MARIA is a complete GIS plattform running as a standard Windows desktop application, on a web server accessed through a browser or a on a mobile device running Windows Mobile or Windows CE .Net.
MARIA Web and PocketMARIA contains a subset of the functionality of MARIA Desktop tailored to the platform characteristics and intended use.
The functionality can be categorized into five main categories:
- Map management
- Map overlays
- Analysis functions
- User interface functions
- General functions
Map Managment
MARIA contains all the functionality required to load, navigate and interact with the map. Both vector and raster map can be displayed using commercially available map data or products. Data is either converted into the MARIA internal map format or accessed directly. Maps are organized in map templates providing flexibility on how the data is presented based on scale and/or the map's property data. MARIA also supports the display of data provided through the Web Map Service (WMS) standard provided by Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC). MARIA Web can operate as a WMS server and supports cascading services.
The user navigates in the map using a wide range of functions from standard zoom/pan operations to search in databases with a subsequent "center to" operation on the search result (e.g. place name and address search). MARIA provides functionalty to display meta data and map property data providing users with additional information about the current map. The 3D module in MARIA provide a three dimentional view of the terrain using DTED or USGS DEM as the data source. The 3D map is displayed using textures (summer or winter) or by draping a 2D map on top of the elevation model. Navigation in the 3D module is handled by using the mouse or automatically by locking the 3D view to the 2D view. Naviation can also be controlled by locking the view to a moving unit that that is typically updated from an external data source.
Other examples of MARIA map functions are:
- Display map grids (UTM, Lat/lon, GeoRef)
- Continious display of position and elevation in the point defined by the mouse cursor
- Dim the map to highlight overlays
- Draw the map using grayscale colours
- Bookmarks containing prefefined map views and scale
- Display the map using elevation data and a predefined value for each elevation interval
- Use elevation data to provide shaddow effect on the map
- Set a default map that loads automatically when MARIA starts
- Set projection and datum
- Export or make a snapshot of the map (with or without overlays)
- Work with several maps at the same time
- Minimap function providing the geographical context of the main map
- Verify map data agains a predfined manifest using the meta data information
- Include maps in a situation file contains a map view and overlays
Map Overlays
MARIA contains an extensive set of functions to manage information displayed on top of the map. The overlays typically constitutes units/tracks (e.g. vehicles, vessels and aircrafts), draw objects, general database objects or ole objects. Overlays may also be created in MARIA modules using the Software Development Kit (SDK). One example of a module developed using the SDK, is a raw radar video display module. In this module the radar video is displayed in MARIA as a tranparent overlay in near real time. Another example is the MARIA Metoc module displaying meteorlogical data as one or more overlays in the map. Overlays such as units/tracks and draw objects are displayed and updated both in the 2D and 3D map.
Available overlay functions will depend on the type of overlay, but can in general be organised in five main categories:
- Overlay presentation functions. Examples are functions to control symbol type, symbol label, symbol size, fonts and colours settings. Presentations settings can be stored in profiles for easy assignment at a later stage.It is also possible to change the presentation based on scale or the number of objects that are visible in the map view.
- Overlay filter functions. MARIA contains both simple and advanced functionality to filter the data prior to display. Examples are filters based on time since the last update, filter on object attributes and filters using regular expressions. Filters can be stored for later reuse.
- Overlays group functions. MARIA contains functionality to group objects logically or based on physical organisation.The groups are reflected in the MARIA user interface and functionality is available both for groups and single objects. One example of a group function is the capability to filter the display of units in the map based on the physical distance from a master unit. If the unit is closer than the treshold value, only the master unit is displayed.
- Data interchange functions. MARIA contains functionality to connect to different data sources providing real time updates of an operational situation. Functions are also available for exchanging data with other MARIA clients on the network using the MARIA Network Server Service (NSS) protocol.
- Special functions. Some functions in MARIA are specific to either units or draw object. Examples are:
- Configure and display track history
- Display units based on military symbol standards
- Display draw objects according to MIL-STD 2525B
- Create user defined object symbol libraries for units
- Declutter function for units
Analysis Functions
MARIA contains analysis functions developed to support the needs of the customers within our main market segments. We provide sophisticated cababilities enabling the end users to perform their tasks efficiently and accurately. Examples of built in analysis functions in MARIA are:
- Distance and bearing calculations/analysis
- Route calculations
- Height profile analysis
- Horizon analysis
- Elevation terrain analysis (highest point, slope etc.)
- Terrain feature analysis
- Intercept calculations/analysis
- Time/space analysis
- Radio and radar coverage calculationsl
- Recording and playback
- Area calculations
Analysis functions may also be developed using the MARIA software development kits. The functionality will then be included in one or more Addin modules that are seamlessly integrated into the MARIA user interface. Addin modules are develoepd both by Teleplan Globe and third party solution providers. Examples of Addin modules developed by Teleplan Globe are:
- Audio Visual Registration (AVR) module using a video camera as the source for providing images, audio and video in a geographical context
- Serach and rescue module
- Meteorology module
- Frequency management system (FRIDA)
User Interace Functions
The MARIA look and feel is based on the latest de facto standard within software development. Our focus has not only been to provide functions with high performance, but also to provide attractive and understandable user interfaces.
In MARIA it is possible to configure the user interface based on requirements and needs. A separate workspace function is available providing one click access to a set of functions, windows and toolbars. The workspace function also controls the physical location of the different user interface elements.
Other user interface capabilities are:
- Auto hide function for application windows
- Multi dock bar for application windows
- Hide/show items in the toolbar
- Hide/show items in the menues
- Create user defined toolbars
- Control the visibility of window and toolbars
- Use large icons in all toolbars
- Assign keyboard shortcuts
- Intelligent menu function
- Change menu animation scheme
- Full screen mode
