Windows Tactical Assault Kit

(WinTAK)

Change log

Release Version 4.2

16 December 2020
WinTAK Change Log
Release 4.2 16 December 2020

Table of Contents
1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Version Description ................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Added Features ...................................................................................................................... 1
1.2.1 3D-Billboard Capability ................................................................................................... 1
1.2.2 Route Simulator Navigation .............................................................................................. 2
1.2.3 Overlay Manager ............................................................................................................. 2
1.2.4 Improved Handling of NAS based datasets........................................................................ 3
1.2.5 3D Vehicle Models ........................................................................................................... 3
1.2.6 Improved Error Reporting ................................................................................................ 6
1.2.7 AES 256 Mesh Encryption ................................................................................................ 6
1.2.8 Improved handling of “Bad” CoT Messages ..................................................................... 7
1.2.9 Sensor Marker Field of View ............................................................................................ 7
1.3 Plug-in Enhancements ........................................................................................................... 7
1.3.1 Data Sync Hashtag Support .............................................................................................. 7
1.3.2 GRG Builder .................................................................................................................... 8
1.3.3 Stack Manager ............................................................................................................... 11
1.3.4 Manifest Maker .............................................................................................................. 13
1.3.5 JumpMaster.................................................................................................................... 15
1.3.6 Quantized Mesh Elevation Data Support ........................................................................ 15
1.3.7 Pathways ........................................................................................................................ 17
1.4 List of Available Plug-ins ..................................................................................................... 20
1.5 Additional Changes/Discrepancy Resolution ...................................................................... 21

List of Figures
Figure 1 – Billboard Popup .........................................................................................................1
Figure 2 – GPS Route Simulator .................................................................................................2
Figure 3 – Overlay Manager ........................................................................................................3
Figure 4 – Vehicle Models – Point Dropper ................................................................................4
Figure 5 – Vehicle Models – Aircraft Placed ...............................................................................4
Figure 6 – Vehicle Models – Radial ............................................................................................5
Figure 7 – Vehicle Models – Change Heading .............................................................................5
Figure 8 – Vehicle Models – Radial Details ................................................................................6
Figure 9 – Mesh Lock .................................................................................................................6
Figure 10 – Sensor Marker – Adjust Field of View ......................................................................7
Figure 11 - Data Sync Hashtags ..................................................................................................8
Figure 12 – GRG Builder ............................................................................................................8
Figure 13 – GRG Builder – Initial Display ..................................................................................9
Figure 14 – GRG Builder – Edit Grid Options .............................................................................9

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Figure 15 – GRG Builder – Crosshair Options ............................................................................9

Figure 16 – GRG Builder – InfoBox Options ............................................................................10
Figure 17 – GRG Builder – ScaleBar Options ...........................................................................10
Figure 18 – GRG Builder – Compass Options ...........................................................................11
Figure 19 – GRG Builder – Add Points .....................................................................................11
Figure 20 – Stack Manager - Video URL ..................................................................................12
Figure 21 – Stack Manager - Select Video .................................................................................12
Figure 22 – Stack Manager – Populated Video Field .................................................................13
Figure 23 - Manifest Maker - Callsign .......................................................................................13
Figure 24 – Manifest Maker – 3D Vehicle Icons .......................................................................14
Figure 25 – Manifest Maker – Create TAK Server ....................................................................14
Figure 26 – Quantized Mesh – Sample JSON file ......................................................................15
Figure 27 – Overlay Manger .....................................................................................................16
Figure 28 – New Layer Form ....................................................................................................16
Figure 29 – QM Elevation Data.................................................................................................17
Figure 30 – Pathways ................................................................................................................17
Figure 31 – Pathways – Main Screen.........................................................................................17
Figure 32 – Pathways – Edit Screen ..........................................................................................18
Figure 33 – Pathways – Tunnel Display ....................................................................................19
Figure 34 – Pathways – Multi-Select Options ............................................................................19
Figure 35 – Pathways – Overlay Manger ...................................................................................20

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WinTAK Change Log
Release 4.2 16 December 2020

1 INTRODUCTION
This document represents the changes that have occurred in the Windows Tactical Assault Kit
(WinTAK) from Version 4.1 to Version 4.2. For information on specific functionality please refer
to the WinTAK Software User’s Manual or plug-in specific documentation.

