What are the main challenges and opportunities for GIS in military operations in remote or complex terrain?

1 GIS and military operations

GIS can provide a range of benefits for military operations, such as mapping and modeling the physical and human environment, identifying potential threats and opportunities, planning and executing operations, and monitoring and evaluating the outcomes and impacts. By using GIS, military personnel can achieve a common operational picture (COP), which is a shared understanding of the operational environment and the status of friendly and enemy forces. Additionally, GIS can assist in assessing terrain, climate, infrastructure, population, culture, enemy locations, movements, capabilities, intentions, route selection, logistics, communication, coordination, surveillance, damage assessment, humanitarian aid, and environmental restoration.

3 Opportunities for GIS in remote or complex terrain

GIS can offer several advantages when applied to military operations in remote or complex terrain. Data innovation and exploration can be facilitated by new or novel data sources, such as social media, crowdsourcing, or geotagging. Data collaboration and sharing among different actors, such as allies and partners, is also possible. Additionally, data empowerment and engagement of personnel, such as soldiers and analysts, can be enhanced through data education, training, or feedback. GIS can help military personnel tap into these opportunities by applying data innovation, data collaboration, and data empowerment techniques.

4 GIS applications and examples

GIS can be a powerful tool in supporting military operations in remote or complex terrain. To demonstrate this, the NATO Geospatial Support Group (GSG) provides geospatial products and services to NATO operations and exercises, such as maps, imagery, analysis, and advice. Additionally, the US Army Geospatial Center (AGC) develops and delivers geospatial information and capabilities to the US Army and other defense agencies. Lastly, the UN Global Pulse Lab Kampala uses GIS and big data to monitor and analyze the impacts of humanitarian crises and interventions in Uganda and the region. By leveraging GIS, these organizations are able to achieve their objectives and address their challenges in remote or complex terrain.

5 GIS best practices and recommendations

To maximize the benefits and minimize the risks of GIS for military operations in remote or complex terrain, it is recommended to define the geospatial requirements and objectives beforehand. Assessing the available geospatial data sources and capabilities is also important, as well as designing and implementing a geospatial data management plan. Lastly, evaluating and improving the geospatial performance and impact of the operation can help optimize their geospatial workflows and outcomes.