple
views of the database based on a DCM. This method is more
Figure 1. Workflow for Analogue
generic and flexible providing definition of map composition,
JOG production
colours, symbols, representation rules, sequence of processes
space for the sheet. Since DLM required by MPS is not The map face (basemap) is created by using the tools regarding
equivalent to data model of VMAP L-1, the database schema of rules, constraints, definitions and models. The map face
VMAP L-1 is adapted to make it an input to the software. Data contains all the graphic and text information with reference.
is symbolized regarding DCM. Model errors, cases contrary to Different parameters and procedures are used for ground and air
DCM and incompleteness in database schema are determined versions. Tools for visualizing VMAP L1 as a ground map are
and removed to finalize editing on database. all implemented by our team by obeying the structure of MPS
JOG Project
As graphic detail and density of data in VMAP L-1 is more than
the geometric and thematic content of JOG series, cartographic
generalization is necessary to visualize the data as JOG. In order Data Frame (Layers) Rules, Definitions and Models
to improve graphic readability and produce a map according to -Extended VMAP L1
JOG specifications, VMAP L-1 data is generalized by using -Graticules and grids -Digital Landscape Model (DLM)
conceptual and particularly cartographic (graphic) -Magnetic and isolines -Digital Cartographic Model (DCM)
-Depth data -Typography Model
generalization operations such as simplification, exaggeration, -Aeronautical information -Symbolization Model
replacement, classification, and aggregation. -PPDB_T -Symbols and Colors

Initially both ED50 and WGS84 datum information has been -Product definitions
shown on the sheets by means of depicting ED50 grid as a -Page Layout definitions
secondary grid with tick marks along the border of sheet. In -Map element placement rules
order to prevent the confusion of reference information, it has -Marginalia definition
been provided a coordinate conversion note between datum -Graphic elements
ED50 and WGS84 in the marginalia (surrounding elements). Tools
Datum transformation information for each JOG sheet among -ESRI PLTS/MPS
ED50 and WGS84 are provided by Geodesy Department -Data Management Tools to
(GCM). And magnetic declination at epoch 2000 which are generate DLM
calculated from magnetic observations done on field by -Symbolization
Geodesy Department of GCM. -Graphic Processing
-Generating map elements
for Turkish version of JOGs
Contour intervals are determined due to the steepness of the Map face Marginalia
region and availability of contour. Selected standard contour (Basemap) (Map Frame)
intervals for index contours are [100-500-1000-1500-2000 …], Final Map
contours not in standard interval are [40-200-400-600-800-
1000 …]. Visual air charts have a variety of terrain elevation Figure 2. Process Model of Cartographic Visualization
cues, both for navigation and for alerting the pilot to danger. software. The sequence of visualization is area, line, point and
Contours and spot elevations give accurate values; elevation labels. If the lines are visualized with case, those are visualized
tints point out the highs and lows; shaded relief emphasizes with respect to defined rules which yields cartographic
every ridge and valley, helping the chart mimics the view out of aesthetic. These tools are running with the core software in a
the cockpit. friendly manner.
MEFs are calculated based on relief, and information about After graphic operations, surrounding information (marginalia)
vertical obstacles from SAA, NGA, AirForce. MEFs give the are created. These are descriptive information about sheet,
disoriented or smoke-blinded pilot an instant target to climb out symbol legend, aeronautical symbol legend, location diagram,
of trouble (NGA 1995-2, DMS 2002). MEFs are shown in each conversion table for units, referencing information about
quadrangle bounded by the projection’s lines of latitude and military grid, bar scale, diagram for horizontal and vertical
longitude (on JOGs 15-minute quadrangle). MEFs are based on reliability, colours of elevation tints, glossary, caution and
the highest known feature in the quadrangle, including terrain disclaimer notes, georef index, copyright and producer notes.
(ridges, mountains, hilltops) and obstructions (trees, towers, Location Diagram is a graphic element depicting location of a
buildings, antennas etc.). After transforming labels coded in sheet on a reference map and neighbouring sheets and the charts
ASCII into Turkish, the base map is formed. This process is containing this particular JOG at lower scales. In Figure 3,
done due to the graphic representation of Populated Places DB Location Diagram created by using a customized tool with
of Turkey (PPDB_T) (Torun, 2002). Names and other descriptive text. Graphic and surrounding graphics are compiled
descriptive information are labelled due to typography model to generate Postscript graphic file for reproduction. The
which is developed based on FACS feature code (Figure 2). compilation is employed according to rule base for compilation
for different cartographic visualizations; such as air or ground
Control of data editing process is done by taking print-outputs chart, Turkish or English as primary language etc. Almost all of
of layer which are closely related to each other. Consistency of the rules, models and definitions in DCM of MPS for map
all thematic layers is maintained by checking cross-layer layout and marginalia are customized due to specifications of
compatibility such as relief-hydrography, population- GCM. The tools creating graphic elements in marginalia are all
hydrography-vegetation and transportation-hydrography- re-designed, implemented and embedded in MPS software.
physiography.
 The process model of a cartographic visualization of JOGs is
given in Figure 2. The model consists of three basic elements
namely data frame, tools and rules, definitions and models. The
data frame is a combination of extended VMAP L-1 in which
cartographic attributes are populated and other data sources
such as military grids and graticules, magnetic isolines, depth
data around Turkey at seas, aeronautical information in Turkey
and abroad and information about populated places. Being an

