1 Sep 2020

PUBLICATION NOTICE: Sensor and Environment Physics in the Virtual Autonomous Navigation Environment (VANE)

Abstract: This report documents the physics models that are implemented in the Virtual Autonomous Navigation Environment (VANE), a sensor simulator that uses physics-based ray tracing to simulate common robotic sensors such as cameras, LiDAR, GPS, and automotive RADAR. The report will provide information about the underlying assumptions and implementation details regarding the physics models used in VANE simulations. These include surface reflectance and texture models, atmospheric models, weather effects, and sensor properties. The purpose of this report is to provide information for VANE users, developers, and analysts who would like to use the VANE for sensor simulations.

1 Sep 2020

PUBLICATION NOTICE: Preliminary Measurements on the Geography of Urban VHF Radio-Frequency Noise

Abstract: Radio-frequency (RF) noise has typically been measured at a handful of fixed, representative locations within the urban environment (Achatz, Lo, Papazian, Dalke, & Hufford, 1998; Achatz & Dalke, 2001; Dalke, Achatz, Lo, Papazian, & Hufford, 1997; Wepman & Sanders, 2011; Wagstaff & Merricks, 2005; Spaulding & Disney, 1974). In this work, we discuss the development of a mobile RF noise measurement system and the necessary geospatial and statistical post-processing techniques required to characterize the variations in noise on the street-scale in the VHF sections (60 – 300 MHz) of the spectrum. We discuss the design of our mobile noise measurement system, with special focus on the choice and calibration of preselection filters and preamplifiers necessary to reliably measure low RF noise levels while avoiding intermodulation distortion problems that arise in an environment with many strong emitters. Additionally, we describe post-processing techniques developed to reliably merge and interpolate the RF data with geolocation data which are collected on two very different (microsecond and multisecond, respectively) timescales. We use a preliminary urban dataset from Boston, MA to show that the geo-statistical properties of RF noise power can vary appreciably over street-scale distances, and that these spatial variations are repeatable over tactically relevant times.

1 Sep 2020

PUBLICATION NOTICE: On the Use of CSHORE for Beach-fx

Purpose: This Coastal and Hydraulics Engineering Technical Note (CHETN) presents and documents a series of MATLAB and Python scripts that prepare, run, and process CSHORE files for use in Beach-fx. CSHORE (Johnson et al. 2012) is a one-dimensional cross-shore profile evolution model that predicts storm-induced beach profile change. Beach-fx (Gravens et al. 2007) is an engineering-economic model that computes the evolution and economic benefits associated with beach renourishment projects and requires profile erosion estimates. Historically, the crossshore profile response model SBEACH (Larson et al. 1990) has been implemented in the creation of Beach-fx studies although the Beach-fx model was designed to allow alternative profile response models, such as CSHORE, to be used.

1 Sep 2020

PUBLICATION NOTICE: Computer-Based Calibration and Uncertainty Analysis of GenCade: Description and Proof of Concept

Purpose: This Coastal and Hydraulics Engineering Technical Note (CHETN) provides a description of a methodology for the computer-based calibration or Parameter Estimation (PE) and corresponding Uncertainty Analysis (UA) for the shoreline change model GenCade developed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. This work demonstrates the suitability and benefits of applying the proposed PE and UA methods to GenCade studies using an idealized case as well as a simple field study as a proof of concept. This document is primarily for engineers and decision-makers interested in the implementation of PE and UA in one-line shoreline change models such as GenCade.

1 Sep 2020

PUBLICATION NOTICE: Contribution of Two Eroding Banks to Multipurpose Pool Sedimentation at a Midwestern Reservoir

Abstract: This US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) National Regional Sediment Management Technical Note (RSM-TN) documents the sediment contribution of two eroding banks to multipurpose pool sedimentation at Kanopolis Lake, KS. The analysis is based on a 2009 LIDAR and an August 2019 unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)-based structure from motion survey.

1 Sep 2020

PUBLICATION NOTICE: Isarithmic mapping of radio-frequency noise in the urban environment

Abstract: Radio-frequency (RF) background noise is a spatially-varying and critical parameter for predicting radio communication system and electromagnetic sensor performance in urban environments. Previous studies have measured urban RF noise at fixed, representative locations. The Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) has developed a tunable system for conducting mobile RF noise measurements in the VHF and UHF and shown that urban RF noise characteristics vary significantly and repeatably at a scale of tens of meters (Haedrich & Breton, 2019). CRREL also found high-powered regions in Boston, MA that are persistent over time. However, since previous studies conducted stationary measurements or measurements along linear transects, little is known about the 2-dimensional topography of urban noise and the spatial distribution and characteristics of these high-powered regions. In this paper, we present the results of a dense, block-grid survey of downtown Boston, MA at 142 and 246.5 MHz with measurements taken every meter along each street. We present isarithmic maps of median noise power and describe the spatial distribution, shape and other characteristics of the high-powered regions. We compare the rate of noise power decay around high-powered regions to losses predicted by a power law model of path loss.

