Manual - ADAPCO

SKYTRACKER
Users’ Manual
GIS Mission Management Software for
ADAPCO’s WINGMAN GX
Spray Management System
Version 3 ▪ September 2007
ADAPCO, Inc. 550 Aero Lane ▪ Sanford, Florida 32771 ▪ 800-367-0659 ▪ www.myadapco.com
Table of Contents
General Description................................................................... 1 About this Manual ........................................................................... 1 Component Overview................................................................ 2 Prior to Mission Planning ................................................................ 3 Mission Planning ............................................................................. 3 Analyzing a Mission ........................................................................ 3 SkyTracker Menus and Forms .................................................. 4 File Menu ........................................................................................ 4 File - Print, - Print Preview, - Print Setup.............................................. 4 File - Import Shape Files ........................................................................ 4 File - Exit .................................................................................................. 4 View Menu ...................................................................................... 4 View - Zoom In/Out ................................................................................. 4 View - Pan ................................................................................................ 5 View - Full Extent .................................................................................... 5 View - Measuring Distance .................................................................... 5 Maps Menu ..................................................................................... 5 Map - Change .......................................................................................... 5 Map - Edit................................................................................................. 5 Map - New ................................................................................................ 5 Map – Show Info...................................................................................... 5 Mission Menu.................................................................................. 6 Mission - Export ...................................................................................... 6 Mission - Import ...................................................................................... 6 Mission - Open ........................................................................................ 6 Blocks Menu............................................................................................ 6 Blocks - Open File................................................................................... 6 Blocks - Save File, - Save File As.......................................................... 6 Blocks - New............................................................................................ 7 Blocks - Select Block, - Select Blocks, - Blocks - Select All .............. 7 Blocks - Delete Block ............................................................................. 7 Blocks - Undelete Bock.......................................................................... 7 Blocks - Paste Block, - Copy Block, - Cut Block ................................. 7 Blocks - New Container Bock................................................................ 7 Blocks - Select Container Block............................................................ 7 Blocks - Delete Container Bock ............................................................ 7 Blocks - No Spray Areas ........................................................................ 7 Blocks – Merge........................................................................................ 7 Blocks - Select Edge .............................................................................. 7 Blocks – Filter ......................................................................................... 7 Blocks - Zoom to Blocks........................................................................ 8 AB Lines Menu................................................................................ 8 AB Lines - New File ................................................................................ 8 AB Lines – Open File.............................................................................. 8 AB Lines – Save File, - Save File As ..................................................... 8 AB Lines – Delete File ............................................................................ 8 Towers Menu .................................................................................. 8 Towers - Show Towers........................................................................... 8 Towers - New Tower ............................................................................... 8 Towers - Delete Tower............................................................................ 8 Towers - Import From… ......................................................................... 8 Towers – Filter......................................................................................... 9 Towers - Export Text .............................................................................. 9 Preferences Menu........................................................................... 9 Preferences – CF Drive .......................................................................... 9 Preferences - Swath ............................................................................... 9 Preferences - Application Rate.............................................................. 9 Preferences - Chemical .......................................................................... 9 Preferences - Legend ............................................................................. 9 Preferences - Title................................................................................... 9 Preferences - Server IP Address ......................................................... 10 Preferences - Show Flow ..................................................................... 10 Preferences -Treated Areas ................................................................. 10 Preferences -Specifying Units of Measure......................................... 10 Preferences - AOI Settings .................................................................. 10 Preferences - CDI Settings................................................................... 10 Model Menu .................................................................................. 10 Model - Lagrangian and Gaussian ...................................................... 11 Model - Lagrangian Only...................................................................... 11 Chemicals Menu ........................................................................... 11 Tools Menu ................................................................................... 11 Tools - WMan Update, - Disable EWF ................................................. 11 Tools - WMan Stop................................................................................ 11 Tools - Hibernate................................................................................... 11 Tools - Delete FlightDat........................................................................ 11 Help Menu..................................................................................... 11 Initial Setup.............................................................................. 13 Power Up Procedures ................................................................... 13 Installing Updated Software .......................................................... 13 Importing Shape Files ................................................................... 13 Working with Maps........................................................................ 13 What the AGDISP Model Does ..................................................... 15 Working with the Near-Wake Lagrangian Model ............................... 15 Working with the Far-Wake Gaussian Model..................................... 16 Choosing which Model to Use............................................................. 17 Working with Chemicals................................................................ 18 Mission Planning ..................................................................... 19 Mission Planning ........................................................................... 19 Working with Blocks ...................................................................... 19 No Spray Areas ..................................................................................... 20 Using the Blocks Filter......................................................................... 21 Working with AB Lines .................................................................. 22 Working with Towers..................................................................... 22 Importing From Compact Flash Drive ................................................ 22 Importing From ARNAV ....................................................................... 22 Importing From FAA ............................................................................. 23 Exporting Text....................................................................................... 23 Exporting a Mission....................................................................... 23 Mission Execution on Wingman .................................................... 24 Post-Flight Review .................................................................. 25 Importing a Mission into SkyTracker ............................................. 25 Mission File Structure.................................................................... 26 Opening Previously Imported Missions ......................................... 26 Animating a Mission ...................................................................... 27 Printing Reports ............................................................................ 28 Hibernated Drives ......................................................................... 28 Restoring Wingman after a Launching the Pushbuttons Form...... 29 Deleting FlightDat ......................................................................... 29 Index ....................................................................................... 31 S K Y T R A C K E R
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General Description
SkyTracker is a Mission Management software program for ADAPCO’s Wingman GX Spray
Management System.