1.1 Version Description

WinTAK Version 4.2 is a software release meant to enhance existing functionality and add
additional features. The WinTAK application provides tactical maps and situational awareness for
end users and mission planners.

1.2 Added Features

The following subsections provide a brief overview of the features added to WinTAK for Version
4.2.

1.2.1 3D-Billboard Capability

When navigating a route, a billboard feature will pop up an image associated with a marker. As
the self-marker approaches a marker with an attached image, the image associated with that marker
will pop up, once the self-marker is within the defined bubble radius for the type of route being
navigated. The bubble radius distances can be viewed or changed in Settings > Tool Preferences
> “Route Type” Checkpoint Navigation Bubble Radius preferences. The image remains displayed
until the user has travelled past the marker (Figure 1).

Figure 1 – Billboard Popup

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1.2.2 Route Simulator Navigation

The user can have the self-marker simulate following a created route by selecting the Route
Simulator Location Provider option available in Settings > My Preferences > GPS Preferences >
GPS Type. Select the Route Simulator Location Provider option, then select a route on the map to
follow and enter a simulated speed. If the simulated self-marker reaches the end of the selected
route, it will loop back to the beginning of the route. The simulation will continue, even after an
exit and restart, until the GPS Preferences > GPS Type is changed (Figure 2).

Figure 2 – GPS Route Simulator

To use the simulation in conjunction with the billboard feature, select > My Preferences > GPS
Preferences > GPS Type, select Route Simulator Location Provider then select OK. Select the
route to be followed on the map, select the speed, then select the Navigation flag from the route
radial. The self-marker will move at the selected speed along the route and billboard pop-ups will
appear.

1.2.3 Overlay Manager

The user can now adjust the Overlay Manager panels by hovering the mouse over the middle of
the panels until the left-right arrow appears, as shown in Figure 3, then clicking and dragging left
or right to adjust the columns as desired.

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Figure 3 – Overlay Manager

1.2.4 Improved Handling of NAS based datasets

WinTAK 4.2 improved the rendering speed of Native Mosaic Imagery when the imagery data is
stored on a NAS. When pulling Mosaic imagery, WinTAK now creates a temporary cache of the
tiles to improve performance.

1.2.5 3D Vehicle Models

WinTAK 4.2 now supports the same 3D Vehicle Model icon sets as ATAK. Vehicle Models are
accessed from the Point Dropper Tool (Figure 4). 3D models are provided for the following
categories: Aircraft, Automobiles, Maritime and Other.

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Figure 4 – Vehicle Models – Point Dropper

The user selects the desired model and places it on the map, as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5 – Vehicle Models – Aircraft Placed

Selecting the radial for the vehicle provides the following options: Change Heading, Fine Adjust,
R&B Line, Label, Details, Breadcrumbs and Delete (depicted in Figure 6).

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Figure 6 – Vehicle Models – Radial

The user can change the orientation/heading of the aircraft from the radial. Selecting the heading
option displays a heading line (Figure 7).

Figure 7 – Vehicle Models – Change Heading

Select the Vehicle Model details radial to modify the color, manually change the location, azimuth,
model, opacity, add an outline and add remarks (Figure 8).

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Figure 8 – Vehicle Models – Radial Details

1.2.6 Improved Error Reporting

WinTAK 4.2 has improved its collection/reporting of errors. WinTAK 4.2 now generates a fatal
error log file that contains the errors that generated the crash. The fatal log file is stored in the same
location as other WinTAK log files (user\Roaming\WinTAK\Logs).

