A GIS Assisted Knowledge-Based Approach for Military Operations


Generation of rules for the KB
Knowledge acquired in the form of GIS data layers converted into rules that are transformed into a knowledge base using the Knowledge Engineer (KE) shell of ERDAS Imagine. Each data layer provides a parameter or condition, which can be used for the formation of rules to get the final hypothesis. Separate knowledge base has been prepared for each military operation selected in this paper. For brevity, the KB for the selection of wet bridging site has been described here. However, all the graphical representations of each KB are shown in Fig. 10 to Fig. 15.


Fig. 10 KB for Selection of Wet Bridging Sites


Fig. 11 Knowledge Base for Selection of Dry Bridging Sites

Fig. 12 Knowledge Base for Selection of Ferry Sites


Fig. 13 Knowledge Base for Selection of Helipad Sites

Fig. 14 Knowledge Base for Identification of Tactically Important Roads


Fig. 15 Knowledge Base for Preparation of Vehicle Mobility Maps


For launching a wet bridge, the parameters that are likely to be considered are type of water body, ground slope, type of soil, land use and availability of adequate water depth. The KB for the selection of wet bridge site consists of the following rule written in the text form as: IF WATER BODY == RIVER (1)
AND SLOPE < = PLAIN (5)
AND SOIL TYPE > = SAND (1)
AND LAND USE >= CULTIVATED AREA OR RIVER OR CANAL (3)
AND WATER DEPTH == ADEQUATE (1)
THEN SUITABLE SITE FOR WET BRIDGING The numbers in the bracket show the respective raster values. On executing this KB, the hypothesis gives the output class (colour coded as red) as the possible site locations for the wet bridge (Fig. 16).



Similarly, once the KB for each military operation is executed, outputs are a set of thematic maps, which are shown in Fig. 17 to Fig. 20. These thematic maps have been visually analysed with the input images in relation to the rules applied. The broad areas as identified by each KB have been checked using topographical map and military data regarding parameters for the various military uses, and have been found to be correct. Thus, the KB approach can be effectively used for military operations. The thematic maps thus produced can be also used as overlays to carry out an accurate planning for various military tasks.









Conclusions
Accurate and timely terrain analysis is the key for today’s fast paced mobile battlefield. Conventional techniques need to be updated due to availability of data products like maps in digital form and high-resolution satellite imagery. The knowledge base approach for the interpretation of terrain features will prove to be very useful for modern day war planning. This approach combines the experience and knowledge of experts and delivers this to the soldier in the battlefield.



References
  • ERDAS (1999), ERDAS Imagine Expert Classifier, ERDAS Inc, USA. Sensing Journal, Vol 5, pp 67-69.
  • Nikolopoulos C. (1997), Expert Systems: Introduction to First and Second Generation and Hybrid Knowledge Based Systems, Marcel Dekker Inc, USA.

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