Quick Terrain Modeler v 8.4.3

Applied Imagery is pleased to announce the release of QT Modeler v8.4.3. Read on for the latest upgrades!

Data Explorer – Huge Upgrades (PDAL/STAC API)

QTM’s Data Explorer is now the best option for online data discovery and retrieval. The evolution of Data Explorer began as a STAC-based solution, but now also interfaces seamlessly with EPT-based point cloud repositories, including USGS 3DEP and NGA’s GRID. Users can simply point to a repository from the QTM pulldown menu or from custom repository locations, all while using a friendly, map-based environment. Some distinctions between types of repositories:

 

  • STAC: QTM’s existing implementation enables exploration of enormous repositories of a wide variety of data types (point clouds, DSM/DTM’s, imagery, etc.). Draw your Area of Interest (AOI) on the map, see what is available, and download as desired.
  • EPT: Similar to STAC but focused exclusively on point cloud data. Users will discover entire collections, from which their AOI carves out a custom, single point cloud (see image below). If desired, this point cloud can be modified (e.g., downsampled, filtered) via QTM’s Point Cloud Toolkit prior to download, potentially saving valuable download time and bandwidth.
  • WMS (Web Mapping Server): While technically unrelated to Data Explorer, don’t forget that newly downloaded 3D data can be supplemented with fresh 2D imagery and maps from a variety of public (e.g., Google Maps) and private (e.g., Maxar G- GD/Digital Globe) sources, enabling rapid creation of integrated 3D scenes.

LAS/LAZ Support – Unlimited Nonstandard Attributes

QTM v8.4.3 adds support for custom, nonstandard LAS attributes. This means that QTM-created point attributes such as Above Ground Level (AGL) height can be retained upon export and reused and/or shared with other users. Users have full control of which attributes get included in the export files.

Export to ATAK – Support for COT2525 markers

QTM now exports markers to ATAK as CoT 2525 icons. This means that QTM markers no longer appear as a pushpin. The default icon is the white Spotmap icon, but QTM will include a small library of other icons to choose from.

Combine Routes (Right Click Routes Folder)

QTM v8.4.3 adds the ability to merge multiple routes together. This will make combined route time analysis possible. For example, an infil route could be merged with an exfil route to analyze total travel time. Users can choose to export the combined route or to only use the combination for time analysis.

Marker Rename/Resequence (Marker Manager or Right Click Marker subfolder)

QTM v8.4.3 adds a very flexible and fast tool to rename and resequence markers. This can be very helpful in GRG creation, or any task that requires many markers with a numeric or alphabetical sequence.

Miscellaneous Tweaks and Enhancements v8.4.3:

  • API: 
    • Implemented QT_PLUGIN_GET_DISPLAY_UNITS
    • Implemented QT_PLUGIN_EXPORT_POINT_TO_LAS2 with support for Custom LAS/LAZ
    • Implemented QT_PLUGIN_MODEL_GET_TRANSFORM/QT_PLUGIN_MODEL_SET_TRANSFORM
    • Updated QT_PLUGIN_GET_DISPLAY_UNITS to include more info
    • Implemented QT_PLUGIN_MARKER_UPDATE_AGL 
    • Fixed issue where MODEL_SAVE would pop dialog for name selection even if API supplies a filename
    • Fixed issue properly encoding SRCIDX for multiple-file-models
    • Fixed issue with QT_PLUGIN_POINT_DESCRIBE_SOURCE_FILE always returning  the info for source “0”.
  • OBJ and Stencil libraries (GOV Version Only):
    • Expanded OBJ file library to include more vehicles – including ships.
  • Measurement Line – Added ability to CTRL+LCLICK add-and-move new nodes (like in route editing)
  • Travel Route Analysis Tool (TRAT):  
    • Now updates OBJ heading on manually moving the slider
    • No longer ever visibly adds observer height to OP marker.
    • Tweaked calculation of OBJ heading and updating of position during play
  • Made consolidated progress bar for “Sampled Features Stats” and should pop Feature Manager after completion
  • HLZ Analysis:  You can choose color for “Not Evaluated”
  • Merge Models: When merging models with different QTA tables, QTM now gives you the   options to keep all attributes by generating “blank” attributes for  those models which are missing some.
  • Added support for Rasterlite imagery
  • Geospatial Coordinate System (CS) Support:
    • Should now do a better job of evaluating Cartesian CS for compatibility with other CS
    • Added distance corrections for PseudoMercator/EPSG:3857
  • Convert Model Type:  Restored ability to resample QTT (Surface) models
  • Marker icon window is now resizable
  • Image and Model Search can now find MBTiles 
  • File Formats/Support Libraries:
    • Implemented PDAL support
    • Updated to latest FFMPEG
    • Added support for rendering Movies to Animated GIF format
    • Added “.kap” to default search extension list
    • Upgraded to GDAL 3.9.0
    • Added support for Spatialite
    • Updated PROJ library
    • Updated GDAL support files
    • Updated to AWS c++ SDK v1.11.329
    • Can now export imagery to Rasterlite
  • Marker Icons:  Vastly increased size of Image List for Icon Widget
  • Tiling Toolkit:  Now properly supports fixed length numbering
  • Imagery/Textures:
    • Added *.kap to image file type and search filt- Enabled compressed textures for OBJ models
    • Enabled compression for regular textures as well.