1.2.7 AES 256 Mesh Encryption

Figure 9 shows how AES-256 Mesh Encryption now includes a lock icon at the bottom right of
the screen when a key has been created for encrypting mesh traffic.

Figure 9 – Mesh Lock

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1.2.8 Improved handling of “Bad” CoT Messages

WinTAK 4.2 has improved the handling of CoT messages that are not fully compliant. WinTAK
now parses as much of the message as possible and displays that information to the user. If
Latitude/Longitude can be parsed, a marker is placed on the map.

1.2.9 Sensor Marker Field of View

WinTAK has updated the Sensor marker radial options mirror ATAK. In WinTAK 4.2 the user
can now adjust the FOV directly from the radial, simplifying the workflow. See Figure 10.

Figure 10 – Sensor Marker – Adjust Field of View

1.3 Plug-in Enhancements

1.3.1 Data Sync Hashtag Support
WinTAK 4.2 now provides support for “#” hashtags within the feed, as shown in Figure 11.
Hashtags allow the user to enter key words to describe the feed and allows searching of feeds by
the keyword.

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Figure 11 - Data Sync Hashtags

1.3.2 GRG Builder

WinTAK 4.2 now includes a GRG builder plug-in. The GRG Builder is a tool for creating GRG
(KMZ) files using a snapshot of the WinTAK map view, map items, and optional overlays such
as snapshot information, map scale, compass and an MGRS grid. GRG Builder is available from
the Plug-ins menu (Figure 12).

Figure 12 – GRG Builder

Launching GRG will place a default grid in the center of the map and display the various options
available to the user (Figure 13).

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Figure 13 – GRG Builder – Initial Display

The user can then choose to edit the grid, as shown in Figure 14.

Figure 14 – GRG Builder – Edit Grid Options

Selecting Crosshair allows the user to specify how the crosshair is displayed (Figure 15).

Figure 15 – GRG Builder – Crosshair Options

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Selecting InfoBox allows the user to specify what information and where information within the
grid should be displayed in the InfoBox, depicted in Figure 16.

Figure 16 – GRG Builder – InfoBox Options

Selecting ScaleBar allows the user to specify what kind of scale markings to be displayed, as
shown in Figure 17.

Figure 17 – GRG Builder – ScaleBar Options

Selecting Compass allows the user to specify what Compass options to display (Figure 18).

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Figure 18 – GRG Builder – Compass Options

Finally, if the user selects the Export button, a Windows file explorer window is opened, allowing
the user to specify a name and directory to save the KMZ file to. The default location for the
exported KMZ file is user\documents\WinTAK\export.

1.3.2.1 Adding Points to Grid

Selecting the Label icon (shown in Figure 19), opens the Point Dropper tool. The user can select
any type of point supported and place it in the grid.

Figure 19 – GRG Builder – Add Points

1.3.3 Stack Manager

Stack Manager now allows the user to define the Video URL for assets that are broadcasting when
the asset is created (Figure 20).

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Figure 20 – Stack Manager - Video URL

The user can select the button next to the Video URL field, which will display a list of the current
assets broadcasting (Figure 21).

Figure 21 – Stack Manager - Select Video

The asset form is then updated with the Video information as shown in Figure 22.

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Figure 22 – Stack Manager – Populated Video Field

1.3.4 Manifest Maker

WinTAK 4.2 includes the following improvements to the Manifest Maker plug-in. The user can
now add their own callsign to the PAX list (Figure 23).

Figure 23 - Manifest Maker - Callsign

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Manifest Maker now uses the 3D vehicle icon set when creating manifests (Figure 24).

Figure 24 – Manifest Maker – 3D Vehicle Icons

Manifest Maker now allows the user to create the plan on TAK Server. This is an option from the
Create Plan menu (Figure 25).