Figure 3. Location Diagram of a JOG sheet

(representing location of the sheet, the
surrounding JOG sheets and important geographic
features as a refernce map
Figure 4. Aeronautical information for attension of
ESRI ArcInfo is originally a GIS software which is weak in pilot
colour separation and graphic processes. These disabilities in
pre-press and pressing with process colours (CMYK) are solved indispensable graphic element of marginalia, caution
with support of Adobe Illustrator software which is designed for information depicted in Figure 4 are drawing attention of pilots
graphic processing. Overlapping polygon layers such as shaded to them that are created in both Turkish and English. There are
relief, elevation tints and vegetation hide the layers underneath tools for data management, cartographic editing, symbolization
within abilities of ArcInfo. However, Illustrator enabled to and graphic processing. Most of the tools are provided in MPS.
compile those three layers without loss and hiding. As pressing However, there are some tools customized in the software and
system of GCM is based on process colours (4 colours-CMYK), some new tools implemented and added to the system. The
the postscript graphic file is colour separated into CMYK and rules, definitions and models are based on specifications of
plotted on films by using Dolev 800 laser film plotter. The films GCM, NGA and NATO STANAGs.
are developed automatically and plotted on plates for
reproduction in 4 colour Heidelberg pressing system. Since MPS is produced for the requirements of NGA, it does
not provide handy and direct solutions for the other countries
other than USA. The JOG production of GCM differs than
3.2 Using PLTS/MPS Software for JOG Production of NGA, thus MPS is corrected, changed, customized, adapted and
Turkey some new modules are added to MPS based on demands of
GCM.
MPS provides tools necessary for data processing and tools to
produce and edit map layout elements such as location diagram,
Feature requirements are stated in terms of NGA’s FACS, to
GEOREF guide, glossary, scale bar and so forth. MPS also
maintain consistency between various production methods.
includes tools to generate the sophisticated graticule and grids
However the software transforms NGA FACS to NATO-FACC.
required for the JOG A product. WYSIWYG editing tools are
NATO, DIGEST-FACC is the approved coding standard for the
included to cartographically modify both the database and
exchange of digital geographic data.
graphic layout elements. Templates are provided for the
different legends and notes, reliability diagram and conversion
Some of the customizations on MPS are as follows; adding
graph. Each of these can be customized to the individual
rules due to the features in territory of Turkey to the rule base of
requirements and editors. All symbology and map elements
DCM, representing two grid networks in different datum on a
meet NGA’s current JOG Air specifications. The final map
single sheet, defining rules, visualization model and symbols for
layout can be colour separated using custom tools provided in
JOG Ground series, generating bilingual (Turkish and English)
MPS and the resulting PostScript files can be used to generate
surrounding elements (Figure 5).
film negatives of TIFF files (ESRI 2000).
 References from Other Literature:
DMS, 2002. Aeronautical Cartography Lecture Notes, DMS of
NGA, USA

ESRI, 2000. MPS User Guide and MPS JOG-A Production

Guide, ESRI Inc.

Frye C., C.L. Eicher, 2003. Modeling Active Database-Driven

Cartography within GIS Databases, 21 st ICA Conference
Proceedings, Durban, S.Africa

NGA, 1995-1. Military Specifications MIL-V-89033 (DMA)

Vector Smart Map (VMAP) Level 1

NGA, 1995-2. Military Specifications MIL-J-89100 (DMA)

Joint Operation Graphics 1501A and 1501 (JOG Air and
Ground)

NGA, 1995-3. Military Specifications MIL-STD-2402 (DMA)

Mapping Charting & Geodesy
Figure 5. Cartographic visualization of VMAP L-
1 database based on JOG specifications (this Ohlhof T., et.al , 2000. Generation and Update of VMAP Data
graphic is used for production of analogue map) Using Satellite and Airborne Imagery, Proceedings of ISPRS
2000, Vol XXXIII, Part B4, Amsterdam

STANAG 3675, 2000. Edition 2, Symbols on Land Maps,

4. CONCLUSION
Aeronautical Charts and Special Naval Charts
The JOG series produced by GCM are analyzed by comparing
the maps with each other within the same edition and with other
editions with respect to specifications. The differences are Acknowledgements
determined within each other and deviations among the
specifications. The new data sources, availability of current data JOG production based on VMAP L-1 database is designed and
such as remotely sensed images and new technologies in implemented by customizing PLTS/MPS of ESRI in
visualization software are considered in design of visualization Cartography Department of General Command of Mapping,
model for VMAP L1 database. Thus, the new series of JOGs Turkey by using PLTS/MPS.
have difference from previous reproductions according to new
requirements and needs of current users. The third series of
JOGs of Turkey are being produced based on database driven
cartographic visualization methods. Territory of Turkey is
covered with 66 JOGs, 29 of which are going to be
accomplished by 2004 and the rest will be produced in close
future. The JOG production system of Turkey is designed and
implemented on top of PLTS/MPS software by ESRI. This
system enables the producer to generate different views of
VMAP L-1 database by means of a different DCM. After
producing the JOG series, the topographic maps series of 1404
at scale 1:500 000 are planned to be produced.

References from Journals:

Torun, A., 2002. Designing Populated Places Database of
Turkey (PPDB_T) by Using Relational Model, Harita Dergisi,
vol 128, Ankara.

References from Books:

Visvalingam, M. 1994,. Visualization in Geographic
Information Systems, Editors. Hearnshaw, H.M, D.J. Unwin,
John Wiley & Sons,

Kraak, M.J., F.J. Ormeling, 1996. Cartography : Visualization

of Spatial Data. Addison Wesley Longman, England

Robinson, A.H. et.al., 1995. Elements of Catography, John

Wiley & Sons Inc., Canada

Smith, J., 1989. Space Data from Earth Sciences. Elsevier,

Amsterdam, pp. 321-332.