HAVELSAN KASHIF

KAŞİF is a modular Geographic Information System (GIS) solution developed by HAVELSAN. It consists of three main modules: server component (KAŞİF-S) and separate client libraries for desktop and web applications (KAŞİF-J and KAŞİF-W). Its purpose is to provide situational awareness by collecting processing and visualizing real-time and historical geospatial data for land sea and air operations.

History and Development Process

The foundations of KAŞİF were laid in the late 1990s through GIS infrastructure projects by HAVELSAN addressing military simulation and command-and-control requirements. Initially developed as a Java-based desktop client library KAŞİF-J was later enhanced with real-time mobile platform tracking and symbology support. Between 2005 and 2010 rising demands for mobile and web-based applications led to the initiation of the KAŞİF-W project during which WebGL-enabled 2D/3D map visualization capabilities were added. Concurrently the KAŞİF-S module was created using Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standards to enable shared geospatial data services for military and civilian organizations. Field testing and integration efforts conducted between 2012 and 2015 resulted in the modular architecture currently in use.

Architecture and Components

KAŞİF-J (Java Client Library)

KAŞİF-J is a desktop-based GIS client running on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). Thanks to its OpenGL-based rendering engine it delivers both 2D map layers and 3D terrain models in real time. It includes symbols compliant with international military symbology standards such as NATO APP-6A/6B/6D MIL-STD-2525C and TAF MS-76-2. It can retrieve raster and vector data layers from the server via WMS WFS WCS and WMTS protocols. It delivers high performance through parallel data processing on multi-core processors and includes security features such as role-based access control (RBAC) and end-to-end encryption (HTTPS/TLS).

KAŞİF-J ()

KAŞİF-W (Web-Based Client Library)

KAŞİF-W is a JavaScript/TypeScript-based client that operates in modern web browsers. WebGL-enabled 2D/3D terrain modeling and map layers enable users to access integrated geospatial data directly through their browsers. With a time slider for time-series data it can play back historical or real-time sensor data. It includes symbology management and fundamental geospatial analysis tools such as area distance and buffer zone calculations. Thanks to CMAPI 1.3.0 compatibility it ensures standards-based integration with external command-and-control systems. It supports RESTful and WebSocket-based data streaming to the server.

KAŞİF-W ()

KAŞİF-S (Server Component)

KAŞİF-S is a scalable server infrastructure that delivers OGC-compliant map and data services (WMS WFS WCS WMTS). It ingests data from raster formats such as GeoTIFF ECW and MrSID and vector formats such as ESRI Shapefile GeoJSON KML and PostGIS and dynamically distributes them to clients. Integration of electronic navigational charts (ENC) in S57/S63/AML formats enables support for maritime applications. It can convert meteorological data formats such as NETCDF GRIB and Metar into georeferenced layers. The geospatial analysis engine performs complex computations on the server side including viewshed and network analysis. Through a cluster architecture it ensures high availability and load balancing enabling real-time processing of large data sets.

KAŞİF-S ()

Technical Features and Standards

OGC-Compliant Data Services

• WMS (Web Map Service): Delivers raster maps as dynamic layers.
• WFS (Web Feature Service): Transmits vector geospatial features in JSON or GML format.
• WCS (Web Coverage Service): Shares digital terrain models and raster data sets.
• WMTS (Web Map Tile Service): Provides fast map navigation through tile-based mapping techniques.
• Projection transformations (WGS84 UTM ED50) are managed automatically on the server side.

Military Symbology Standards

• Symbol libraries compliant with NATO APP-6A/6B/6D MIL-STD-2525C and TAF MS-76-2 hierarchically define land sea and air entities.
• The ability to add user-defined symbols enables visualization tailored to specific mission requirements.

Data Formats and Integration

• Raster Format Support: GeoTIFF ECW Erdas IMG MrSID.
• Vector Format Support: ESRI Shapefile GeoJSON KML GML PostGIS.
• ENC (Electronic Navigational Chart): S57/S63/AML format electronic nautical charts support precise route planning for maritime platforms.
• Meteorological Data: Communication formats such as GRIB NETCDF and Metar enable risk analysis for maritime and air operations.

Security and Access Control

• RBAC (Role-Based Access Control): User roles determine access permissions to map layers and analysis functions.
• End-to-End Encryption via HTTPS/TLS: Prevents eavesdropping and unauthorized data modification during transmission.
• Audit Logs: User activities and data access events are recorded for retrospective review.

Performance and Scalability

• Delivers high performance through GPU-accelerated 3D terrain modeling on the client side and parallel data processing on the server side.
• Ensures rapid delivery of layered map data through cluster architecture and caching (GeoWebCache).
• Reduces processing time for large raster and vector datasets using database indexing techniques (GiST SP-GiST) and pyramid layer generation (overviews).

