SAVAGE Modeling and Analysis Language (SMAL) Resources

SAVAGE Modeling and Analysis Language (SMAL) is the NPS MOVES strategy for identifying tactical, physical and simulation-oriented information regarding models for vehicles, terrain and entities in virtual environments. Equivalent XML and X3D representations for SMAL are defined.

SMAL is used in Viskit and the SavageStudio scenario-authoring tool. SMAL metadata is embedded in selected Scenario Authoring and Visualization for Advanced Graphical Environments (Savage) and Savage Defense X3D models.

The following resources are available.

• SMAL presentation
• The Savage model archive contains SMAL example scenes providing templates in X3D syntax
• SMAL XML schema documentation
• SavageModelingAnalysisLanguage1.0.xsd
• SavageModelingAnalysisLanguageDataTypes1.0.xsd
• SavageModelingAnalysisLanguageEnumerations1.0.xsd
• SavageModelingAnalysisLanguage1.0.dtd (generated from schema, which remains authoritative) and DTD documentation

Rauch, Travis, Savage Modeling Analysis Language (SMAL): Metadata for Tactical Simulations and X3D Visualizations, Masters Thesis, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey California, March 2006.

Abstract. Visualizing operations environments in three-dimensions is in keeping with the military's drive to increase the speed and accuracy with which warfighters make decisions in the command center and in the field. Three-dimensional (3D) environments support speed in decision-making by presenting complex systems in an integrated, naturalistic display format. Constructing these environments is a time-consuming task requiring specific expertise not typically available in the command center. The future use of 3D visualization in military operations depends on the ability to create virtual environments quickly and accurately by personnel with minimal graphics experience leveraging data available in the command center. It depends on autogeneration.

Assembling and making sense of data necessary to autogenerate a 3D environment requires context and good documentation, best-accomplished using metadata. Metadata supports data-centric, component-based design; key philosophies in promoting interoperability of networked applications.

This thesis proposes an XML metadata standard to collect and organize the information necessary to create and populate a 3D virtual environment. The logical extension of a well-designed standard is the ability to cross the boundaries of usage, allowing simulators to share data with command and control suites and mission planning tools based on the construction of a virtual scene.

Uniform Resource Locator (URL) for this page is https://savage.nps.edu/Savage/Tools/SMAL/SMAL.html
Revised 18 October 2010.

(official disclaimer)

"Material contained herein is made available for the purpose of 
peer review and discussion and does not necessarily reflect the 
views of the Department of the Navy or the Department of Defense."