Recently, there has been a push to provide digital topographic data to commanders in the field faster than ever before. This "Hasty Data" requirement presents many problems to the typical terrain analyst, for even today much of the compilation of topographic data is done manually. Many if not most of the terrain analysts at USATEC have little GIS and/or ArcInfo experience. Because of the strict timeline of the exercises scheduled to test the "Hasty Data" concept, it became necessary to develop a means for analysts to interface with ArcInfo and produce accurate digital data. The data produced for these exercises are attributed with a subset of codes form the Interim Terrain Data (ITD) and are termed Minimum Essential Data", MEDS, and how this data is compiled and output using a series AMLS and menus which are integrated with ArcTools.
This presentation will give an overview of: the integration of ArcInfo, Erdas Imagine, and Government development algorithms to meet the terrain analysis requirements of the Digital Topographic Support System/Quick Response Multicolor Printer (DTSS/QRMP); the process of the functional allocation of these requirements to the selected COTS and GOTS software products, the implemented design; and the "lessons learned" while attempting a "seamless" integration. The DTSS/QRMP is an automated battlefield system being developed to provide the U.S. Army's Terrain Teams with the automated capability to perform terrain analysis and prepare topographic products within the time frames required to support tactical combat operations. To expedite the development and reduce development risk, the Combat Terrain Information Systems (CTIS) at the U.S. Army Topographic Engineering Center, Alexandria, Va., in conjunction with the Lockheed Martin Corporation, Ft. Washington, Pa., is establishing the standard for the integration of COTS and GOTS hardware and software into the tactical environment. The end result: a faster, less expensive upgrade of the Army's everyday operations using state-of-the-art technology.
Geographic information systems are being developed by UK Military Survey in order to improve the speed and quality of Army Commanders decision support processes. There are two main roles that must be fulfilled: The provision of GIS tools for topographic soldiers and the implementation of systems to provide and manage geographic data for Army Command, Control and Communication Information (C3I) Systems. GIS developers face unique challenges in the Military environment. The paper explains these challenges by examining each component of a GIS in a military context: