As defense budgets rise and geopolitical tensions reshape operational priorities, militaries are investing heavily in technologies that can turn raw data into timely, actionable intelligence. For photogrammetry company SimActive, that mission has been central since its founding.
In a recent interview with DRONELIFE, CEO Dr. Philippe Simard discussed how the company’s flagship software, Correlator3D, continues to evolve to meet the demands of modern defense operations.
A Defense Foundation
SimActive’s origins are rooted in military requirements. Correlator3D™ was originally developed under a multi-year contract with the Canadian military to simplify and accelerate photogrammetry workflows during operations in Afghanistan.
“At SimActive, we’ve been at the forefront of defense mapping since our founding in 2003, when we developed our Correlator3D™ software under a multi-year contract with the Canadian military to simplify and accelerate photogrammetry for their operations in Afghanistan,” Simard explained. “Today, with defense budgets surging worldwide, we’re seeing heightened demand for tools that enable rapid, reliable processing of imagery from drones, aircraft, and satellites.”
That early focus on operational speed and reliability continues to shape the company’s direction.
24/7 Collection in “Hot” Zones
One of the most significant shifts in defense mapping is the move toward continuous imagery collection in high-risk environments. Militaries are deploying drones and manned aircraft in persistent operations, generating enormous volumes of data across large geographic areas.
Simard described the trend this way: “One of the most prominent trends is the shift toward continuous, 24/7 data collection in ‘hot’ zones—areas of active conflict or high strategic importance. Militaries are deploying fleets of drones and manned aircraft to gather vast amounts of imagery non-stop, often in remote or hostile locations.”
While advanced 3D models and point clouds remain important, many defense users prioritize high-resolution orthomosaics that support surveillance, planning, and asset tracking without unnecessary processing overhead.
“The key output they’re after isn’t always complex 3D models or point clouds; frequently, it’s high-resolution orthomosaics. These seamless, georeferenced image maps provide enough detail for mission planning, surveillance and asset tracking without the overhead of more intricate deliverables.”
Speed as Mission-Critical
In defense scenarios, processing delays can directly affect operational decisions. Rapid turnaround is not simply a competitive feature. It is a requirement.
Simard emphasized: “In defense, speed isn’t just an advantage, it’s mission-critical. Delays in processing can mean missed opportunities or heightened risks on the ground.”
Correlator3D™ is designed to support fast ortho generation across mission sizes. Smaller drone surveys can be processed in a couple of hours, while larger aircraft missions involving terabytes of data are targeted for 24-hour turnaround to match daily refresh cycles.
“For drone data covering smaller areas, we can deliver complete orthomosaics in a couple of hours. For larger aircraft missions with terabytes of data, we target 24-hour turnarounds to keep pace with daily refresh cycles.”
Secure and Flexible Deployment
Security remains a top priority for defense users, many of whom require fully on-premise processing to protect sensitive intelligence.
“Security is paramount for our defense clients, who often mandate fully on-premise processing to protect sensitive data,” explained Simard. “Correlator3D™ is built with total flexibility in mind: the same license performs identically on a field laptop, a standard PC, or a secure server, with no forced cloud migration.”
At the same time, the software supports hybrid deployments where cloud infrastructure is viable, giving organizations flexibility without compromising data sovereignty.
Precision Without Compromise
Rapid processing has limited value without accuracy. In defense applications involving targeting, troop coordination, or border monitoring, precision is non-negotiable. Simard noted: “Absolutely—fast but inaccurate maps are worse than useless in defense.”
Correlator3D™ integrates high-quality GPS and IMU data, automatically corrects lens distortions, and supports advanced tie-point matching and sensor modeling. With precise onboard positioning systems, users can achieve centimeter-level accuracy, even in forward-deployed or contested environments where ground control is not feasible.
“This enables centimeter-level accuracy when using precise onboard positioning systems, which is especially valuable in forward-deployed or contested environments where ground access is not possible.”
Real-World Operations
SimActive’s technology is currently supporting high-volume defense missions. One European military client processes continuous 24/7 imagery across extensive border regions, generating tens of thousands of images per cycle.
“Using Correlator3D™, they process this high-volume data quickly to produce fresh, high-resolution orthomosaics that directly support surveillance, threat assessment, and operational decision-making in near real time.”
The software has also been deployed in time-critical crisis response. After Hurricane Irma struck St. Martin, the French military processed drone imagery on-site to deliver rapid orthomosaics for damage assessment and recovery coordination.
Looking Ahead
As defense organizations invest in automation and multi-sensor integration, SimActive is expanding its capabilities accordingly.
“We’re intensifying our focus on automation and sensor integration,” said Simard. “Upcoming releases will feature more robust core algorithms for higher out-of-the-box reliability and truly hands-off processing.”
Hybrid data fusion, integrating imagery with LiDAR and other sources, is expected to play a larger role in future intelligence workflows.
In an environment defined by high data volumes, compressed timelines, and strict security requirements, the ability to rapidly generate accurate, secure mapping products remains a strategic advantage. For SimActive, the objective remains consistent: deliver speed, precision, and flexibility to defense forces operating in complex, evolving landscapes.
Read more:
- SimActive Integrates Phase One iXM-FS130 for High-Resolution Aerial Mapping
- SimActive Expands Mapping Capacity With Distributed Processing in Correlator3D
- SimActive Software Supports Highway Ramp Expansion Through Integrated Lidar and Photogrammetry
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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