SkyTracker is a Mission Management software program designed to be used with ADAPCO’s Wingman
GX Spray Management System. A Wingman mission can be broken down into 3 distinct phases:
• Preparation, in which the mission is developed;
• Execution, in which the mission is flown; and
• Post-Mission, in which the mission is evaluated.
SkyTracker addresses the Pre- and Post-Mission phases. During the Pre-Mission phase, it tailors the
mission for the type of aircraft and chemical to be used as well as application-specific details. It provides
the capability to identify towers, create spray blocks, AB Lines and exclusion zones. When the flight is
complete, SkyTracker processes the data to evaluate the success of the mission. Its Animation/Debrief
tool is used to re-fly the mission on the map, with readout of when and where spraying occurred. Finally,
past missions are tracked and managed for easy reference based on a calendar display.
SkyTracker is designed to run using Windows XP. The higher the resolution of the monitor the better but
at least 1024 x 768 is recommended. The faster the CPU the better as well, a Pentium 4/1GHz or better
is recommended. Data is transferred between the PC and the Wingman using an ADAPCO specified
Compact Flash memory card.
About this Manual
Throughout this document, the path to a selection will be represented in bold type with the steps
separated by arrows. For example, navigating to the Print menu item will be described as File → Print.
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Component Overview
This chapter discusses the major functions of SkyTracker and Wingman throughout the Mission lifecycle.
Figure 1 shows the main elements of the SkyTracker and Wingman systems. Critical to both is the relay
of information through the Compact Flash card. This card is connected by an external drive to the
computer on which SkyTracker is loaded. On the Wingman system, it is inserted into the slot directly
below the Moving Map display.
Figure 1. SkyTracker and Wingman Communicate through a Compact Flash
Figure 2 shows the SkyTracker main screen. The window frame at the top contains the name of the map.
Below the frame are the menu and a toolbar of useful icons. At the right of the display is an area for
mission data. At the bottom of the display is a status bar to relay map coordinates and other meaningful
program cues.
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Figure 2. SkyTracker Main Screen
Prior to Mission Planning
Before planning a mission, basic information must be entered including
• The region in which the mission is executed must be specified;
• The type of product to be applied and its unique characteristics; and
• The pilot and type of aircraft to be flown.
These topics are discussed in Initial Setup.
Mission Planning
Once the basic information is entered the mission can be planned. Areas to be sprayed are then
designated as Blocks, Containers or AB Lines. No-Spray Areas are developed and merged with existing
blocks to create exclusion zones. All of these elements are saved to disk files for future editing and export
to the Wingman. When a mission is ready to be exported, a Compact Flash card is connected to the
SkyTracker computer and the files are transferred to Wingman. These topics are discussed in Mission
Planning.
Analyzing a Mission
Once the mission has been executed, the Compact Flash is removed from Wingman and reinserted into
the SkyTracker computer. Once a mission has been imported it can be called up any time in the future by
for playback and printing.
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SkyTracker Menus and Forms
This chapter describes all SkyTracker menus and forms. In later chapters, procedures will describe their use in
detail.
Menus are the primary means of navigating through the program. Forms are called up in response to
menu items. Each of these options will be described below.
File Menu
The File menu provides the capability to print reports.
File - Print, - Print Preview, - Print
Setup
The Print menu item launches Windows Print dialog form to modify print properties and print a mission or a
collection of shape files. The Print Preview menu item provides the capability to preview the layout of the report
prior to printing. The Print Setup menu item provides access to standard Windows print properties. See
Printing Reports for additional detail.
File - Import Shape Files
The Import Shape Files menu item provides the capability to import Blocks and AB Lines. See Importing
Shape Files.
File - Exit
The Exit menu item closes the SkyTracker program.
View Menu
The View menu provides a list of commands and options
to modify the SkyTracker display. The Toolbar menu item
is a checked property. If a checkmark is visible a Toolbar
of icons is displayed below the menu. If the Status Bar is
checked a status bar is shown at the bottom of the
display.
View - Zoom In/Out
If the Zoom In menu item is checked or the Zoom In toolbar icon is pressed, each left mouse-click on the
display will zoom in or enlarge the area of the display immediately around where the mouse was clicked.
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If the Zoom Out menu item is checked or the Zoom Out toolbar icon is pressed, each left mouse-click on
the display will zoom out or reduce the area of the display immediately around where the mouse was
clicked. Note: Zoom In/Out mode cannot be initiated while editing waypoints. When the menu or the
button is activated while editing way points, the scale changes without needing to click on the map and
the map does not re-center. Pan and the scroll bars are used to re-center while editing waypoints.
View - Pan
Pan Mode is initiated by checking the Pan menu item or by pressing the Pan icon in the Toolbar. In Pan
Mode, the cursor changes to a hand icon and when the left mouse button is pressed and held, the map
can be moved around by moving the mouse.
View - Full Extent
The Full Extent menu returns the map to its Full State view.
View - Measuring Distance
The Measure menu item is used to measure distance. When this feature is selected,
the mouse pointer changes to cross hairs. Click on the beginning of the line to be
measured, click on all the vertices and finally double click at the end of the line. The
Length form is displayed with the distance in several units of measure.
