GIS Enabled Modeling & Simulation - GEMS  

System Context

GEMS is an enabling technology that makes it possible for Battle Command Systems (BCS) and Modeling & Simulation (M&S) systems to share the same GIS-based environment representations. The benefits of such an integration can be found in these types of applications: 

• C4I Systems stimulated by M&S Systems – M&S systems can be used to stimulate battle command system with events from a variety of preplanned and interactive scenarios. Commanders can keep sharp on Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) by being exposed to a variety of scenarios.
• M&S Capabilities embedded into C4I Systems – Provide decision support by modeling scenarios and performing course of action analysis (COA). Rehearse timing of operations and evaluate mission plans, using M&S to play out scenarios defined in the Common Operational Picture (COP).
• M&S systems correlating with Operational Terrain Data – Use geographic information system (GIS) data and geoprocessing models to simulate within operational terrain environments. Create more realistic training by using intelligence in the Common Operational Picture to create relevant simulation scenarios. 
• C4I systems implemented with M&S Technology – Implement C4I systems, battle management systems, and situational awareness systems with tools developed by the M&S community: computer generated forces, distributed simulation protocols, tactical map displays, and 3D visualization.

Trends

Static terrain databases have been the main approach to modeling the 3D environment since the beginning of the Modeling and Simulation industry. Meanwhile, Battle Command Systems have been built around maps and geographic information systems. As the technologies have advanced in recent years, it is now becoming possible for modeling & simulation systems to operate directly on the same geographic data used by the operational Battle Command systems.      

MÄK’s GEMS

Adding GEMS to your constructive simulation allows it to use ESRI Geodatabases and ESRI Enterprise GIS servers as the terrain database. 

• Terrain Queries – Instead of loading static terrain databases, which must be designed specifically for your simulation system, GEMS allows your simulation to query ArcGIS for terrain answers. GEMS integrates with your simulation at the point where your simulation needs the height of the terrain or line-of-sight information between entities. 
• GEMS API – GEMS consists of a software library that implements the GEMS Application Programmers Interface (API). This API has two layers. An ESRI specific layer interfaces with an ESRI geodatabase either locally or through an ESRI GIS Server. On the other side, a simulation specific layer interfaces with the simulation software to answer all of the terrain queries.
• Geo-processing Models – GEMS allows your simulation system to take advantage of the powerful geoprocessing models of ArcGIS. By accessing the GIS’ geoprocessing routines, terrain reasoning can be performed using the GIS instead of in the simulation.
• Enterprise Geo-databases – GEMS works with ArcGIS enterprise servers so you can share the geo-database across your entire operation. This shared database can be dynamically updated at any node. Changes propagate to the simulation, as well as Battle Command Systems or other applications sharing the geo-database.
• Commercial Joint Mapping Tool Kit (CJMTK) – The GEMS libraries have been designed to work with GIS schemas found in operational, CJMTK compliant data sets, such as the US Army’s Theater Geodatabase (TGD).
• Constructive Simulations - The GEMS API has been developed for, and performance tested with, both the VR-Forces and OneSAF.

MÄK can customize GEMS to work with your constructive simulation.