Urban Mapping and Positioning System (UMAPS)

Urban areas present one of the most challenging combat environments for U.S. soldiers. One of the key problems in urban combat is situational awareness and knowledge of the terrain. Soldiers usually have no knowledge of building layouts and floorplans. More significantly, as this information is gained by visual observation by soldiers it is extremely difficult to share this data with squad members and other units. Robotic Research, LLC and the University of Michigan will continue development of a soldier-worn LADAR based system for mapping of internal building structures called the Urban Mapping And Positioning System (UMAPS). Using highly accurate LADAR and Applied Robotics Technologies’ best in class Personal Dead-reckoning (PDR) System, UMAPS will provide superior accuracy that is critical for urban combat missions. Building upon a successful phase I prototype, we will further improve the systems capabilities, deliver a final prototype, and demonstrate the systems capabilities in an urban environment.