Weapons Design Analysis Using 1-Meter Terrain Resolution Battlefield Simulators
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Authors
Baer, Wolfgang
Mansager, Bard
Kemple, William G.
Illingsworth, James
Subjects
High Resolution Terrain
Real-time Simulation
Line-of-Sight
Weapon Design
Real-time Simulation
Line-of-Sight
Weapon Design
Advisors
Date of Issue
2000-09
Date
Fall 2000
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School.
Language
Abstract
Simulation of battlefield systems in operational scenarios require the calculation of concealment,
cover, and detectability to properly evaluate their performance and effectiveness on the battlefield. In the
past so called “high resolution” simulations such as Janus and the Combined Arms and Support Task Force
Evaluation Model (CASTFOREM) typically performed such calculations using geometric line-of-sight
(GLOS) on 25-meter terrain resolution and model micro-terrain effects statistically. Results provided by
such simulations do not account for the individual soldier’s ability to take advantage of local cover and
concealment in an individual engagement while carrying out tactical missions.
New 1-meter terrain analysis tools developed by personnel at the Naval Postgraduate School(NPS),
the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), and independent contractors have allowed
substantial improvement in our ability to simulate individual engagements and assess the effects of micro
terrain features on tactical mission success. This paper introduces the architecture and fast ray-tracing
algorithms capable of calculating realistic 1-meter terrain perspective views in real-time on PC based
platforms. We then describe how this algorithm is extended to perform view-based line-of-sight
calculations (VLOS) and replace the old GLOS approach. This new technique calculates a small
perspective view for each simulation player pair of interest. The perspective view is then analyzed. Partial
player visibility, sensor location, major obscurant, and background contrast information are now all
available and can be used to perform deterministically modeled detections and engagement effectiveness
calculations.
We conclude the paper with case studies conducted to analyze the effectiveness of various system
designs utilizing the 1-meter terrain tools now available. We describe the ability to select routes, modify
tactics, and analyze engagement opportunities when accounting for high-resolution terrain features.
Sample analysis results are presented to show the effects of design alternatives on mission performance.
Type
Article
Presentation
Presentation
Description
Fall 2000 Simulation Interoperability Workshop, Paper Number 118.
Simulation Interoperability Standards Organization (SISO) SIW Conference Paper
Simulation Interoperability Standards Organization (SISO) SIW Conference Paper
Series/Report No
Department
Applied Mathematics
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined
in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. As such, it is in the
public domain, and under the provisions of Title 17, United States
Code, Section 105, is not copyrighted in the U.S.