Maps Menu
The Maps menu provides the capability to select
and edit various map files. See Working with
Maps.
Map - Change
The Change menu item provides the capability to select other maps for display. This menu item is disabled
out when a mission is open.
Map - Edit
The Edit menu item is used to add, remove or edit map layers.
Map - New
The New menu item creates a new map.
Map – Show Info
The Show Info menu item is used to show or hide the map layer “Name” fields.
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Mission Menu
The Mission menu provides the capability to
export missions to Wingman (pre-mission),
import missions from Wingman; and
open/view available missions.
Mission - Export
The Export menu item provides the capability to download a mission to the Wingman via the Compact
Flash card. See Exporting a Mission.
Mission - Import
The Import menu item provides the capability to download a mission to the Wingman via the Compact
Flash card. See Importing a Mission into SkyTracker.
Mission - Open
The Open menu item provides the capability to open a previously imported mission. See Opening Previously
Imported Missions.
Blocks Menu
The Blocks menu provides the capability to
add, delete and modify spray blocks.
Additionally, no-spray areas can be merged
with a block to create exclusion zones.
Blocks can be updated on the Compact Flash
drive used by Wingman by checking the
Export Blocks checkbox in the Mission Data
form launched by Mission → Export.
Wingman then enables the user to select a
file name which contains the needed blocks.
See Working with Blocks.
Blocks - Open File
The Open File menu item provides access to
previously created block files. Block files
contain one or more blocks and/or one or
more containers.
Blocks - Save File, - Save File As
The Save File menu item saves modifications to the currently loaded block file. The Save File As menu
item provides the capability to save the as-modified block file to a new name.
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Blocks - New
The New Block menu item provides the capability to create a new block. Once created, the user will be
prompted to assign a name to the block.
Blocks - Select Block, - Select Blocks, - Blocks - Select All
These menu items are used to select one or more blocks for subsequent manipulation.
Blocks - Delete Block
The Delete Block menu item is used to delete all selected blocks.
Blocks - Undelete Bock
The Undelete Block menu item is used to restore previously deleted blocks.
Blocks - Paste Block, - Copy Block, - Cut Block
These menu items extend typical editing functions to block shapes.
Blocks - New Container Bock
The New Container Block menu item provides the capability to create a new container. Unlike blocks, no
name is assigned.
Blocks - Select Container Block
The Select Container Block menu item is used to select one or more blocks for subsequent manipulation.
Blocks - Delete Container Bock
The Delete Container Block menu item is used to delete all selected containers.
Blocks - No Spray Areas
The No Spray Areas menu item allows access to the No Spray blocks or exclusion zones. When this menu
item is checked, the Open File menu item will open No Spray Areas from the No Spray folder. All block
files subsequently saved will be saved in the No Spray folder as No Spray areas. See No Spray Areas.
Blocks – Merge
The Merge menu item provides the capability to merge blocks and No Spray Areas to create a hybrid block with
the No Spray Area removed.
Blocks - Select Edge
The Select Edge menu item is used to display spray lines from a designated edge based on the swath width
entered by Preferences → Swath.
Blocks – Filter
The Filter menu item is used to select blocks that meet selected criteria.
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Blocks - Zoom to Blocks
The Zoom to Blocks menu item cause the map to be zoomed to the immediate area of all open the blocks.
AB Lines Menu
The AB Lines menu provides the
capability to create, modify and delete
two-point spray lines. It augments the
capability for “on-the-fly” creation of lines
in the aircraft by Wingman. See Working
with AB Lines.
AB Lines - New File
The New File menu item provides the capability to create a new AB Line.
AB Lines – Open File
The Open File menu loads an existing AB Line.
AB Lines – Save File, - Save File As
Opened AB Line files can be saved by selecting the Save File menu item. To rename the file select the Save
As menu item.
AB Lines – Delete File
The Delete File menu option deletes AB Lines from a list of available files.
Towers Menu
The Towers menu provides the capability to
import, create and/or modify towers. Refer
to Working with Towers.
Towers - Show Towers
When the Show Towers menu item is checked,
towers in the database are displayed.
Towers - New Tower
The New Tower menu item creates a new tower at the location and height above sea level specified.
Towers - Delete Tower
The Delete Tower menu item deletes a tower from the database.
Towers - Import From…
SkyTracker provides the capability to import tower data from a number of sources, including:
• From Wingman via the Compact Flash card
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ARNAV tower files
FAA tower files
Towers – Filter
The Filter menu item is used to filter out unnecessary towers.
Towers - Export Text
The Export Text menu item saves the latitude and longitude of all towers in the database to a text file.
Preferences Menu
The Preferences option contains a list of
program parameters capable of being tailored
by the user.
Preferences – CF Drive
Some computer systems have different letter
designations for the Compact Flash card
reader. Use the CF Drive menu item to select
the drive letter of the Compact Flash card on
the SkyTracker computer.
Preferences - Swath
Use the Swath menu item to specify the swath SkyTracker will use when displaying the runs in a block
(Blocks → Select Edge).
Preferences - Application Rate
Use the Application Rate menu item to specify the application rate. This is relevant only on systems that
have Flow Control. This value can also be changed in Wingman.
Preferences - Chemical
Not used.
Preferences - Legend
The Legend menu item provides the capability to customize the Legend display for Mission reports.
