Computer Visualization of Battlefield Tenets

Abstract

The Battle Enhanced Analysis Methodologies (BEAM) project was designed to investigate the use of computer graphics in describing the performance of battalion-sized units in simulated combat. These descriptions were to be data-based and objective, providing useful critiques of actual performance according to standard Army doctrine. They would be natural candidates for use at the Army's Combat Training Centers. The first year's effort demonstrated objective graphic displays that portray the destructive potential of direct fire weapons in the defense (described in 1,2,4,5). These displays allow straightforward objective comparisons of different defensive alignments, and, from simulated battle runs, of defensive fire control strategies. These references also describe simple uncluttered displays that portray the movements and interactions of company (or higher) sized units throughout a battle. This report describes further results of the BEAM project. The initial displays were specifically derived for direct fire weapons in the defense; a major development is the extension to displays for indirect fire weapons in the defensive. This allows separate and joint examination of the direct and indirect fire destruction potential, providing, among other things, objective measures of the synchronization and agility of a force, as well as indicators of its intelligence function.