Quick Terrain Modeler v 8.4.2

Applied Imagery is pleased to announce the release of QT Modeler v8.4.2, which adds support for Web Coverage Services (WCS), our most-requested editing enhancements, revamped Vector Actions tool, and expanded Vectorization Toolkit. For our DoD users, QTM v8.4.2 offers STAC API access to GRID, a revised ATAK export capability (including export to data packages), enhanced route time analysis tool, larger OBJ and Stencil libraries, and support for multiple layers from the Maxar G-EGD (Digital Globe) WMS server. Read on for more details!

Support for WCS (Web Coverage Service) – Create DEMs from Online Repositories

QTM v8.4.2 is our first cut at Web Coverage Services (WCS). This new tool taps into the vast repositories of 3D elevation data that exists on the internet and offers users easy access to elevation data in locations where they have no coverage – or as a comparison to existing coverage. We have initially added this in the DEM toolkit, as the workflow is very similar to the existing DEM toolkit. I.e., point to source data, specify parameters of the desired export product (grid sampling, merging, etc.), then let QTM process and import to the 3D scene. The only difference is that, rather than pointing to local source data files, you will specify an online WCS Source and Layer.

Vector Actions – More Powerful Editing from Vector Layers

QTM v8.4.2 completely revamps the Vector Actions tool, which enables large-scale editing functions across entire 3D scenes. A common scenario will be importing a shapefile layer from a GIS application (e.g., a water body layer) and using the complex vector to edit every single polygon area at once (e.g., recolor, reclassify, flatten). Another common scenario will be to perform the same types of large-scale feature-level edits on vector layers derived from QTM’s vectorization toolkit. Either way, this is a very simple, customizable, and powerful tool to act upon your 3D data. V8.4.2 also adds the ability to mark each feature with a marker (“Feature Markers” in right click context menu) as well as the ability to sample area stats into new feature attributes on a per-feature basis (e.g., number of points, Z min, Z max, etc. inside every polygon contained in a vector).

Vectorization Toolkit

QT Modeler’s Vectorization Toolkit automatically creates vectors around user-defined areas in a point cloud or surface model. It operates on point or vertex level attributes, such as classification, line of sight, etc. and converts point or raster-based “pixels” into vectorized polygons. QTM v8.4.2 automatically appends four attribute values to each resulting vector: Points, perimeter, area, and ratio of perimeter to area. With these new features, the vectorization toolkit becomes a building block for powerful filtering and editing tools.

Editing Enhancements – Multi-select and Undo – More Editing Flexibility:

QT Modeler v8.4.2 offers the two most requested editing functions:

  • Multi-select enables the temporary grouping of items together (e.g., markers and range rings), then permits lateral movement and rotation of those items. To select, place a selection area around the items in the 3D scene and type SHIFT-K. Items will be highlighted. Now simply move as you would normally – K-Drag to move laterally, K-Right Click and drag to rotate. Delete to delete the selected items. Type Escape or Cancel to exit multi-select mode. Unchecking an item in the layer tree will exempt it from the multi-select mode.
  • Undo offers the ability to undo many edits that were previously unavailable for undoing: marker move/delete/rename/resequence, vector move/rotate/node edit/delete, and route node editing and deletion. Simply type “CTRL-Z” or use the UNDO button to undo various editing actions.

Access GRID via QTM’s Data Explorer (STAC API)

For Applied Imagery Government and DoD users, QTM v8.4.2 adds a new and important data source to the Data Explorer: GRID (NGA’s Geospatial Repository and Data Management System). Simply select GRID pull down the STAC server pulldown and discover/download GRID’s data exactly as you would for any other source. This new feature relies on STAC (Spatio-Temporal Asset Catalog) API. Note: You will need to log in to GRID via your browser prior to accessing GRID data via QT Data Explorer.