1 Sep 2020

PUBLICATION NOTICE: Seasonal Effects on Vehicle Mobility: High-Latitude Case Study

Abstract: Seasonality plays a key role in altering the terrain of many military operating environments. Since seasonality has such a large impact on the terrain, it needs to be properly accounted for in vehicle dynamics models. This work outlines a variety of static and dynamic seasonal terrain conditions and their impacts on vehicle mobility in an austere region of Europe. Overall the vehicles performed the best in the dry season condition. The thaw season condition had the most drastic impact on mobility with all but the heavy tracked vehicle being almost completely NOGO in the region. Overall, the heavy tracked vehicle had the best performance in all terrain conditions. These results highlight the importance of incorporating seasonal impacts on terrain into NRMM or any vehicle dynamics model. Future work will focus on collecting more data to improve the empirical relationships between vehicles and seasonal terrain conditions, thereby allowing for more accurate speed predictions.

25 Aug 2020

PUBLICATION NOTICE: Insights: An Update of the USACE Data Strategy Initiative; November 2019 Edition

Abstract: The Data25 strategy was advanced in FY19 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Chief Information Officer (USACE CIO) by funding pilots to show the power of data analytics on real USACE operations. This report details pilots that were conducted in three of USACEs Business Lines; Dredging, Hydropower, and Military Construction. The purposes for each of these pilots are listed below. 1. Enterprise value: Demonstrates the power of data analytics and its ability to generate business value by improving decision-making across the organization. 2. Technology value: Helps the CIO understand how cloud technology could support the overall data strategy. 3. Business value: Provides examples of data analytics in action. This view helps the Business Lines, Divisions, and Districts understand what it takes to supplement decision-making with insights generated from data. The main purpose of the pilots was to provide a glimpse of what could be gained from data analytics. From the initial business questions, the pilot Business Lines are seeking to use data to improve decisions through the automation of business processes, more rapid decision cycles, and the layering of previously siloed data on their own to reveal new insights.

25 Aug 2020

PUBLICATION NOTICE: Insights: An Update on the USACE Data Strategy Initiative; April 2019 Edition

Abstract: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineering (USACE) Commanding General, LTG Todd T. Semonite, announced 10 initiatives on May 2018 to improve execution through informed decision-making, enabling lower costs, and world-class engineering results today and tomorrow. Two of the initiatives were geared to transition USACE to data-informed decision-making through the use of data analytics. The first of these two initiatives sought to implement a data strategy that included a doctrine and governance, through creation of a data management plan. The plan implemented tools to aggregate data across the organization and improve reporting. Dr. Cary Butler, USACE Chief Data Scientist, led this effort. The second initiative sought to establish a dedicated USACE Innovations Team to build and recruit a skilled team to act as finders and enablers of innovative, enterprise solutions that enabled USACE to become a digital business. The USACE Chief Information Officer oversaw both initiatives. Because goals and objectives overlapped in many areas and gathered momentum for these initiatives, leaders from both teams came together and decided that showing the business value of data analytics to improve decision making across the Corps should be a top priority. This document was used to report on the progress of the initiatives and give a better understanding of the need for data-informed decisions throughout USACE.

25 Aug 2020

PUBLICATION NOTICE: New York/New Jersey Harbor Sedimentation Study: Numerical Modeling of Hydrodynamics and Sediment Transport

Abstract: The New York/New Jersey Harbor (NYNJH) is a vital economic resource for both the local economy and the entire US economy due to the vast quantity of imports and exports handled by the numerous ports in this waterway. As with most ports, there is a significant, recurring expense associated with dredging the navigation channels to the authorized depths. In an effort to determine the impact of channel enlargements (“the project”) on dredging volumes, a numerical model study was performed. The advantage of a numerical model study is the ability to isolate individual system modifications and associated impacts in terms of dredging volumes. Five years (1985, 1995, 1996, 2011, and 2012) were simulated for both the with- and without-project conditions to determine the impact of the channel deepening on the dredging requirements for a wide range of meteorological conditions including storm events. The numerical model results were analyzed to provide insight into which locations will experience increased/decreased deposition and quantify the amount of increase/decrease for a given channel reach. The model results indicate a relatively minor increase in the total dredge volumes for the NYNJH with the increase being insignificant in comparison to the natural variability in dredge volumes across years.