This document was prepared by the IPL Program
Office as part of Rome Laboratory/IRD-1. Comments or requests
for additional copies or information should be addressed to:
The purpose of this document is to provide details of the Image Product Library (IPL) training program and serve as a reference for those requiring information on the program. This TMP outlines the responsibilities for defining, developing, managing, and funding a training program for the current IPL Version 1.0/HTMLI v3.1. The primary goal of the plan is to insure that training needs have been properly addressed as an integral part of the system's development and implementation effort.
This TMP is consistent with current National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) and Program Office requirements and responsibilities.
This TMP is applicable to the Rome Laboratory IPL Program Office, all IPL user locations, and their parent Service and/or Command (to include all applicable training organizations).
1.4 Revisions
To maintain currency this document will be revised on a regular
basis as new information becomes available. This document will
be in draft format as comments are received and will be in version
phases, beginning with version A.
a. DIA Regulation 24-11, General Intelligence Training System,
10 April 1995.
b. CSE-SS Trusted Facility User's Guide (TFUG), 18 February
1997
c. Image Product Library (IPL) v 1.0 Installation Guide, 2 May
1997, NON-CDRL
d. Terms and Acronyms for IPL v1.0, 30 August 1996
e. Software User's Manual for IPL v.1.0 - Manager Functions,
25 April 1997, CDRL # E032
e. Site Acceptance Test Procedures for IPL v1.0 - Manager Functions,
f. User's Guide for IPL HTML Interface, v.3.1,
g. IPL HTML Interface v. 3.1 Installation Guide,
3.0 The following paragraphs provide background data on
the Image Product Library.
This figure below shows the mechanisms of IPL's capabilities.
IPL provides a directory for stored items, which includes off-line
and on-line items. The directory is based on USIS standards and
is searchable by the user. IPL stores format types such as NITF2.0,
TIFF products, SUNRaster, and ARIDPCM products. It can store
uncompressed and compressed products of different formats. IPL
accepts image/product files from local and remote workstations
and can store them off-line or on-line.
3.2 IPL Roles
3.2.1 IPL User
The IPL HTML Interface effort provides the Imagery Community
with access to an IPL Server. The interface implements the IPL
Server Application Programming Interface (API) to provide a gateway
between an IPL Server and the supported "World Wide Web"
tools and servers. The end result is that a user can use a WWW
Browser (e.g., Mosaic, Netscape, or Microsoft Internet Explorer)
to access an IPL Server from any platform that can support a Hypertext
viewer, without the need for any other specialized software specific
to the IPL Server Application.
The IPL HTML Interface Home Page, as shown below, is divided
into four major sections:
(1) SEARCHING;
(2) CATALOGING;
(3) ASSISTANCE; and
(4) OTHER.
An example of an URL address for this Interface is:
http://128.132.64.211:8120
The IPL HTML Interface, which is also referred to as the HTMLI
or HTMLI Client, provides the server software necessary for the
various browsers (eg. Netscape, Mosaic) to access the products
stored in IPL. In this case, it allows the user to browse and
search for applicable products and add new products to the IPL
database. These users consist of a majority of the imagery community.
Certain skills accomplished include:
There are two different types of IPL servers: Protected
Servers and Registered Servers which can be accessed with the
IPL HTML Interface Home Page, which will show the type of server
in the upper left corner. Protected Servers require a valid user
login. The users can find out which type of server they are accessing
by looking at the IPL HTML Interface Home page. The type is shown
just below the title bar on the left side (see figure on previous
page). Login accounts can be obtained by contacting the System
Administrator (found on the Points Of Contacts (POC) page) for
that server. The POC page can be accessed off the IPL HTML Interface
Home Page.
Protected Servers protect ALL data on the system. If the system
is configured as a protected server you will be asked for a login/password
for any of the functions provided on the top bar, i.e., "Preferences",
"Search Existing Products", "View New Products",
and "Product Status". On a Registered Server only the
"Cataloging" functions will require a login/password.
If the user is accessing a Protected Server, a Warning Banner
(as shown below) will be displayed.
If the user clicks the Accept button they will be asked for a
login and password as shown below.
Those servers configured as registered or central servers will
not require a login/password to access the capabilities provided
by the "View New Products" and "Search Existing
Products". Clicking on these buttons will take the user directly
into these capabilities.