Export to ATAK – Export Data Packages/Mission Packages

QTM now exports to ATAK Data Package (also known as Mission Package) format. The same QTM workflow applies – i.e., use the layer tree to control which items get exported, choose a mission name upon export, etc. But now users have a choice of the “traditional” QTM export that exports many files in the ATAK folder hierarchy (grg, imagery, and overlays folders), or the new data package format in which all items are zipped into a single data package file. Copy the new data package into the devicename\atak\tools\datapackage folder. Open ATAK and navigate to the Tools Menu > Data Packages.

 

In addition, users can now specify a maximum Streamed Image File Size from 50MB to 1GB, thus controlling the resolution and file sizes exported to ATAK. Larger file size means better resolution and smaller file sizes mean worse resolution.

Route Time Analysis – Calculate Fuel Consumption

QTM’s route time analysis tool adds a new section for fuel consumption analysis. It operates on the exported route segments. Users enter estimated fuel consumption in MPG as well as estimated idle fuel consumption. QTM tallies it all up and provides a summary table. There is a separate tab for calculating fuel consumption for an entire convoy.

Web Mapping Server (WMS) Upgrades

QTM’s revamped WMS tool adds significant new resources for DoD users. There is a new pulldown menu to select imagery “Profiles” where available. This means DoD users can now select between Currency, Cloud Cover, Most Aesthetic, and many other layers that are available on Maxar’s G-EGD (aka “Digital Globe”) WMS server:

 

  • Fixed “Import WMS/WMTS” button
  • Added “Import Link” button.
  • Can now support things like WCS.
  • Added ability to edit Server Names
  • Can remember separate user/password/connect_id settings for different WMS sources ∙ Separate dialog to define/edit credentials
  • Can extract WMS Capabilities for a particular user/pw/connectID (uses JSON instead of XML as service descriptor)

Quick Terrain Modeler v8.4.1 Now Available!

Quick Terrain Modeler Version 8.4.1- Introducing GA3D™!

Applied Imagery is pleased to announce the release of QT Modeler v8.4.1, which enables users to enhance their Geospatial products in a new and exciting way, which we call Geospatial Augmented 3D™ (GA3D™). 

 

For years, users have combined all their geospatial products in QTM (point clouds, DSM/DTMs, imagery, vectors, points), availing themselves of the benefits that the inherent resolution and accuracy of these products delivers. But now users will be able to build on those products and create their own augmented 3D scenes – limited only by your imagination. What does this mean exactly? GA3D™ enables: 

 

  • Correction: In cases where you know a DSM is misrepresenting a spatial situation due to inherent limitations of triangulation/surface creation methodologies, (e.g., fences, trees, powerlines), use QTM’s editing tools to smooth or flatten those areas, then use the new QTM OBJ library to insert a 3D object that is more accurate – an actual fence, tree, or powerline. These objects can easily be scaled to the exact dimensions of the actual object. See power lines in the image below.
  • Enhancement: Transient objects such as vehicles and aircraft can be added to the scene to enhance situational awareness and represent a situation as-is. See the helicopter in the image below. 
  • Simulation: In cases where you want to simulate something that may just be in the planning stages (e.g., a new base camp, housing subdivision), GA3D™ enables adding tents, buildings, fences, towers and other structures that represent the new configuration, which, in turn, facilitates a variety of analyses and subsequent decision making. 

GA3D™ is enabled by QTM’s support of OBJ 3D mesh files in two distinct implementations: First as a new type of 3D model – just like point clouds and surface models, and second as an attachment to a marker (e.g., an OBJ helicopter model that can be moved around the 3D scene, just like markers). QTM v8.4.1 will include a built-in library of 3D OBJ files (aircraft, vehicles, infrastructure, etc.), but users can create and import their own OBJ models (e.g., in Blender), or import OBJ models from a wide variety of online sources. 

 

In addition to GA3D™, QTM v8.4.1 also adds a 3D model georegistration tool, upgrades to markers, enhancements to flight route planning, a more comprehensive GRG creation tool, route timing analysis enhancements, new movie creation capabilities, and much more. Read on for details!

 

GA3D™: OBJ files of helicopter and powerlines attached to markers on top of 1m LiDAR DSM. OBJ markers can be moved, reoriented, and/or given an Above Ground Level (AGL) value to make it “fly” above the terrain.

