Relative to the stated US Navy interests in auto-correlation of elevation data for support to the Cruise Missile Command and Control (PMA 281), our technical objectives offer a linear analytical approach to this SBIR. Our first objective is to conduct an operational requirements analysis to define the operating environment of the digital correlation solution and its interfaces to source data and target systems. Next, we will investigate the specific functional requirements that define the processes that must exist within the solution. Third, we will examine the performance requirements to include such variables as timing, output quality of the solution, impacts upon digital correlation results, estimation of improvement gains in minimizing interactive editing, and accuracy requirements. Fourth, we will investigate the PTAN requirements that will affect the output of the DEM required for the reference map. Finally, we will analyze the optimal digital correlation approaches as defined by the prior tasks. Under a planned Phase I Option, we will also focus on the architectural design for Phase II prototyping, and conduct a market survey quantifying the potential success of a related fielded product. A number of opportunities for a digital correlation solution exist in the marketplace. The most promising involves providing solutions to commercial satellite systems vendors and their value-added resellers and product generation partners for sale and resale. Also, remote sensing/GIS vendors should be receptive to reselling a solution as an add-on or replacement of their existing digital correlation capabilities. Lastly, DoD, intelligence, and defense mapping agencies worldwide are potential customers of bulk sales of the solution. During both Phase I (Option) and Phase II, research into all logical marketplaces will be performed to finalize anticipated revenue levels and per unit pricing. We believe at this point that the market value for the solution will be in the $7,500-$10,000/copy range, with embedded versions resold by partners for roughly 30-50% off standalone pricing.