Functionality and Modules

Map Visualization and Modeling

KAŞİF supports multi-layered 2D/3D map presentation. Satellite imagery topographic maps infrastructure layers and digital elevation models (DEM) can be dynamically displayed on the client side after being uploaded to the server. Users can adjust the display hierarchy of map layers and toggle symbol sets to control information density. Three-dimensional terrain models serve as the foundation for viewshed analysis elevation profiling and shadow calculations.

Geospatial Analysis Tools

• Basic Analyses: Fundamental geospatial operations such as polygon intersection buffer zone proximity and area/distance calculations enhance spatial data understanding and support decision-making processes.
• Network Analysis: Calculation of shortest or most economical routes along road networks maritime routes or air traffic corridors is critical for logistics planning and operational efficiency.
• Viewshed Analysis: Determines visibility areas from critical observation points and is used in the siting of radar and electro-optical systems.
• Time-Series Data Processing: Enables analysis of real-time platform tracking (for example ground units and maritime platforms) and historical movement data.

Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC)

Electronic navigational charts in S57/S63/AML formats are critical for maritime platform navigation and operational planning. KAŞİF-S processes these ENC files to enhance maritime route safety. Information such as underwater topography water depth and hazard zones is displayed as layered map elements. ENC updates are processed periodically on the server ensuring support for submarine and surface vessel navigation safety.

Meteorological and Oceanographic Data

KAŞİF-S converts meteorological data in GRIB and NETCDF formats into georeferenced layers. Wind speed and direction pressure temperature precipitation wave height and ocean current data are presented as dynamic map layers. These layers support risk analysis for maritime and air operations enabling route adjustments based on meteorological conditions during ship and flight planning.

Application Areas

Land Forces and Tactical Command Centers

GPS data from land units is transmitted in real time to tactical command centers. Movement of units supply lines and operational plans are displayed on the map to provide decision-makers with immediate situational feedback. Detection points from electronic warfare systems are visualized as symbols on KAŞİF-J enabling early identification of potential threats. Tactical planning modules offer route optimization and logistics support solutions for both command staff and field teams.

Naval Forces and Submarine Platforms

KAŞİF-W is deployed in command-and-control centers aboard warships patrol vessels and submarines. S57/S63-based ENC charts meet the precise positioning and route safety requirements of submarines. In 2016 the KAŞİF GIS solution developed by HAVELSAN was integrated into the modernization project of Pakistan Navy’s Agosta 90B-class submarines. In this project operational safety was enhanced by integrating submarine navigation underwater hazard maps and sonar data on a unified map interface.

Air Forces and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

KAŞİF-W supports flight planning by incorporating air space data altitude layers and meteorological layers. Radar tracking points and potential threat scenarios are dynamically updated on the command-and-control map. Beyond-line-of-sight satellite communication (SATCOM) links in UAV missions enable long-range imagery intelligence (ISR) operations.

Civil Disaster Management and Urban Planning

In disaster scenarios such as earthquakes floods and fires KAŞİF analyzes critical infrastructure points population density maps and logistics distribution routes. Evacuation planning modules identify optimal routes reducing response times for civil defense units. In urban planning geospatial analyses support infrastructure projects and green space management promoting sustainable urban development goals.

International Collaborations and Example Projects

Pakistan—Agosta 90B Submarine Modernization

In 2016 HAVELSAN integrated KAŞİF-S and KAŞİF-J modules into the modernization project of Pakistan Navy’s Agosta 90B-class submarines. Under this project:

• Submarine Navigation: S57/S63-based ENC charts integrated with underwater topography and depth data enhanced the submarine’s precise positioning capability.
• Tactical Planning and Situational Awareness: Underwater hazard zones sonar data and magnetic anomaly detection (MAD) information were processed together on the map to provide real-time operational support to the crew.
• Command-and-Control Integration: A common map platform based on KAŞİF-W was established linking local command-and-control systems of the Pakistan Navy enabling centralized coordination between submarines and surface platforms.

Saudi Arabia and Other Partnerships

In projects for the Royal Saudi Armed Forces KAŞİF-S servers and KAŞİF-W clients have been used to establish shared map platforms for multinational exercises. Integration of meteorological data under extreme climate conditions has provided advantages in planning UAV/UGV missions in desert regions. In collaborations across Central Asia and North Africa client modules optimized for low bandwidth environments have been preferred.

Licensing Training and Support

Licensing Model

KAŞİF features a modular licensing structure. User organizations can license KAŞİF-J KAŞİF-W or KAŞİF-S components individually or as packages. The number of concurrent users analysis modules and additional symbology packages are determined according to licensing agreements. Software updates bug fixes and technical support services are provided under annual maintenance contracts.

Training and Certification

Training programs delivered through HAVELSAN Academy include beginner and advanced courses for KAŞİF-J and KAŞİF-W users. Basic courses cover map layer creation symbology management and use of fundamental analysis tools. Advanced stages address server infrastructure setup performance optimization and data security. Project-based training includes instruction on specialized modules for field integration scenarios.