A Geospatial Battle Management Language …...A Geospatial Battle Management Language (GeoBML) for Terrain Reasoning Presented to the 11th International Command and Control Research

Engineer Research and Development Center

A GeoA Geospatialspatial Battle Management Language Battle Management Language (GeoBML) for Terrain Reasoning(GeoBML) for Terrain Reasoning

Presented to the 11th International Command and Control Research and Technology Symposium

Paper I-110

Dr. Michael HiebDr. Mark PullenMartin Kleiner

Center for C4IGeorge Mason University

Fairfax, Virginia

[email protected]

Michael Powers

Topographic Engineering CenterUS Army Engineer Research and

Development CenterAlexandria, Virginia

[email protected]


Outline

• Assumptions, Requirements and Challenges– Geo-Centric – Force Centric– Net-Centric

• Necessary Conditions for Success– Architectural Framework– Representational Consistency – Battle Management Language

• Computational• Semantic

• Implementing Geospatial Information in a Net-Centric Enterprise– Development of Net-Centric Geospatial Services– Focus on Shared Semantics– Experimentation with Geospatial Information in a Mission Context


geo-Centric View of Information Beliefs and Assumptions

1. Possesses a ubiquitous quality across C2• Use is often very similar• Stable, sufficient representations is a goal

2. Deserves the same rigor of quality, consistency of representation applied to other battlefield information

• Foundation for shared, common awareness

3a.Terrain and weather are fundamental enabler/constraint to • Combatant and non-combatant behavior• Force, system, sensor and soldier performance

3b.Military operations and behaviors are not random• Basis for relationships among battlespace entities and actors/actions• Organizing the Battlespace in space, time and tactical intent

4. Value F(x) of geo information: Knowledge > Information > Data• Hierarchy of Abstraction• Get out of the data ASAP…………too many reasons to count

Enabling the Commander, Warrior and C2 systemsthrough embeddable geospatial information

Enabling the Commander, Warrior and C2 systemsthrough embeddable geospatial information


Battle Command Centric(Geospatial Information, Technology)

WMI Services Situation UnderstandingPlanning & PreparationBattle Command &Mission Execution

RoleManager

Agent Authorizer

IntelligentOperatorMonitor

Collaborator

TranslationInterface

Text-Voice, etc)

Report Generator

I/O Services

PresentationTailor

PresentationBuilder

PresentationManager

WMIPrimitives

Visualizer

Task IntegrationNetwork Editor

Intelligent Services

PresentationServices

WMIElementServices

Battle StateAssessor

WeatherService

Object Refinement

SituationRefinement

ThreatRefinement

ReadinessMonitor

AssessorServices

FusionProcess

Refinement

BattlespaceObject Priority

Manager

SUToolset

SUPresentation

BSO UnderstandingServices

SU Tool Services

AirspacePlanner

PlanAssessor

COAPlanner

Tactical Planning

ObjectivePlanner

Ground SpacePlanner

Fires & EffectsPlanner

SensorPlanner

ManeuverAssessor

CommsNetworkPlanner

Resource Planning

SurvivabilityPlanner

SecurityPlanner

Air DefensePlanner

Planning Analysis Services

Terrain Analyzer

AARServices

PPS Support Services

RehearsalServices Simulation

Incoming Order

Processor

Policy Editor

ActionRequester

Command Services

Order, Report& Authorizer

Task Organization

Notification

Manned Ground Vehicle Remote

Operation

UnattendedMunitionsControl

UnmannedPayloadsControl

Common Vehicle Control

UAVControl

UGVControl

Tactical Control

AirspaceControl

GroundSpace Control

UGSControl

Fires & EffectsControl

Embedded Sustainment

PlatformSoldier Mission

Readiness System

Maintenance Planner

AdministrativeServices

Sustainment Info Services

Supply & Distribution

Planner

Force HealthProtectionPlanner

Human ResourceServicesPlanner

Sustainment Planning Services

Threat MonitorService

SustainmentControl Services

Maintenance Manager

Human ResourceServicesManagerSupply

Manager

Distribution Manager

Force HealthProtectionManager

Rear AreaSecurity Manager

SoS COEInteractive / Computational Info ServicesGeo-based Decision Tools

GeoBML and JC3IEDM


Network Centric Challenges

• Bandwidth

– Design impact on actionable geospatial information products

• Minimize the size of all information products• Achieve the best ratio of information value to bandwidth• Minimize the frequency of network transmissions

– Design a persistent quality into product….responsive to dynamic info– Design information products with the broadest application/recipient set

• Computation and Storage

– Design impacts

• Computational abstraction..…develop base information products supporting a broad range of applications

• Build information products with the broadest application / recipient set


Network Centric Challenges(Design Constraints)

Potential value of a Net-centric force is theoretically N2– Metcalf’s Law

So the bigger the force the better my situational awareness …..right?

