Tactical Assault Kit for Android

(ATAK)

Version 3.11

Change Log

15 March 2019

Prepared by:
PAR Government Systems Corporation
421 Ridge Street
Rome, NY 13440
ATAK Change Log 15 March 2019
Version 3.11

Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................. 1
Version Description ........................................................................................................ 1
Added Features ............................................................................................................... 1
1.2.1 Sensitive Site Exploitation (SSE) Tool (OTIS-1085) ............................................................. 1
1.2.2 ExCheck (OTIS-1193) ........................................................................................................... 2
1.2.3 Kestrel Plug-in (Sniper Plug-in Integrated with Applied Ballistics) (OTIS-1090) ............... 3
1.2.4 Improved Handling of Imported GPX files ........................................................................... 6
1.2.5 Improved Handling of 3D Models ........................................................................................ 6
1.2.6 Share Custom Toolbars......................................................................................................... 7
1.2.7 Resection Tool ....................................................................................................................... 8
1.2.8 Data Sync Tool .................................................................................................................... 10
1.2.9 Send CAS Brief as a Chat Message .................................................................................... 10
1.2.10 TAK Metrics ........................................................................................................................ 11
1.2.11 ATAK DataSet Instructions ................................................................................................. 13
1.2.12 Video Player Enhancements ............................................................................................... 14
1.2.13 SDK Improvements ............................................................................................................. 15
1.2.14 Additional Plug-ins and Features ....................................................................................... 15
List of Available Plug-ins and Applications............................................................... 16
Additional Changes/Discrepancy Resolution............................................................. 16

Table of Figures
Figure 1 – SSE Collection Options .............................................................................................. 1
Figure 2 – SSE Export Options.................................................................................................... 1
Figure 3 – Search TAK Server .................................................................................................... 2
Figure 4 – Create a template ........................................................................................................ 3
Figure 5 – Update Checklist ......................................................................................................... 3
Figure 6 – Kestrel Initial Screen .................................................................................................. 4
Figure 7 – Paired with Kestrel Device......................................................................................... 4
Figure 8 – Kestrel Target Pairing................................................................................................ 5
Figure 9 – Kestrel Solution........................................................................................................... 5
Figure 10 – GPX Import Strategy ............................................................................................... 6
Figure 11 – 3D Model Import ...................................................................................................... 6
Figure 12 – KMZ+DAE Image .................................................................................................... 7
Figure 13 – Export the tool bar ................................................................................................... 7
Figure 14 – Select Toolbar ........................................................................................................... 8
Figure 15 – Resection Tool Initial Display.................................................................................. 8
Figure 16 – Resection Tool Results.............................................................................................. 9
Figure 17 – DataSync/ExCheck Timeline View ....................................................................... 10
Figure 18 – Send CAS brief via CHAT ..................................................................................... 11

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Figure 19 – Metric Recording Options ..................................................................................... 12

Figure 20 – Advanced Collection Settings ................................................................................ 12
Figure 21 – Dataset Instructions ................................................................................................ 13
Figure 22 – Video Snapshot Gallery Button ............................................................................. 14
Figure 23 – Video Snapshot Gallery.......................................................................................... 14
Figure 24 – Display Video Snapshot.......................................................................................... 15

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ATAK Change Log 15 March 2019
Version 3.11

1. INTRODUCTION
This document represents the changes that have occurred in the Tactical Assault Kit for Android
(ATAK) from Version 3.10 to Version 3.11. For information on specific core functionality please
refer to the ATAK Software User’s Guide or plug-in specific documentation.

Version Description
ATAK Version 3.11 provides new features and enhancements to existing toolsets. The ATAK
application provides tactical maps and situational awareness (SA) on Android mobile devices.
ATAK also provides a framework on which user tools are built to provide additional functionality.
Plug-ins are available based on the needs of the user and are released incrementally with the ATAK
baseline.

Added Features
The following subsections provide a brief overview of the features added or enhancements to
ATAK for version 3.11.

1.2.1 Sensitive Site Exploitation (SSE) Tool (OTIS-1085)

The SSE tool allows a user to quickly capture an image, video or audio associated with a site as
shown in Figure 1. The data is stored as a collection. The user can share the collected data by
exporting it to a zip file and then sending it as a Mission Package, sending it via the Contacts list
or adding it to a Data Sync mission as depicted in Figure 2.

Figure 1 – SSE Collection Options

Figure 2 – SSE Export Options

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1.2.2 ExCheck (OTIS-1193)

ATAK now supports the ability to create, edit and share various types of checklists (required
training, mission planning, etc.) with other ATAK and WinTAK users. Users can search TAK
Server for existing checklists as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3 – Search TAK Server

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Users can create their own checklist from scratch, or they can select an existing template to update
as shown in Figures 4 and 5.

Figure 4 – Create a Template

Figure 5 – Update Checklist

1.2.3 Kestrel Plug-in (Sniper Plug-in Integrated with Applied Ballistics) (OTIS-
1090)
ATAK now supports the Kestrel weather sensor to assist with long range shooting. This plug-in
makes use of the Applied Ballistic kernel within the device, coupled with the wind data to produce
accurate firing solutions, as depicted in Figures 6 through 9. Direct Applied Ballistic integration
with the Kestrel Plug-in is ongoing.

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Figure 6 – Kestrel Initial Screen

Figure 7 – Paired with Kestrel Device

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Figure 8 – Kestrel Target Pairing

Figure 9 – Kestrel Solution

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1.2.4 Improved Handling of Imported GPX files

The user is now presented a dialog box when specifying a GPX file for import. The user can
identify the GPX file as either a Route or File Overlay as shown in Figure 10. This ensures that
the file is displayed correctly.

