28-06-2013, 02:24 PM
MILITARY APPLICATIONS OF GIS
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Abstract:
Geographic Information System (GIS) play a pivotal role in Military operations as the
operation are essentially related to spatial in nature The concept of Command, Control,
Communication and Coordination in military operations are largely dependent on the
availability of accurate information and take quickest possible time for decision making.
In the present digital era, GIS is an excellent tool for Military commanders in the
operations. The use of GIS applications in military forces has revolutionised the way in
which these forces operate and function. Military forces use GIS in a variety different
ways including cartography, intelligence, battle field management, terrain analysis,
remote sensing, military installation management and monitoring of possible terrorist
activity. A brief review of the military applications in land and sea based operations are
presented in this article.
Introduction:
Since the beginning of civilization on the planet earth, Military forces have played
dominant role. The country, which has a strong military force ruled the major part of the
world. The mankind has since time immemorial has a fetish for warfare and this
continues till today. Only methods have changed with technology used in warfare, which
is changing rapidly with technological revolution. Technology has not only changed the
way wars are fought but its employment has become a key factor in attaining dominance
in military power. The battle victory is complete only after ground forces occupy the
enemy land and take control of the area. To hold and maintain the control of the occupied
land , armed forces need to know the spatial extent upon which they have the control.
GIS in Military Operations:
Spatial data is of crucial importance to the Military Commander in the battle as it is for a
decision maker in planning and development in a state’s growth. Ministry of Defense
(MOD) in any country gathers data on routing, filtering, analyzing and presenting
information for decision-making. The regional conflicts, rapid deployment and flexible
response imposes heavy burden on military commanders, their staff and supporting
system to keep up to date the situation on the ground about enemy activities. Visualising
raw tabular data within a spatial framework has many benefits. Therefore digital mapping
and Geographic Information System (GIS) occupy center stage in activities as diverse as
battlefield simulation, minimum briefing and Communications planning and Command
Control.
Defense Estate Management:
The value of this GIS technology as an administrative support is significant, particularly;
the MOD holds large chunks of property across the nation. Effective management of
Defense Estates requires significant effort. In this background, the MOD with its three
wings of Armed forces is served by mapping both digital and analogue which is
consistent and accurate in all aspects.
Terrain Evaluation:
In land based military operations Military field commanders would like to know terrain
conditions, elevations for maneuvering Armour carriers, tanks and use various weapons.
In addition, they need vegetation cover, road networks, and communication lines with pin
pointing accuracy for optimizing the resource utilization. A detailed land map with
information on the land use, terrain model and proximity of habitat are essential for
military operations. All these details must be available to the field commanders on a
datum to match with the equipment he uses for position fixing and communication in his
area of operation. Any discrepancy in these inputs may endanger the operation. Target
assessment can be done if the inputs are properly matching with the system used for
firing the weapon. Magnetic variation, gravitational information are required for sensitive
military operations.
Viewing Spatial Data:
Most potential users of GIS are viewers. There are personnel right from field
commanders to command staff. They need access to a geographic picture, map or
photograph to help and assess a situation to carry out planned operations. Earlier GIS
packages are proprietary in nature and were restricting the use of data within its confined
specifications. An open GIS approach allows choice of the most appropriate product for
individual users and at the same time supports command requirements to specify an
authorised map for operational reasons.
Naval Operations:
At sea Naval vessels depend largely on indirect methods to navigate when there is no
means of establishing their position with visual aids. Global Positioning System (GPS)
provides the means of determining the position at sea. Echo sounder provided
measurement of the depth of the water below the vessel. Naval vessels will be operating
at sea using several electronic gadgets for operations. Recent technological advances
have provided the means to assess the unknown to greater accuracy. In the Oceans,
complex natural features such currents, Wave conditions Sea Surface temperatures and
tides may prove at times deterrent to naval operations. Using these natural features to the
advantage a clear understanding of the complex ocean dynamics is an essential element
for successful Naval operations.