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GIS offers a virtually unique ability to aggregate, automate, integrate and analyse geographic data which further enhances the intelligence base for defence operations

Defence is the most sensitive, critical and important issue for any country. Logistics and strategy have always posed a serious challenge to every defence operation that has occurred which further requires the knowledge of spatial information i.e. geographical, locational information. Hence, the knowledge of geography is the key that benefits defence services. Information like where the enemy is, where ones own assets are, and what lies between the enemy and themselves are very important for any defence strategy. Here comes the very concept of organising information/data as well as their location. Though, this is neither new nor complicated. Defence people have always known this, of course, although they have tended to ignore it. They have done so because, largely, it was an intractable problem. In the chaos of the battlefield, it was – and largely remains impossible to know where your own troops are, where the enemy is and what else or who else, may be in the way. For example, the biggest danger to US troops in the Gulf War was not the Iraqis, but their own aircraft, which dropped the bomb on them, by accident, at regular intervals.

GIS/GPS and Remote Sensing Capabilities in Military
Considering the issue of liability for availability and accuracy of map data is enough to make use of the technology which provides extensive facilities for routine administrative and logistics function at various levels in the military. The Geographical Information System (GIS) enables the use of computers for important functions of operations and digitisation of maps etc. Using satellite positioning, it is now possible, for all the participants in the battlefield to know where they are at all times. Add a bit of communications technology, and it is possible for the same information to be available to battlefield personnel. Add digital map products and position can be made meaningful in terms of the local topography. Research in modelling and simulation techniques can provide an excellent training tool to compensate for the cost-prohibitive sophisticated modern day battlefield system.

GIS offers a virtually unique ability to aggregate, automate, integrate and analyse geographic data. It is multi-layered. Many layers of information about geographic features can be aggregated on GIS map. Military analysts can use GIS in a number of distinct applications like contingency planning, operational planning, mission briefing, mission rehearsal, deployment and daily operations. Potential for beneficial use of remote sensing satellites are extremely high.

Some of the major applications of GIS in defence services are described below.

Digital Basemap
A GIS can be used to store and display data needed as basemap data for the military applications showing contours, transportation routes and cities. GIS is used by the military to aid their understanding of regional terrain and how it affects overall battlefield support. Satellite imagery and GIS terrain data can give information about potential landing site analysis, vehicular travel time, field of view and line of site assessement. Hence it aids in the tactical decision. A GIS can display feature information stored as aerial photographs simultaneously. These data can create a more realistic rendition of the area while clarifying specific features needed for navigation. These digital map provides a commander in the field with state-of-the-art technology that can identify a position, interrogate that position for access to water, fuel, cover and parking for vehicles, determine areas of visibility to the enemy and assess its strength and develop strategies accordingly.

Data Updating
The updated map data information is must for the military. The increased availability of timely information to be provided by high-resolution satellite imaging will, first and foremost that is used for military intelligence. However, the typical tactical maps available to defence forces, especially in Southeast Asia are very old. This is a sobering reminder of the importance of accurate spatial information in battlefield information management. In some countries, the maps that the armed forces would take to war are at least 25 years out of date.

Terrain Evaluation
Terrain evaluation in geostrategic analysis of inaccessible characteristics and evaluation of security forces.

Remote Sensing can help in collecting terrain information like engineering resources, trafficability, obstacles, visibility, camouflage, concealment potential, information on camping ground, water supply source etc. The above information should be regularly updated for the military purposes in required short time which can not be possible by manual process. Military topographic maps are most important for terrain evaluation.

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