ABSTRACT
As we have learned from previous chapters, the STK Object’s feature geometry is defined as a point, a line, or a polygon. The moving object is a point with vector geometry. In the world of physics and computer science, this specialized point is called the point mass. The vehicle point mass uses vector geometry to build robust analytical models of the propagation, orientation, and behavior of a moving object. Spatial Temporal Information Systems use point mass physics modeling to evaluate an object’s motion, velocity, and orientation over time. Vehicle objects include the Ground Vehicle, Ship, Aircraft, Launch Vehicle, Missile, and Satellite. In this book, our focus beyond the basics is on the high-level use of an aircraft and the satellite, as they are the most used objects, with some mention of the launch vehicle and the missile objects. Since these objects all have a point mass structure that includes vector geometry and physics-based properties, the general rules apply to all of the moving vehicles.
