EnviMobile: Mobile Device Based Environment Sensing for Battlefield Terrain Analysis

Accurate terrain assessments are critical for terrain analysis, intelligence preparation of the battlefield and commander’s situational awareness. Typically environmental condition characterization has been relying on US Air Force Weather forecast data, which however are based on very few point observations across battlefield for long-term forecast. Furthermore, the accurate and high resolution terrain data/analysis services are not available at the lower echelons due to the limited network connectivity and the lack of necessary hardware and time. Thus, it is needed to provide the local terrain assessment capability based on soldier’s mobile devices such as Nett Warrior to enhance the situational awareness of commanders on the battlefield. To address this critical need, Intelligent Automation, Inc. (IAI) is developing EnviMobile, a mobile device based environment sensing system for battlefield terrain analysis, which leverages the networked mobile devices to serve as environment sensors using only the sensors that are readily available on mobile devices and do not rely on any additional device or sensor. In Phase I, we performed feasibility studies, preliminary system implementation, and demonstration. In Phase II, IAI and its subcontractor, Sense Ai, will work together to refine the design, develop a mature system, and conduct extensive performance evaluation.