Some of the features that the IPL HTML Interface provides are:
The Product Input or Cataloging function
which enables the user to send products via ftp transfer to the
IPL server from their workstation. HTMLI loads the data and monitors
it as it is sent to the IPL server. The View New Product
will process the user's request and return the results in a scrollable
window. The user can scroll up and down the hit list by using
the scroll slider on the right side of the scroll box. For each
product, the product hit list includes descriptive information
from the IPL table elements Product Classification, Originator's
Name, Producer Code, Product Size, Product Short Name, Source,
Product Title, Product Format, Date of Product Creation, Event
Name, Image Source, Keyword, Sensor Name, Target Country Code,
Target ID, Target Name and Time of Collection. All selections
for products is done in the scrollable hit list. Right above
the scrollable hit list box is the total number of products that
have been sent into the database successfully.
The Search Existing Products function is
primarily a search tool. HTMLI allows a user to do single and
multiple queries against local and remote IPL servers. An executed
query returns a list of results. One or more of these results
can be selected to see additional information on the product.
Displayed within the scrollable window can be up to 82 Standards
Profile for Imagery Access (SPIA) elements comprising 10 tables.
Only table elements with data will be displayed. If an image thumbnail
is available and "Display Thumbnails" was selected under
the Preferences screen, the thumbnail will be displayed along
with all the details provided in the database about the product.
If the thumbnail display option was turned off and a thumbnail
exists for the selected product, "THUMBNAIL IS AVAILABLE
Click for Thumbnail" is displayed. Clicking on this will
download the thumbnail. If a thumbnail does not exist for the
selected product, "Thumbnail is Not Available Click for Image"
is displayed. To request the product, the user clicks on the Thumbnail/Image,
Video, Document, or Audio Button. To pull a product the
user selects the item of interest by clicking on the product within
the scrollable list and clicking the Pull Button. At this point
the product will be downloaded using a program, such as a softcopy
application (xv, DIEPS), that is spawned. The products pulled
are based on the preferences selected in the "Types of Products
Searched for" section of the Preferences Page. To get different
product types go to the Preferences Page and change the selection.
3.2.2 IPL Manager
The IPL Manager is referred to as the "superuser".
This user has the capabilities to manage all the IPL activities
and maintenance functions. This particular user can fix products
with problems and send them into the database rebuilt. This user
can delete certain products which may be duplicates. The Manager
user can restrict certain kinds of searches that a normal user
can perform. This user can set requirements to products as to
what fields the product must carry. One other skill that the
Manager user holds is the ability to send products from the database
and archiving them to a tape or disk.
The IPL server software has functions which allow the IPL Manager
user to do the role of maintaining the software. Such include:
Product Support allows the IPL Manager to view
an image product, create an IPL datafile and modify (fix) or
delete image products prior to input via managed files and problem
inputs. It also allows the IPL Manager to perform maintenance
on existing image products via the query, delete, update, and
offline storage processes.
Client Support allows the Manager to set parameter
environments for image product processing. The following options
are available:
Download - maintains the data element names,
values (choice lists), and HELP text to be downloaded
to the HTMLI client.
Management Parameters - maintain the general control
parameters used by the IPL server applications.
Product Producers - maintain the list of authorized producers
for selected IPL product types.
Database Minimums - consist of global minimums and product
minimums. Global minimums applies to all
products in which it maintains the list of minimum
data elements for every product that must be presented
in order to be placed into the Image Product database.
Product minimums apply to certain types or classes
of the products. This is used to determine if the input
products have sufficient data to become a part of the
Image Product database.
IDEX Interface Control - controls access to either a
collocated IESS or NDS host via the assigned server.
Allow IDEX Query flag restricts ability of Assigned
IPL to query a collocated IDEX or IESS host.
The Allow IDEX Request flag restricts tha
ability of the Assigned IPL to receive a request
from a collocated IDEX or IESS host.
Remote IPLs - allows IPL Manager to add or delete hosts
to the selected server list, update logon information for
remote IPL sites, restrict ability of the host client to
query another server, and restrict being queried by remote
IPL servers.
Product Defaults - provides capability of defining one
or more sets of Table Name, Data Name, and Default
Value associated with a given Product Shortname.
IESS Auto-Populate - provides capability of defining
the IESS Auto- Populate Table with one or more sets of
data elements associated with Product Shortname. This
process queries the IESS collocated server and uses
the returned data to fill undefined entries, or if
Overwrite flag is set, the identified field will be
updated.
