Abstract

Aligning Operational and Simulation Terrain for Command and Control
Track: Defense and Intelligence
Authors: Michael Hieb, Dan Maxwell

Developing Modeling and Simulation (M&S) Terrain Data for Military Simulations is quite different than the normal process of building Geospatial Information System (GIS) Data Sets. Additionally, the Terrain Data developed for Military Simulations can be significantly different from GIS Data Sets. This has the potential to create inconsistencies when performing training using Tactical C2 systems (that use GIS Data Sets) or when performing Mission Planning Rehearsal.

The US Army's Simulation to Mission Command Interoperability Overarching Integrated Product Team (SIMCI OIPT), as part of its charter to improve the interoperability of Military Simulations and Command and Control Systems, has started a Geospatial Initiative focusing in this area. The objectives of the SIMCI Geospatial Initiative are to improve the alignment of the underlying terrain and feature data used in C2 Systems and Simulations, as well as increasing the efficiency of the terrain data generation processes for the Army and ultimately the DoD.