05 March 2001
Information Dominance for Army XXI: Battlefield Visualization
by Captain Harry E. Jones, II
Key Technologies
"We require the integration
of seven key technology areas (see Figure 1) to refine and mature our BV [battlefield
visualization] capability: displays, both large flat panels to replace the wooden
map boards in our tactical operations centers, and private "heads-up" or retinal
displays for individual fighting vehicles, aircraft, and soldiers. BV requires
accurate sensors to collect enemy force activity and friendly force locations.
We need broad bandwidth networks to rapidly move data across the battlespace.
BV also requires extensive databases, including high- resolution digital terrain
elevation and features data, entity level simulations, and 3D environments.
Computer hardware and software provide the technological engine for most BV
applications. Finally, BV requires an ATR automatic target recognition capability
to speed the analysis and identification of objects in the battlespace, to speed
sensor-to-shooter links, and to decrease the risk of fratricide. TRADOC's Program
Integration Offices for Army Battle Command (TPIO-ABCS) and terrain are central
to the synchronization of activities across these technology areas."