Options include Left, Right or None.
Preferences - Title
The Title menu item provides the capability to customize the Title display for Mission reports. Options
include Left, Right, Center or None.
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Preferences - Server IP Address
The Server IP Address menu item is used for wireless connections. Selecting this item launches an IP
Address data entry form.
Preferences - Show Flow
Use the Show Flow menu item to display the Flow Control form while an open mission is animated.
Preferences -Treated Areas
The Treated Areas menu item correlates the actual area sprayed with designated areas. See Importing a
Mission into SkyTracker.
Preferences -Specifying Units of Measure
The Units menu item launches the Units form (Figure 3). The
form can be used to view or edit the units of measure for:
• Ground Speed, in MPH, KTS, KPH or MPS
• Distance, in NM, SM or KM
• Volume, in US Gallons, Imperial Gallons, Ounces or
Liters
• Wind Speed, in MPS, KTS, KPH or MPS
• Swath Width, in Feet or Meters
• Cross Track Error, in Feet or Meters
• Area, in Acres or Hectares
• Weight, in Pounds or Kg
Preferences - AOI Settings
The Angle of Intercept (AOI) shows the angle between the
Actual and the Desired Track. Selecting the AOI Settings menu
item provides the capability to customize the way the light bar
displays this information.
Preferences - CDI Settings
Figure 3. Unit Preferences
The Cross Track Distance Indicator (CDI) Angle of Intercept
(AOI) shows the angle between the Actual and the Desired Track. Selecting the CDI Settings menu item
provides the capability to customize the way the light bar displays this information.
Model Menu
The Model menu provides access to the two
models used by Wingman to calculate drift.
See What the AGDISP Model Does.
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Model - Lagrangian and Gaussian
The Lagrangian and Gaussian menu item sets up Far-Wake Model. See Working with the Far-Wake
Gaussian Model.
Model - Lagrangian Only
The Lagrangian Only menu item sets up Near-Wake Model. See Working with the Near-Wake
Lagrangian Model.
Chemicals Menu
The Chemicals menu provides the capability
to Add or Edit chemicals. See Working with
Chemicals.
Tools Menu
The Tools option provides access to
useful housekeeping functions to
maintain the Wingman.
Tools - WMan Update, - Disable EWF
These two menu items disable Windows’ Extended Write Filter (EWF), which provides a means for
protecting a volume from disk writes.
Tools - WMan Stop
The WMAN Stop menu item prevents the Wingman computer from launching the Wingman software
application at startup. Instead a form is launched with housekeeping functions.
Tools - Hibernate
The Hibernate menu item configures the Compact Flash drive for hibernation.
Tools - Delete FlightDat
The Delete FlightDat menu item removes the Flight.Dat flight data file from so that Wingman can be reinitialized cleanly.
Help Menu
The Help menu contains version
information for the SkyTracker
application. The About SkyTracker menu item lists the version along with ADAPCO contact information.
See Figure 4.
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Figure 4. About SkyTracker Form
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Initial Setup
This chapter covers procedures that are typically performed when SkyTracker is first installed. Before planning a
mission, basic information must be entered including the area of operations; the type of product to be applied
and its unique characteristics; and the pilot and type of aircraft to be flown.
Power Up Procedures
SkyTracker is usually launched from the desktop or the start menu under Programs.
Installing Updated Software
SkyTracker files reside on the root C: Drive in the Program Files/Adapco/SkyTracker directory. If you
obtain software updates from ADAPCO, install them following the written directions. Generally,
instructions will call for the copying of files to the above directory.
Importing Shape Files
Blocks or AB Lines can be imported into SkyTracker by selecting File → Import Shape File → Block or
File → Import Shape File → AB Line, respectively.
Working with Maps
To create a new map, select Maps → New. Enter a name in the New
Area form that appears and a new directory is created along with a new
map set.
To change the map, select Maps → Change to launch the Change Map
form. A list box control displays all available maps. The map in use is
highlighted. Selecting a different map and pressing OK changes the map
and the Title Bar to the name of the new map. This menu item is
disabled, or grayed out when a mission is open.
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To edit a map select Maps → Edit to launch the Edit Map form (Figure 5). A list box on this form
displays the included files from the Layers directory. Layers can be added or removed. This menu item is
disabled, or grayed out when a mission is open.
Figure 5. Edit Map Form
To add a layer, press the Add button. An Open File dialog box will be launched. Use this to select a shape
and then select a color and the Coordinate System. Unless certain of the coordinate system, use the
default or seek the advice of a GIS person.
To remove a layer, highlight the layer to be removed and press the Remove button. The Remove All button
removes all layers at once.
To change the color of a layer, highlight the layer. The color in the square next
to the Color button is the current color of the layer. Pressing the Color button
launches the Color dialog box which can be used to select a color for the
selected layer. If there is no suitable color in the palette, a custom color can be
created by pressing the Define Custom Colors Button.
It is important that layers be in the correct sequence. If a layer is not
transparent, it will cover another layer below it. To avoid this and position layers
in their correct sequence, use the Move Up and Move Down buttons.
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In the .dbf file pertaining to a particular layer, there may be
fields with values associated with them. (For example: In a
streets layer there may be a field called “Street Name” with
a value for each street name in the layer. Or a rivers layer
may have a “Name” field with a value for each river etc.)