Archive Interface allows the user to archive image
products off-line.
Offline Requests notifies the IPL Manager that
off-line products have been requested by the HTMLI client.
Profiles function allows the IPL Manager to establish
a profile for a specified account on any valid host. Once a
profile is established, products which are inputted into the
IPL server will be evaluated against the profile criteria. If
a product meets the entry criteria defined in the query window
on the Profile screen, IPL will send the product to the user
account, path, and host machine specified.
3.2.3 Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)
Maintaining system security varies from site to site. Certain
security officials concentrate on the entire system while others
only look after particular software on a system. Their primary
role is to maintain the security of the system. The main duties
of the ISSO under IPL involve user account management using the
Client Server Environment - System Services (CSE-SS). Such ones
include assigning or changing passwords, maintaining user account
information, and clearing disabled or locked accounts.
3.2.4 System Administrator
(SA)
System Administrators require a system level technical understanding
of the hardware and software capabilities of IPL and HTMLI, including
the IPL database(s), software applications, and internal and external
interfaces with the systems and infrastructures supporting IPL.
The operators serve as both communications and computer operational
specialists. Their top level training requirements include:
3.2.5 Database Administrator (DBA)
The Database Administrator's tasks for the IPL database
primarily revolve around the Structured Query Language (SQL) Server
and Backup Server. The DBA grants roles and permissions to SQL
Server users. The DBA manages and monitors the use of disk space,
memory, and connections. The DBA manages the backing up and restoring
of databases as well as diagnosing system problems. The DBA's
main activity is configuring the SQL Server to achieve best performance.
14 operational sites, as well as 9 BC2A Sites, currently run the
IPL/HTMLI software as depicted in this figure.
4.0 The following factors and assumptions have an impact
on the IPL training concept and methodology:
5.0 The following organizations are directly involved in
the development and implementation of the IPL training program.
5.1 Training Planning/Support Organizations
IPL training is a dual responsibility of
the NIMA IPL Program Management Office and Rome Laboratory/IRD-1's
IPL Program sector. Training requirements and planning is supported
by appropriate NIMA staff activities, the Community Imagery Training
Council (CITC), the military services, Joint Staff, Unified Commands,
civil and defense agencies, and the NIMA Library development organizations.
The authority to perform training is delegated by Rome Laboratory/IRD-1
in Rome, NY.
The NIMA IPL PMO has established an IPL Customer
Support Center (ICSC) at Rome Laboratory/IRD-1, and acts as the
focal point for IPL user, operator/maintainer, and manager assistance.
The ICSC will coordinate training assistance for IPL users, System
operators/maintainers/administrators and IPL Managers.
Rome Laboratory/IRD-1, it is responsible for overseeing the contractual
requirements as they pertain to developer-furnished IPL training.
The IPL Program Manager has overall responsibility for planning,
budgeting, and implementing IPL training. The IPL PM will:
The National Imagery and Mapping Agency will monitor the training
requirements of the IPL Program, provide guidance and assistance
in defining and validating IPL training requirements, and oversee
IPL training activities. The IPL TMP will be briefed and submitted
to NIMA's Community Imagery Training Council (CITC) for
approval.
5.1.1.3 IPL Customer Support Center
(ICSC)
ICSC, with support of the Military Services, the Joint Staff,
Unified Commands, and Defense and Civil Agencies will assist in
managing the development of IPL training by:
5.1.2 GDE
As the development contractor, GDE has the responsibility of
defining the IPL program training requirements, providing
developer-generated training and furnishing IPL training materials
to sites for use in their training initiatives.
GDE is responsible for providing training to IPL organizations
in accordance with the specified terms of the contract. Training
is usually conducted on-site during initial IPL installation and
following any release with new/modified functions. Personnel
to receive this on-site training include the imagery analysts,
managers, and computer operators.
Mr. Joseph Stooks
32 Hangar Road
Rome, NY 13441-4114
DSN 587-4429, Commercial (315) 330-4429
Major Alan Womble
SUAAM
14675 Lee Road
Chantilly, VA 20151-1715
Unclassified Phone: (703) 808-0541
5.2 Training Execution Organizations
The following organizations will provide guidance to the IPL
Program in developing, implementing, evaluating, and managing
IPL training.
User organizations are those service and/or command imagery organizations
that utilize or plan to utilize an IPL. User organizations share
in the responsibility for identifying user training requirements.