GA3D™: Precision 3D Data + OBJ Files = The Best of Both Worlds:

QT Modeler v8.4.1 implements OBJ mesh model support two ways:

 

  1. As a Model: Prior to v8.4.1, QTM supported two types of 3D model: Point Cloud (LAS/LAZ files) and Surface Models (DSM, DEM, DTED, etc.). Now QTM can import 3D mesh models in OBJ format, which opens exciting possibilities of fusion of different types of 3D data – and registering it together.
  2. As a Marker: The marker implementation of OBJ files enables the placement of 3D objects in the scene, thus expanding QTM’s capabilities into the realm of simulation. For example, users can calculate suitable helicopter landing zones (HLZ), then place a properly scaled 3D model of a helicopter, along with potential obstructions near the HLZ or along the approach (see image above and below). In addition, these 3D models will cast shadows for Line of Sight and substitute for a plain marker pin in the Travel Route Analysis tool and Vector Line of Sight. The increase in realism can be shocking. While QTM will incorporate a library of OBJ files, users can create and import their own, with unlimited possibilities.
GA3D™: 3D OBJ files of Toyota 4Runner, stop sign, man, tower, trees, chain link fence, and street light on top of 1m LiDAR DSM with 30cm color imagery (texture). QTM v8.4.1 will bundle all these 3D objects (and more!) in a 3D library, but users can also insert their own 3D OBJ files.

Marker Enhancements:

Markers have evolved to be much more than a simple push pin that marks a position. In addition to a 3D location, QTM’s markers have the following optional attachments and attributes, which are visible in the new Edit Marker window:

  • Sensor: Use as the basis for Line of Sight Calculations
  • Object: 3D OBJ file such as aircraft or vehicles that can be dragged/rotated around the scene as you move the marker. See helicopter in the image below.
  • Threat Dome: Up to three concentric translucent spheres centered on the marker and at specific distances. See image above.
  • Sensor Cone: Fully adjustable cone centered on the marker that can be configured and will illustrate sensor coverage from a specific point (the marker).
  • Orientation: QTM markers now have a specific orientation and can be rotated by K + Right Click/drag (just like vectors are rotated). Objects, Sensors, and Sensor Cones will rotate with the rotating marker.
QTM’s new Edit Marker window displays the objects/tools that can be attached to a marker: Sensor, 3D Object, Threat Domes, Sensor Cone, Above Ground Level (AGL), and orientation.

3D Georegistration Tool:

You can now right-click on a mesh, point cloud, or surface model in the layer tree to Georegister it. Simply establish anchor markers on the georegistered model, drag “ghost” markers that correlate each marker to the unregistered model (K +CTRL Drag), calculate the fit, and apply the transformation – which can be applied as either a 2D (horizontal only) or 3D (XYZ, roll, pitch, heading) adjustment.
Georegistering an unregistered mesh model by manually placing and correlating anchor points.

Reworked Threat Domes:

Threat domes have been enhanced to include up to 3 concentric domes, each with an individually set size, color and transparency.
QTM’s new threat dome tool enables 3 concentric threat domes with independent color and transparency controls – all centered on a marker.

Enhanced Movie Creation – Third Person View Tools:

QTM’s movie creation tools have been enhanced to capture many more items in the 3D view – including Vector Line of Sight, Virtual Line of Sight, and 3D OBJ mesh models attached to markers. One of the many benefits is the ability to attach an OBJ aircraft model to the Travel Route Analysis Tool (TRAT), establish a flight route Above Ground Level (AGL), set it in motion in the TRAT playback tool. Then manipulate the 3D scene, capturing a “third person” perspective movie. Then export to MP4 or other movie formats.

Capturing a “third person” perspective movie as a UH-60 OBJ mesh model flies down the route while also displaying vector line of sight (i.e., visibility to known positions on the ground).

Better Flight Route Planning Tools:

QTM’s Flight Surfaces/Bounding Boxes (FSBB) tool now enables independent heading offsets for the approach and departure surfaces (they used to be fixed 180 degrees apart from each other). This enables very flexible screening for flight obstructions. In addition, users can calculate and mark Top of Descent (TOD) and Top of Climb (TOC) once approach and departure settings are finalized.

QTM’s upgraded flight surface tool enables independent orientations for approach and departure surfaces (3D planes that highlight obstructions to flight on the approach/departure) as well as calculation and annotation of Top of Descent (TOD) and Top of Climb (TOC).
DOWNLOAD FULL RELEASE NOTES

Quick Terrain Modeler v8.4.0 is Available!