To display this data, select the pertinent layer in the layers
list and click the Info button. This launches and Info Field
form with a list of fields. Select the field to display and
press OK. This process is called “Rendering”.
The coordinate system can be changed in the Edit Maps form by selecting a new format in the list. Unless
you are certain of the coordinate system to use or the layer does not appear correct, consult a GIS person.
What the AGDISP Model Does
The AGDISP, short for Agricultural Dispersion, model was developed by the USDA Forest Service,
other branches of the Government, and the agricultural and forestry community. AGDISP predicts the
motion of spray material released from aircraft, including the mean position of the material and the
position variance about the mean as a result of turbulent fluctuations, pointing toward a prediction of
spray deposition and drift.
Two models are used: The near-wake Lagrangian model deals with the movement of product while under
the influence of the aircraft’s turbulence, focusing on the effects of downwash and wing tip vortices as
well as the meteorological conditions. The far-wake Gaussian model deals with the movement of the
product after the effects of the aircraft’s turbulence have subsided.
Working with the Near-Wake Lagrangian Model
To use the Lagrangian model, select Model → Lagrangian Only. The Model form appears as show in
Figure 6.
Figure 6. Lagrangian Model Form
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Aircraft Registration is a list of available aircraft. To enter a new aircraft, select ADD. Remember to name
the aircraft exactly as it is named in the Chemical database file.
Aircraft Type is a list of available aircraft. If aircraft type is not in the list, please contact ADAPCO directly
for a database update.
DSD or Droplet Size Distribution is a list of available droplet spectrums. Contact ADAPCO for specific
Malvern laser data for spray nozzles used and chemical.
The Nonvolatile Fraction is defined as the volume fraction of spray material in the tank mix that will not
evaporate during application, obtained by dividing the amount of material applied per unit area treated (in
pounds per acre or kilograms per hectare) that will not evaporate, including both active and inert
ingredients, by the Spray Volume Rate. Nonvolatile Fraction must be between 0 and 1. For example, the
nonvolatile fraction of Dibrom Concentrate is 0.98.
Num Nozzles is the number of nozzles on the aircraft; input the total number of spray nozzles and then
update the horizontal, vertical and forward locations of each nozzle in the Nozzle # field to the right.
.
Height is the aircraft release height of the chemical above ground level, in meters.
Nozzle # specifies the position of each nozzle for the number of nozzles entered in the Num Nozzles
field. Enter the horizontal, vertical, and forward fields. In the horizontal field input the distance from the
aircraft centerline to the nozzle (left of centerline is a negative number). In the vertical field input the
distance from the trailing edge of the wing to the nozzle (below the wing is negative). In the forward
field input the distance between the trailing edge of the wing and the nozzle (aft of the wing is negative).
Choose the Save option once all data is entered.
A quick test can be performed by entering a wind speed (in meters/second) and selecting Test. The user
is prompted with “Done” when the test is successful. If an error is reported recheck all the model fields
for correct entry and reattempt the test.
Working with the Far-Wake Gaussian Model
To use the Gaussian model, select Model → Lagrangian and Gaussian. The Lagrangian and Gaussian
Model form appears as show in Figure 7.
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First choose the appropriate aircraft and chemical. If
needed you can select Add in the aircraft drop-down
menu. Be sure to name the aircraft consistently as you
have elsewhere in Skytracker. The target height is
used to specify the maximum flying height of
mosquitoes. As an example, Target height of 100’
assumes the mosquitoes are all between the ground
and 100’. After entering the appropriate information
and click Save. You should then see a dialog box that
confirms a successful save.
The Gaussian model requires a data file unique to the
Figure 7. Far-Wake Model Form
aircraft being used and chemical being sprayed. This file
can be obtained from ADAPCO, Inc. It is stored in the
C:/Program Files/Adapco/Skytracker directory and must be named as follows:
<Aircraft Name>_<Chemical Name>.txt,
Where Aircraft Name and Chemical Name are the unique names
assigned above.
The file at right is such a file. Across the top are 5 five wind
speeds (3, 5, 7, 10, 14), followed by six spray heights (100, 150,
200, 250, 300). These are followed by matrices, the values of
which are accessed based on the target spray height. These
numbers are stored for transfer to the Wingman. On the other
hand, if the near-wake has subsided, a file which needs to be
constructed before the Gaussian model is used. Contact
ADAPCO Inc. for further information.
Choosing which Model to Use
If the aircraft is close to the ground when the product is applied,
the product may be deposited before the effects of the aircraft’s
turbulence have subsided. Under these circumstances, the
Gaussian model is not necessary and the Lagrangian Only model
should be used. On the other hand, if turbulence is not an issue
and meteorological effects are more of a factor, choose the
Lagrangian and Gaussian model.
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Working with Chemicals
Chemicals are added by selecting Chemical →
Add or modified by Chemical → Edit.
Selecting either menu item launches the Chemical
Edit form as shown in Figure 8. The form
consists of fields for Name and the K Factor.
Figure 8. Chemical Edit Form
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Chapter
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Mission Planning
This chapter covers procedures that are typically performed prior to flying.
Mission Planning
Once the basic information is entered the mission can be planned. Areas to be sprayed are then
designated as blocks, containers or AB lines. No-Spray Areas are developed and merged with existing
blocks to create exclusion zones. All of these elements are saved to disk files for future editing and export
to the Wingman.