Users are those individuals who use the IPL/HTMLI to retrieve/populate
imagery products in supporting the Imagery Intelligence (IMINT)
community. Such users are described in previous section, Section
3 (3.2 IPL Roles).
There are two types of user sites in the IPL community. The
first type consists of sites which are new IPL/HTMLI sites. In
this sense, these sites have never had IPL/HTMLI installed in
their facilities before. With this type, training is provided
by the development contractor during or after the initial IPL
installation. This training is usually provided on-site by a
team of developer-furnished instructors. This developer furnished
training varies from site to site depending on site requirements.
Site training attendance is tailored to specific user duties.
The IPL developer follows the "Train the Trainer"
concept to ensure that all site personnel receive all necessary
training. The development contractor makes the use of "train-the
trainer" method of instruction to give selected personnel
extensive training (on all aspects of IPL & HTMLI functionality)
so they in-turn can train the rest of the unit's users.
The advantage of this method is that instruction is concentrated
towards a small group of hand-picked personnel, thus increasing
the learning and knowledge retention curve. In addition, the
site gets a small core of highly trained personnel to provide
initial and sustainment IPL training.
The second type relates with sites who have an existing IPL/HTMLI
system. These sites have IPL trained personnel who are assigned
to receive "up-to-speed" training on a new version
of the existing software. The "Train the Trainer"
concept still applies in this type which is also conducted by
the development contractor. The differences in this type compared
to the previous one relate to the extent of the training. Since
a IPL/HTMLI system exists, training is concentrated on new functionality
only.
After training is complete, for either type of site, additional
training tools are available during continuous use of IPL and
HTMLI. Both pieces of software contain help screens and on-line
documentation. HTMLI also offers on-line demonstrations which
take you through the different functionality.
While not primarily designed to replace the face-to-face training
deemed critical to the success of the training program, these
concepts will minimize the use of mobile training teams and/or
revisits by the development contractor training teams and greatly
enhance the site's sustainment training activities. This
type of training is highly beneficial for remote IPL/HTMLI sites
and Navy IPL/HTMLI systems on board ships at sea.
6.0 The following paragraphs explain the training program
for IPL.
Training will be conducted on an operational IPL system. Each
training course must be furnished with suitable space with 4-5
workstations. Training materials will include instructor/student
guides, including user manuals, appropriate training slides, and
a HTMLI training video. All training material must be approved
by the IPL Program Office. Training will consist of hands-on
instruction, utilizing the IPL & HTMLI, of the new or modified
functions and hardware operations of the system.
The student must have a thorough understanding and knowledge
of the UNIX operating system and have a minimal background knowledge
of Imagery.
The authority to perform training is delegated
by the NIMA IPL PM to the Naval Research and Development Activity
(NRaD).
The overall IPL training concept is based on initial formal training
on IPL functionality and operations which are provided by the
development contractor. The development contractor will provide
IPL training after initial site installation, and subsequent version
releases.
The Training Outline consists of:
6.2.1 Upgrade
At a site with an existing IPL/HTMLI system, training is performed
through slides and the HTMLI video. These materials explain details
on new designs or functionality that have occurred since the last
release. The users then perform hands-on training to see it work
together as a system.
6.2.2 New
A new site has a different kind of training. Before the users
are involved in training, the DBA, System Administrator, and ISSO
are introduced to it first. These particular users go through
a more extensive set of training in order to maintain the system
for the user's needs.
The outline below states what kind of training is involved:
The training execution is roughly the same as an upgraded site
however it includes system training as well as IPL/HTMLI functional
training. These individuals learn how the IPL server software
works and how their system works with it. They also learn how
the HTMLI Browser works with the IPL server and their operating
system.
Through FY03, the IPL PM will provide the
resources to cover initial training requirements (normally a period
of two years after initial development or deployment). These resources
will include funding required to develop training materials and
for TDY costs associated with trainingSection 2
Section 3
Section 4
dictate a decentralized approach
to training.
Section 5
Section 6
Section 7
selected students at central
facilities, or for mobile training conducted at user locations.
Commands, Services, and Agencies will fund integration of NIMA-provided
user training and manager training materials into existing and
planned intelligence, operations, and other "school house"
technical training programs. In addition, Commands and Services
will establish and maintain Command and/or Unit level proficiency
training programs for IPL sites, as appropriate for their organizations.