Location, Location, Location The Spatial Data in FCS Dr. Michael L. Deaton Integrated Science and Technology, JMU

Geospatial Data: Data Describing Features on (and above) the Earth’s Surface Objects Where? What characteristics? Regions Topography Soil type, firmness, etc Political info Other info

Spatial Data in Combat “From Plato to NATO, the history of command in war consists essentially of an endless quest for certainty - certainty about the state and intentions of the enemy’s forces; certainty about the manifold factors that together constitute the environment in which the war is fought, from the weather and the terrain to radioactivity and the presence of chemical warfare agents; and, last but definitely not least, certainty about the stated intentions, and activities of one’s own forces.” Martin Van Creveld, Noted Military Historian

A Revolution in Using Spatial Data The creation and use of maps at the end of the twentieth century were indeed in the throes of revolution. So profound were the changes going on that historians and cartographers looked back as far as the Renaissance…for precedent. John N. Wilford, The Mapmakers

New data with greater accuracy from multiple sources in real time Geospatial Intelligence Basic Doctrine GEOINT Publication 1, June 2004

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) A computing environment for visualizing spatial data Allows patterns to be easily recognized Improved intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance “Stand alone” or distributed network Real-Time updates

Ubiquitous Role of Spatial Data and GIS in FCS FCS Briefing Book Navigation Status of individual soldiers Real-time, remote tactical planning 3D VR Reconnaissance Friend/Foe identification

Battle space Terrain Reasoning and Awareness

Command and Control, Mission Planning, Logistics

Real-Time Situational Awareness from Remote Sensors Geospatial Intelligence Basic Doctrine GEOINT Publication 1, June 2004

Battlefield Command Support System