What’s New for Quick Terrain Modeler Version 8.4.0

Applied Imagery is pleased to announce the release of QT Modeler v8.4.0, which solves one of our users’ biggest problems:  access to geospatial data.  Our revolutionary new QT Data Explorer enables intuitive, fast, and interactive searching and downloading from online data repositories – or your own data.  QTM v8.4.0 also includes layer tree export to KMZ (Google Earth), upgrades to our HLZ tool, the ability to create your own stencils, search tool upgrades, a new hillshade lighting tool, and much more!  Download Release Notes

QT Data Explorer

QT Data Explorer revolutionizes the search for online geospatial data by delivering a simple, yet powerful tool to interact with STAC API data repositories. Simply connect to a STAC API repository (e.g., Microsoft Planetary Computer), draw an Area of Interest on an interactive map, then start exploring the data that is available. You can discover unlimited types of data – LiDAR point clouds/DSM’s, color imagery, vectors, Landsat imagery, etc., sift through it, then download what you need, load it into QTM, and start working with it!

Export Layer Tree to KMZ

QTM’s new export layer tree to KMZ function exports all layer tree content into a single KMZ file that can be opened in Google Earth – or any software that can read KMZ. This can condense work that you’ve done in QTM (markers, routes, annotations, bookmarks, stencils) in a very compact format. Note: 3D data and textures are not included in this KMZ export, but can be exported independently in many formats.

Multidirectional Hillshade

QT Modeler’s Multi Directional Hillshade enables the activating and setting of, three additional lighting sources to the main directional lighting. This allows for a fuller shading component to the visualization of your surface model data.

Annotation Upgrades – Make Your Own Stencils

Stencils can now remember and honor color values, and you can create your own! Simply right click on any vector, Export > Save as Stencil. Then select that stencil whenever you need it in the future. This will make it much faster to create and reuse common vectors such as multi-color range rings.

Helicopter Landing Zone (HLZ)

We have added the number one requested HLZ upgrade: the ability to save/reload HLZ Presets. The HLZ upgrade in QTM v832 provided many more user settings, so users wanted an easy way to remember and reload those settings. There are several buttons at the top of the HLZ tool to facilitate this. In addition, HLZ now automatically creates a new Vertex Color layer every time the analysis is run (rather than overwriting).

Terrain X

Terrain-X, the tool that is used to mark local slopes and headings (very useful in annotating an HLZ), has gotten a cosmetic refresh. The lines and arrowheads are thicker, labels have caption offsets, and the primary arrow now will always point “downslope”.

Model Search

Model Search now has a few more search parameters and capabilities:

  • Inverse search (everything *outside* search area)
  • Search Quadrants (search NE, SE, SW, or NW quadrants individually if desired)
  • Added context menu option to remove items from list
DOWNLOAD FULL RELEASE NOTES

QT Modeler v8.3.1 is available!

Applied Imagery is pleased to announce the release of QT Modeler v8.3.1.  We have added one big new tool, the Tiling Toolkit, and significantly enhanced a few popular “bread and butter” tools – Raster and Vector Line of Sight, Range Rings – per user requests.  We’ve also updated the GDAL libraries and added support for a promising new point cloud format, COPC LAZ.

QT Modeler v8.3.0 is Available!

Applied Imagery is pleased to announce the release of QT Modeler v8.3.0.   This release will fundamentally alter users’ interaction with their 3D data – i.e., point clouds and surface models (DEMs, DTMs, etc.).  The Point Cloud Toolkit and the DEM Toolkit will likely become users’ preferred way to preview data, understand coverage, density, and elevation, then carve out just the required pieces – regardless of the size of the file or collection.  In addition, we have completely revamped movie making, added a Route Time Analysis tool, tweaked markers, optimized 2D texture streaming for large areas, and much more!  Download Release Notes

New Tutorials Available

We have just posted 4 new tutorial videos. The first is an overview tutorial on QTM’s Above Ground Level (AGL) analyst. This is a very useful, multi-purpose tool that can generate bare earth as well as tag every point with an AGL value and remove points based on that value (i.e., “peel back” foliage in rugged terrain). The other three tutorials offer a 3-part overview of QT Modeler in the context of photogrammetric UAS (drone) surveys. Enjoy!

QT Modeler v8.0.7.2 is Available

Quick Terrain Modeler version 8.0.7.2 is now available.  New features include an enhanced Point Finder, virtual grid lines overlay, and other enhancements.  Please contact Duane Snyder at (301) 589-4446 or dsnyder@appliedimagery.com to upgrade.