GPS-Driven Battlefield Simulation

The Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites and visualization technology are two maturing fields that together can provide battlefield commanders with the ability to see troop and unit operations occur in near real-time. With lightweight, low power, GPS receivers, military units in the field can pinpoint their global position with great accuracy. In addition to position data, the GPS constellation of satellites provides altitude, velocity information and accurate time data. This information can be transmitted via datalink to a remote location where a data collection system intgrates the units reported positions with terrain, threat, and target data and displays the scene on the Army's visualization software. This system can enhance the Army's ability to monitor and control field operations, support insertion and extraction missions, indirect fire, communications, and conduct training exercises. GPS and visualization have numerous commercial applications including transit system monitoring, emergency vehicle dispatch and monitoring, geodeteic survey support, and port navigation.