Working with Blocks
A block is a polygon shape or a group of polygon shapes. If the polygon shape .dbf file has a field called
“Name”, the value of that field will be displayed when the block is displayed. This applies to both
SkyTracker and Wingman. Multiple blocks can be saved in one file.
Blocks can be created after opening an existing file (Blocks → Open File) or by simply adding them to
the map. To create a new block, select Blocks → New Block and a cross cursor will appear. To draw
the new block or container, click the left mouse button while the cursor is where the first vertex is to be,
move the cursor with the mouse to the next vertices clicking where each one is to be until all the vertices
are drawn then double click to finish. Upon double-clicking, the user will be prompted to assign a name
to the block.
Some blocks may have irregular edges or multiple blocks may need to be sprayed together. A container
block contains multiple blocks and treats them all as one block. See Figure 9. Wingman will guide the
aircraft parallel to a selected edge of the container block and will dispense product at the appropriate time
to treat the blocks contained in the container block.
Containers are created in a similar manner although Blocks → New Container is used. Unlike blocks,
no name is required for a container. Blocks and containers can be selected for a number of operations
including, copying, cutting, pasting and deleting. When through editing select Blocks → Save File or
Blocks → Save File As to rename it.
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Figure 9. Container Block
No Spray Areas
No Spray Areas or exclusion zones are areas which must not be treated. SkyTracker enables No Spray
Areas to be subtracted or taken out of Spray Blocks. To create a No Spray Area, check the No Spray menu
item. This puts SkyTracker in “No Spray Mode”. While in this mode is enabled, the Blocks → Open
File will open No Spray Areas from the No Spray folder. When the No Spray Areas menu item is checked,
all block files will be saved in the No Spray folder as No Spray areas when selecting Blocks → Save File
or Blocks → Save File As.
Once the Spray Blocks and No Spray Areas are setup as desired, uncheck Blocks → No Spray Areas
and select Blocks → Merge. The user will be prompted for a name. This new block will be saved in the
Blocks folder with the No Spray Areas removed. See Figure 10 and Figure 11.
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Figure 10. Same Area showing Block (L) and No Spray Areas (R)
Figure 11. Merged Block
Using the Blocks Filter
The Filter is used to display blocks that meet the selected criteria. Selecting Blocks → Filter launches the
Blocks Filter form. When the Field and Value limits are entered, only blocks meeting the criteria are
shown. These blocks can then be saved as a file and exported as part of the Blocks data base. In the
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example Blocks Filter form, SkyTracker
will display all blocks from the selected
file which have a value greater than
2662.957030 in the ‘Area’ Field.
Working with AB Lines
An AB Line is a two-point line that defines an initial spray run. Subsequent runs are made to the right or
left of it based on the swath width. An AB Line can be created in advance by SkyTracker or in flight by
Wingman using the Advance Button. The following paragraphs will deal with the creation of AB Lines by
SkyTracker.
To create a new AB Line, select AB Lines → New File. A cross hair cursor appears. Using the left
mouse button, click on the first point and double-click on the second. Upon double-clicking, the user will
be prompted to assign a name to the line. Unlike blocks, there is only one AB Line per file. When the
name is assigned, the line is saved to a file by the same name. Lines can be opened using select AB Lines
→ Open File. Lines can be renamed using select AB Lines → Save File As. To delete an AB Line,
select AB Lines → Delete File choose the line to be deleted from a list of available files.
Working with Towers
To create a new tower, Towers → New Tower and a cross hair cursor appears. When the left mouse
button is clicked, a tower is added at the location of the cursor. The user is prompted for the tower’s
height above sea level, in feet. To delete a tower, select Towers → Delete Tower and click on the tower
to be deleted. If the tower is not visible, it may be necessary to zoom in.
Importing From Compact Flash Drive
Wingman, itself has the ability to add Towers to its Towers database. This is data is stored on the
Compact Flash drive and must be imported into SkyTracker for future use. To import entries select the
Import From CF menu item. Note: Like Blocks and Lines, Wingman’s database will not be updated until
the Export Towers checkbox is checked in the Mission Data form when exporting a mission. See Exporting
a Mission.
Importing From ARNAV
ARNAV systems also have the capability to display towers. The database used in ARNAV units can be
imported using the Import From ARNAV menu item.
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Importing From FAA
Towers can be imported from the FAA database. When this database is imported, an overwhelming
number of towers are imported which slows down the system. Use the Filter menu item to filter out the
ones not needed. Only the towers that are seen on the screen at the time the filter menu is selected will
remain. All other towers are deleted from the database.
Exporting Text
The latitude and longitude of all the towers in the database can be saved to a text file for review or
export. Use the Export Text menu item.
Exporting a Mission
To export a mission, press Mission → Export. The
Mission Data form is launched (Figure 12). At the top of
the form is a set of radio buttons controlling which drift
model is used to calculate the offset. Choices include
Lagrangian Only, Lagrangian and Gaussian or None.
The next controls are list boxes to select the Pilot,
Aircraft and Chemical. Each list is derived from a
database. The Aircraft database is maintained through
the forms launched under the Model menu. The
Chemicals database is maintained using the Chemical
menu. The Pilot database is maintained through this list
control through an Add feature at the bottom of the list.
Pilot names can be entered at any time prior to a
mission export.
Following these are optional files for export including
Towers, Blocks and Lines. If no changes have occurred to
these files since the last mission was exported, there is
no need to check them.
