Frequently Asked Question

This article includes some of the most common questions on the web application we have received since the start of the project.

Technical

Some of the most common technical question we get from users are:

Can the web application map.army run on a closed network?

Yes, it is possible to deploy the web application including the backend services on a closed network. If you are interesed in such a setup contact us via the contact form or email.

Is it possible to run map.army offline?

No, this is not possible to run the web application offline.
However, it is possible to deploy the web application including the backend services on a closed system. MSS (Military Symbol Service) and MilX (Military Exchange Service) has been deployed in several offline systems starting from simple map tools to C2, C4I or large military simulation applications. This deployment is usually done together with an industry partner or directly as a project with a governmental institution.

What technology is used to build map.army?

For development we are using Angular (TypeScript). However, most of the ‘brain’ of the application is based in services which are accessed via REST or SOAP. This includes the Military Symbology where the web application relays on the MSS (Military Symbol Service) and MilX (Military Exchange Service) Web Services.
You can find the full list of the used technology for the web application here: https://www.map.army/about/legal/Copyright&Licenses.html

Can MSS (Military Symbol Service) and MilX (Military Exchange Service) Web Services be used by others?

Yes, we have a growing list of industry partners developing in many different environments who are basing for the implementation of Military Symbology into their system on MSS and MilX. This includes developers of simple map tools to C2, C4I or large simulation applications. If you require more information contact us via the contact form or email.

General Questions

On a regular bases are asked the following:

Who is developing map.army?

The web application including the backend services for rendering and exchanging military symbology is being developed by #gs-softAGLink#.

Why do you develop map.army?

The goal of developing the web applications hosted on #MapArmyinklLinkNoStyle# and map.army is to showcase what is possible using the latest development technologies available. In addition, we use the web applications as a test environment to bring our solution and especially the backend services to all type of devices and operating systems.
We see this as well as an opportunity to constantly improve our backend services (MSS - Military Symbol Service) and MilX (Military Exchange Format) which are used by many industry partners to provide military symbology and the version independent exchange of military symbology between systems.

Is the web application on map.army a free alternative to military applications as SitaWare, ArcGIS or Luciad?

Yes, we are hosing the web applications on map.army and #SymbolArmyinklLinkNoStyle# for free for everyone to learn and train the use of military symbology. However, we do not see us as competitors of these large and expensive systems

What is the main difference between ATAK (CivTAK) and map.army?

Map.army is a demo project to showcase the Military Symbology Services and Military Exchange Services developed by gs-soft AG. The web application focusing on operational planning (OP) and after action review (AAR) with the goal to run on any device. Map.army demonstrates the interoperability of products generated in the web application with command and control systems (C2, C3, C4I, …), training simulators or other planning software in an existing defense environment.
ATAK/CivTAK, WinTAK, WebTAK and TAKServer (collectively, TAK) is a set of geospatial collaboration tools. The standalone system is developed by US DoD funded companies and provides functionalities for the mission command for units and teams which allows for precision targeting, intelligence on surrounding land formations, navigation, and generalized situational awareness.