Figure 25 – Manifest Maker – Create TAK Server

Additional changes in this version include:

1. The user’s WISER status will be reflected on the PAX screen if the WISER device is
connected.

2. An HTML summary of the plan will be displayed to a user if the user is subscribed to a data
sync feed which has a plan included AND the user does not have the Manifest Maker plug-in
installed.

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1.3.5 JumpMaster
WinTAK 4.2 implemented the following customer requests:

1. Import Winds once instead of multiple places when planning a jump

2. Displays calculated time under the DIP name

1.3.6 Quantized Mesh Elevation Data Support

WinTAK 4.2 now provides the user with the ability to stream Cesium Mesh elevation data as an
additional source of elevation data.

The user can define the coverage area by using import manager to import a JSON file with the
coverage area parameters (shown in Figure 26).

Figure 26 – Quantized Mesh – Sample JSON file

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Alternatively, the user can define an area to be imported via a web interface, available through
Overlay Manager, depicted in Figure 27.

Figure 27 – Overlay Manger

When the user selects the edit icon, the user will be provided with the New Layer form to fill out
as shown in Figure 28.

Figure 28 – New Layer Form

Figure 29 shows the Quantized Mesh (QM) data in use to create a heatmap and show elevation for
both the self marker and a CoT marker.

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Figure 29 – QM Elevation Data

1.3.7 Pathways
WINTAK 4.2 now includes the Pathways plug-in. Pathways provides the user with the ability to
quickly place a tunnel on the map and then share that information with other TAK users.

Pathways is available from the Plug-ins tab (Figure 30).

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Figure 30 – Pathways

The user creates a Tunnel/Pathway by selecting the “+” icon from the main screen, depicted in
Figure 31.

Figure 31 – Pathways – Main Screen

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When creating a tunnel or editing an existing tunnel, the user enters the range and bearing
information for each leg. The user can also supply a name and remarks for each leg on the editing
screen. This is depicted in Figure 32.

Figure 32 – Pathways – Edit Screen

As each leg is defined it is displayed on the map. The map display color codes the start (green)
and end (red) points of the tunnel. Depending on the current zoom level of the map, the details
(Name, Remark, Range and Bearing) for each leg will also be displayed (Figure 33).

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Figure 33 – Pathways – Tunnel Display

Choosing the Multi-Select option, provides the user the following choices: SEND the tunnel to
other uses via the Chat tool, EXPORT the tunnel as a KML or KMZ or DELETE the tunnel, as
shown in Figure 34.

Figure 34 – Pathways – Multi-Select Options

The user can also see what tunnels have been defined via the Overlay Manager. Pathways will
appear underneath the Shapes category (Figure 35).

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Figure 35 – Pathways – Overlay Manger

1.4 List of Available Plug-ins

The following plug-ins are available with the release of WinTAK Version 4.2:

• Air Overlays

• Collaborative Mission Planning

• Data Sync

• ExCheck

• EZAZ (Tactical Survey Kit)

• GRG Builder

• HUD

• Jump Master

• Manifest Maker

• Pathways

• Photogrammetry

• Point Mensuration Tool

• Quantized Mesh Elevation Streaming

• Quick Chat

• Reports

• SIP

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• Stack Manager

• TAK Chat (XMPP)

• TAK Replay

• TTL

• UAS Tool

• Video Tracking

• Wave Relay

• Weather Report

1.5 Additional Changes/Discrepancy Resolution

The following provides a list of additional changes that were resolved during the 4.2 development
cycle:

• Fixed issues running WinTAK on Windows with non-US English regional settings.

• WinTAK will now display precision location data other than PRI and PFI.

• Resolved issues with deleting of 3D models.

• Resolved issue with ATAK not able to import a WinTAK generated Mesh Encryption Key.

• Resolved issues with Elevation Tools crashing WinTAK.

• Resolved issue with Range Units displayed on map not being updated if the user updated
the preferred format.

• Updated Import Manager/Air Overlays interface to test the imported data and automatically
load it when user is importing via Drag and Drop.

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