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Development of Waypoint Planning Tool in Response to NASA Field Campaign ChallengesAirborne real time observations are a major component of NASA 's Earth Science research and satellite ground validation studies. Multiple aircraft are involved in most NASA field campaigns. The coordination of the aircraft with satellite overpasses, other airplanes and the constantly evolving, dynamic weather conditions often determines the success of the campaign. Planning a research aircraft mission within the context of meeting the science objectives is a complex task because it requires real time situational awareness of the weather conditions that affect the aircraft track. A flight planning tools is needed to provide situational awareness information to the mission scientists, and help them plan and modify the flight tracks. Scientists at the University of Alabama ]Huntsville and the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center developed the Waypoint Planning Tool, an interactive software tool that enables scientists to develop their own flight plans (also known as waypoints) with point -and-click mouse capabilities on a digital map filled with real time raster and vector data. The development of this Waypoint Planning Tool demonstrates the significance of mission support in responding to the challenges presented during NASA field campaigns. Analysis during and after each campaign helped identify both issues and new requirements, and initiated the next wave of development. Currently the Waypoint Planning Tool has gone through three rounds of development and analysis processes. The development of this waypoint tool is directly affected by the technology advances on GIS/Mapping technologies. From the standalone Google Earth application and simple KML functionalities, to Google Earth Plugin on web platform, and to the rising open source GIS tools with New Java Script frameworks, the Waypoint Planning Tool has entered its third phase of technology advancement. Adapting new technologies for the Waypoint Planning Tool ensures its success in helping scientist reach their mission objectives.
Document ID
20120015279
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
He, Matt
(Alabama Univ. Huntsville, AL, United States)
Hardin, Danny
(Alabama Univ. Huntsville, AL, United States)
Mayer, Paul
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Blakeslee, Richard
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Goodman, Michael
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 26, 2013
Publication Date
June 26, 2012
Subject Category
Computer Programming And Software
Report/Patent Number
M12-1711
Meeting Information
Meeting: Earth Science Technology Forum (ESTF2012)
Location: Baltimore, MD
Country: United States
Start Date: June 26, 2012
End Date: June 27, 2012
Sponsors: NASA Headquarters
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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