Figure 12. Mission Data Form
Finally, the drive to which the Mission is to be exported is
selected from a list. A warning is given when importing from the C: drive which is used by the Wingman
Simulator.
When the Mission Data form is complete press OK and the files are downloaded to the Compact Flash
card. A message will appear reporting success or failure when the export is finished.
When a mission is ready to be exported, a Compact Flash card is connected to the SkyTracker computer.
Transferred files include:
• Mission data file containing the type of drift model to be used; the pilot, aircraft and chemical;
• Blocks, Containers and AB Lines (Optional);
• Towers (Optional);
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Chemical data file;
Angle of Intercept (AOI) custom settings; and
Cross Track Distance Indicator (CDI) custom settings.
Mission Execution on Wingman
Once the files have been successfully exported, the Compact Flash is detached from the SkyTracker
computer and inserted into the drive slot on the front of the Wingman monitor. An area to be treated is
selected by loading a Block, Container or AB Line. Wingman provides initial guidance to the area. When
an edge is selected, Wingman calculates the spray run and provides offset based on meteorological inputs
and the chosen drift model. If Wingman is configured for flow control, the area is treated based on the
application rate and feedback from the system.
Each flight made since the mission was initially exported is designated as a Sortie. Although the length of
a mission is up to the discretion of the user, it is recommended that a mission not exceed one day.
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Post-Flight Review
This chapter covers procedures that are used in reviewing missions.
Importing a Mission into SkyTracker
Once a mission has been executed, the Compact Flash
card is removed from Wingman and reinserted into the
SkyTracker computer. Prior to importing, the treated
area must be specified by selecting Preferences →
Treated Areas. This step launches the Treated Areas
form which correlates the actual area sprayed with
designated areas and might not be the same as the
selected block file. See Figure 13. Select the Block file to
use and the Field containing the name of the layer. Then
when the next mission is imported, the selected Block
file will be used to identify the areas sprayed by the
name specified in the Field.
Figure 13. Treated Areas Form
To import a mission, press Mission → Import. SkyTracker will search for the data on the Compact
Flash drive previously entered in Preferences → CF Drive. NOTE: A warning is generated when
importing from the C: drive because this is also used by the Wingman Simulator.
When the mission is imported, the user is prompted to enter the
quantity of product applied as shown in Figure 14. SkyTracker
uses this information to distribute the amount of total product
based on the proportional area of the individual blocks. A report
is then generated listing the amount of product applied to each
area. The mission, itself is displayed in the map area for print-out
and debrief purposes. Prior to importing the mission, the user is
prompted for how much product was applied.
Figure 14. Product Applied Entry Form
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Mission File Structure
When a mission is exported to the Compact Flash drive, the name of the parent folder containing the map layers
file goes along with it. When a mission is imported a unique mission subdirectory is created under this parent
folder. This unique mission subdirectory is constructed from the date and time of the mission and all data files
associated with the mission are stored there. The naming convention is as follows:
YYMMDDHHMM, where
•
•
•
•
•
YY = last 2 digits of the year
MM = month, 01 – 12
DD = day, 01 – 31
HH = hour, 00 – 23
MM = minute, 00 – 59
Opening Previously Imported Missions
To open a previously imported mission, use the Open menu item in the Mission menu. As shown in Figure 15, a
calendar will appear with bold dates showing the days on which
Missions were flown. There may be more than one mission on a
day. To see all the Missions for that day, look at the drop down list
Select a Mission and select the mission to review.
Once a mission has been imported it can be called up any time
in the future by using the Open menu item on the Mission menu
and selecting the date on a calendar control. The mission is
listed in the Mission Information portion of the screen as a
collection of shape files consisting of the aircraft’s track, the
product’s deposition, the areas treated and the meteorological
data. These shape files can be turned on and off to enhance
viewing. The mission can be printed out or animated.
Figure 15. Mission Calendar
Figure 16 shows a mission that is opened in SkyTracker. The black and green dots show the aircraft’s path with
the spray system on and off, respectively. The dots can be hidden or shown by toggling the P checkboxes on
the right. Each row of P and L checkboxes represents a Sortie which, in turn, is defined as the period between
turning Wingman on and off.
The red shaded areas show where the product was deposited based on the drift calculated by the AgDisp
model. The red shaded areas can be hidden or show by toggling the L checkboxes on the right.
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Figure 16. Opened Mission
The barbs show the wind speed and direction at spray height. Each full barb represents 2 knots1 and each half
barb represents 1 knot. These can be hidden or shown by toggling the Met check box on the right.
The blocks are outlined in red and can also be hidden or show by toggling the Blocks Checkbox on the right.
The A button will animate the mission and the X button will remove the mission from the map. The M button
will show a report. The G button is used to update the volume and pilot details.
The blocks are outlined in red and can also be hidden or shown by toggling the Blocks checkbox on the
right. The A button will animate the mission and the X button will remove the mission from the map.
The M button will show a report. The G button is used to update the volume and pilot details.
Animating a Mission
An open mission can be animated by pressing the A button on the right. An aircraft icon appears at the
beginning of the flight. See Figure 17.
While the animation mode is running, the following keyboard keys can be used:
•
F key advances the animation 1 second at a time
1 Wind speed is represented in units of measure specified in the Units menu item in the Preferences menu. This discussion assumes that wind
speed preference is in knots.