Figure 10 – GPX Import Strategy

1.2.5 Improved Handling of 3D Models

The Import Manager now recognizes 3D Models as an import option when processing a zip file.
The user has the option to specify a 3D Model as the data being imported (Figure 11).

Figure 11 – 3D Model Import

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ATAK 3.11 also added support for loading 3D models (Figure 12) in COLLADA interchange file
format (.dae files). This support also includes geo-referenced .dae models packaged in KMZ
packages often referred to as (KMZ+DAE).

Figure 12 – KMZ+DAE Image

1.2.6 Share Custom Toolbars

A user can now create a custom toolbar and then share the toolbar with other users. The user
creates the toolbar and exports the toolbar to a Mission Package as depicted in Figure 13. The user
then uses the Mission Package tool to send the toolbar to the desired recipients, shown in Figure
14.

Figure 13 – Export the Toolbar

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Figure 14 – Select Toolbar

1.2.7 Resection Tool

The ATAK Resection UI, previously available in the SkyView plug-in, was improved and moved
into ATAK core. Resection allows the user to determine his own location from two or more
reference points on the map. GPS is not required for the use of Resection workflow in ATAK
(Figure 15).

Figure 15 – Resection Tool Initial Display

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Figure 16 – Resection Set

The user selects a series of points (or markers) from their map display. When the relevant points
have been selected, the user can then compute a bearing by selecting one of the points as shown in
Figure 17.

Figure 17 – Resection Tool Results

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1.2.8 Data Sync Tool

Data Sync now supports displaying data from other plug-ins. For example, an ExCheck Checklist
can be added into a Data Sync mission and the status of the checklist can be viewed while viewing
the Data Sync Mission as shown in Figure 18. Additionally, there have been a significant number
of improvements to the user experience to include location summary for timeline content and
improved KMZ and GRG download.

Figure 18 – DataSync/ExCheck Timeline View

1.2.9 Send CAS Brief as a Chat Message

ATAK 3.11 now provides the ability to send the CAS brief to another TAK user directly via the
GeoChat capability. From the CAS brief screen, the user simply selects the Send as Chat button
as shown in Figure 19. A contact list is then displayed, and recipients can be selected.

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Figure 19 – Send CAS brief via CHAT

1.2.10 TAK Metrics

The metrics plug-in, introduced in ATAK 3.10 has been integrated into ATAK core, allowing for
basic report generation to be available for all users. When enabled, users may experience an impact
on ATAK performance while the metric reports are being generated.

The user can enable metrics reporting by navigating to Settings > Support > Logging Preferences
> Collect Metrics or Settings > Support > Logging Preferences > Advanced Logging. Default
metric collection can be enabled by selecting Collect Metrics as depicted in Figure 20. A more
advanced set of collections can be generated locally with network traffic by the Advanced settings
as depicted in Figure 21.

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Figure 20 – Metric Recording Options

Figure 21 – Advanced Collection Settings

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1.2.11 ATAK DataSet Instructions

ATAK 3.11 now provides a link on the Settings > Support page to the ATAK readme file. This
file provides details on the file types supported and identifies where the files should be placed in
the ATAK file structure if the user is manually copying data to the device (Figure 22).

Figure 22 – Dataset Instructions

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1.2.12 Video Player Enhancements

The Video Player now supports the ability to display the snapshots that have been taken while
playing video (as depicted in Figures 23 through 25). Once snapshots have been created, when
the user returns to the video alias list, a Snapshot Gallery button will appear, allowing the user to
browse all the snapshots that have been saved. Selecting one of the snapshots allows the user to
send it to other users via the Contacts or to edit in the Image Markup Tool (if installed). Long
pressing on a snapshot will display details about the snapshot and provide options to delete or open
it.

Figure 23 – Video Snapshot Gallery Button

Figure 24 – Video Snapshot Gallery

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Figure 25 – Display Video Snapshot

1.2.13 SDK Improvements

Improvements to the SDK include updated documentation. The following is a list of general
ATAK API cleanup and ongoing code cleanup of Coverity and Fortify identified issues:

• Joystick Support for ATAK.

• Ability to supply custom built Geocoders.

• Improved capability to supply elevation or surface models.

• Migration to Android Support v4 26. Plug-ins are encouraged to make use of AndroidX.

• Ability to register digital listeners for Suppression, 5-Line and Rotary Wing CAS.

• Migration to Gradle 5 for building.

• Improved documentation in the form of Javadoc.

1.2.14 Additional Plug-ins and Features

1.2.14.1 Weather

The Weather plug-in now supports using OpenWeather as a source for its weather data in addition
to Yahoo.

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List of Available Plug-ins and Applications

There is a larger document that describes plug-ins available for ATAK. This document can be
requested through takmaps.com.

Additional Changes/Discrepancy Resolution

The following provides a list of additional changes that were added or resolved during the 3.10
development cycle:

• Resolved issue with the handling of some DRW files.

• Elevation improvements including API support for TIN elevation.

• FBI 11-Line form for an event.

• Improved User Experience with GeoFences.

• Introduced the ability to turn off access to preferences at the administration level via a
mission package.

• Label only colored text.

• Additional Aircraft Vehicles.

• Breadcrumb recording efficiencies.

• Ability to view address information associated with Map Item and send that information to
other TAK system.

• Support for Android 9 (Pie).

• Corrections based on crash log submissions.

• Changes to improve Battery Life.

• ATAK image caching has been moved from a hidden system directory to \atak\imagecache.

• TAK Package Management supports loading plug-ins from a configurable directory. See
“Local APK directory” in the TAK Package Management settings.

• Added in acreage as a measurement of area for circles, rectangles and free formed closed
shapes.

• Augmented the current capability of drawing a route by providing a toggle mode, which
allows the user to drag their finger to drop a route leg.

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