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B key reverses the animation 1 second at a time
X key advances the animation 100 seconds at a time
A key advances the animation 5 steps per second
S key stops the automatic advance
Figure 17. Animated Mission
To view the flow control output press Preferences → Flow Control.
Printing Reports
Reports containing the mapped mission path can be generated by selecting File → Print. In addition, a
text report containing mission details can be obtained by opening a mission (Mission → Open) and
pressing the “M” button in the mission information on the right side of the screen.
Hibernated Drives
Hibernation is used to speed up booting. Rather than several minutes, it takes only about thirty seconds
to start up Wingman. This is accomplished by saving an image of the state of all drivers and services prior
to shutdown. The disadvantage to hibernation is that different Compact Flash cards may not be
recognized at startup2. Menu items in the Tools menu can be used to remedy this situation.
2
The easiest way to ensure that drives are always recognized is to use only the Compact Flash drives supplied by ADAPCO.
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First, it is necessary to disable the Extended Write Filter (EWF). The EWF provides a means for
protecting a volume from disk writes. This protection will interfere with hibernating of a new drive. With
the current Compact Flash card inserted in the SkyTracker computer, select Tools → Disable EWF and
enter the password3 in response to the prompt.
Insert the Compact Flash card into the Wingman external drive and boot the system. The message “EWF
Disabled” will be displayed on the screen and the system will come out of hibernation. The system will
start up without launching the Wingman. Instead a form will be launched that provides access to a variety
of functions:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
CMD – launches the CMD command interpreter Command Shell for execution and directs the
flow of information between applications, to translate user input into a form that the operating
system understands.
EXPLORER - Windows Explorer for routine file maintenance.
CLOSE – to exit the form.
START – to start the Wingman program.
FLUSH DRIVE – to close all files on the internal D: Drive.
RESTART – to restart the Wingman program.
SHUTDOWN – to shut down the Wingman computer.
Press the Shutdown pushbutton to shut down the Wingman computer.
Insert the new Compact Flash card into the SkyTracker computer, select Tools → Hibernate. After
entering the password, the Compact Flash card will be ready.
Insert the new Compact Flash card into the Wingman external drive and boot the system. The
“Welcome” screen will be displayed. After about one minute the system will reboot. After rebooting, a
“Hibernated” progress bar will appear followed by a message to reboot the system. The EWF has been
enabled and the system successfully hibernated.
When power is cycled, the “Resuming Windows” progress bar is displayed followed by the Wingman
program.
Restoring Wingman after a Launching the Pushbuttons Form
To restore the Wingman after launching the Pushbutton form, simply start Wingman from the Start
pushbutton and shut the system down from the Wingman menu (Menu → Shut Down). The next time
the power is cycled, the Wingman program will be launched at startup.
Deleting FlightDat
If Wingman should ever experience errors on start-up that preclude the system from operating, it may be
due to a corrupt file. Selecting Tools → Delete FlightDat, inserting the Compact Flash card into
3
A password is required to access the Tools menu items. The password can be obtained by contacting your System Administrator.
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Wingman and booting the system will result in the deletion of the flight data file. This file will be regenerated so be sure to reset your operating preferences.
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Index
AB Lines – Delete File, 8
AB Lines - New File, 8
AB Lines – Open File, 8
AB Lines Menu, 8
About SkyTracker, 11
AGDISP, 15
Animation, 27
AOI Settings, 10
Application Rate, 9
Blocks - Filter, 7, 21
Blocks - New, 7
Blocks - Open File, 6
Blocks - Save File, 6
Blocks - Save File As, 6
Blocks Menu, 6
CDI Settings, 10
Change Map Form, 13
Chemicals Menu, 11
Container, 19
Delete Block, 7
Delete Container Bock, 7
Delete FlightDat, 11
Delete Tower, 8
Disable EWF, 11
Droplet Size Distribution, 16
DSD, 16
Edit Map Form, 14
EWF, 28
Exit, 4
Export, 6, 23
Extended Write Filter, 28
File Menu, 4
Gaussian Model, 15
Help Menu, 11
Hibernate, 11
Hibernation, 28
Import, 6, 25
Import Shape Files, 4
Legend, 9
Legrangian Model, 11
Length Form, 5
Map - Change, 5
Map - Edit, 5
Map - New, 5
Measure, 5
Merge, 7
Mission - Open, 6
Mission Calendar, 26
Mission Data Form, 23
Mission File Structure, 26
Model Menu, 10
New Area Form, 13
New Container Bock, 7
New Tower, 8
No Spray Areas, 7, 20
Nonvolatile Fraction, 16
Num Nozzles, 16
Pan Mode, 5
31
Preferences – CF Drive, 9
Preferences Menu, 9
Print, 4
Print Preview, 4
Print Setup, 4
Printing Reports, 28
Select Block, 7
Select Container Block, 7
Select Edge, 7
Server IP Address, 10
Show Flow, 10
Show Info, 5
Sortie, 24
Swath, 9
Title, 9
Tools Menu, 11
Towers – Filter, 9
Towers - Import, 8
Towers Menu, 8, 22
Treated Areas, 10, 25
Undelete Bock, 7
Units, 10
View Menu, 4
WMan Stop, 11
WMan Update, 11
Zoom In, 4
Zoom Out, 5
Zoom to Blocks, 8