– There are some assumptions that must be met

1. There is real potential in all transactions– Geo-information product has utility to the functional C4ISR processes of the

recipient ……. automated systems and soldiers2. All interactions have positive value

– As a function of value: Knowledge > Information > Data– Maximize OHIO / information should be “ready to use”

3. N-way interactions create the most value– Design geo-information product utility for the broadest set of Battlefield Functional

Areas (BFAs), their systems and processes4. There will be both dense and sparse islands of interaction

– Design for varying organizational topologiesDerived from: “Network Centric Warfare, Developing and Leveraging Information Superiority”

Alberts, Garstka and Stein, 1999


Format / Encoding

Architectural Framework(Terrain and Weather)

RAW

DATA

FACTS

INFORMATION

KNOWLEDGE

UNDERSTANDING

Format/Encoding Format/EncodingFormat/Encoding Format/Encoding

Representation Representation Information KnowledgeGeographic Context Tactical Context

Exploitation Technology Decision Tools Decision ToolsPhotogrammetry

And SpectralTechnology

Net Centric Enterprise ServicesCommercial Joint Mapping ToolkitEnterprise GIS Architecture

Situation Understanding

Models Models Models Models

Fusion Level 420 31C2 Training / Modeling and Simulation

C4ISR Sensor Fusion

Analytic Technologies

Bandwidth Actionable Information

Situational ContextMission Context

Planning and PreparationBattle Command/Mission Execution

Tier 1

Tier 2

Tier 3


Spatial Objects and Representation(Consistent Computational Representation)

Battle Compartment

T0

• Spatially Discrete Organization of the Battlespace– Physical properties of terrain,

organized to stable qualities as related to:

• Spatial hierarchy of tactical employment within the battlescape

– OCOKA, compartment or a position of advantage

– Positions: Def / Attack , Blocking and Battle; Engagement areas, ambush

• Task or Mission (C2IEDM)

• Temporal / Relational Objects– Movement graphs attributes– Task - to - mission relationships– Wx Effects-mobility & sensors

• Every 3 Hrs out to 36 Hrs with 12 Hr updates (IMETS/BFM)

T+ 3n..

Geo-Complex OCOKA

!.

!. Direct FirePositions

!.

!.

MobilityOverwatch

Movement Graph


Current Spatial Objects for geoBML

Tier 1 Products(Terrain/Military Context)

Natural ObstaclesConcealmentFields of FireCross Country MovementManeuver NetworkMobility CorridorsChokepoints

Tier 2 products (Mission Context)/Tier 3 products (Planned)Avenues of approachAssembly Areas Engagement Areas Tier 2 RoutesBattle Positions Attack positions Axis of AdvanceIndirect Fire Firing Position Assault Positions Attack by Fire Positions Drop ZonesHelicopter Landing Zones


Semantic Consistency (Potential of a Battle Management Language)

Doct

rine Protocols

XMLWeb Services/Grid Services

Formal Languagewith Syntax and

Semantics

RepresentationCommand & Control

Information ExchangeData Model (C2IEDM)

BML


Why a BML is needed

• Its vocabulary is found in FM 1-02, but it lacks clearly delineated rules governing its use (semantics and syntax).

• It is riddled with ambiguity and overlapping definitions.

• As such, it is incapable of transitioning to the full range of automation that the Army is implementing.

• It will not support the integration of advanced modeling and simulation with “digitized” command and control.


DefinitionBML is an unambiguous language used for the command and control of forces and equipment conducting military operations.

BML is being developed as a standard representation of digitized C2 information for executable plans, orders, Requests and reports

• for military units, • for simulated forces, and• for future robotic forces.

SimulationSystems

Robotic Forces

C2 Systems

C2 Systems

Semantic Consistency (Potential of a Battle Management Language)


Command and Control Information Exchange Data Model (C2IEDM)

Reporting Data

Object-Item

Capability

Object-Type

Location

Action Reporting Data

Object-Item

CapabilityCapability

Object-TypeObject-Type

Location

Action

OBJECT-TYPE OBJECT-ITEM

ORGANIZATION -TYPE

MATERIAL-TYPE

PERSON -TYPE

FACILITY-TYPE

FEATURE-TYPE

ORGANIZATION

MATERIAL

PERSON

FACILITY

FEATURE

OBJECT-TYPE OBJECT-ITEM

ORGANIZATION -TYPE

MATERIAL-TYPE

PERSON -TYPE

FACILITY-TYPE

FEATURE-TYPE

ORGANIZATION

MATERIAL

PERSON

FACILITY

FEATURE

Provides Core C2 SemanticsComprehensiveVery well documented

• Tables• Attributes• Relations

Allows for Extension


Development of Formal Grammars to Support Coalition Command and Control: A Battle Management Language for

Orders, Requests and Reports

Dr. Michael Hieb

George Mason University

US

[email protected]

Dr. Ulrich Schade

FGAN-FKIE

GERMANY

[email protected]

Presented to the 11th International Command and Control Research and Technology Symposium

Paper I-069


geoBML is an Unambiguous Language

– Both domain specific and cross-cutting– Defined by the role of actionable

geo-information in the C2

Provides Unification…across– Doctrine and terms

• Explicit vocabulary and grammar• Specific context mapped to operations, missions

and tasks– Explicit Representation

• Consistent extension to the C2IEDM– Standard framework and exchange model

• Computational structure• Both necessary and sufficient for

shared, common understanding– Protocols

• Explicit structure for transmission / sharing

Geo-Environmental Extension to Command & Control Information

ExchangeData Model (C2IEDM / JC3IEDM)

Explicit Computational RepresentationFor Actionable Geospatial

Information

XMLWeb ServicesGrid Services

Terrain, Weatherand Military Eng

Terms

Doct

rine

Representation

ProtocolsgeoBML

Semantic Consistency (geospatial Battle Management Language (geoBML))


Evolving a geoBMLAssumptions

1. Cohesive Formations occur to execute a tactical task or mission creating a situation

2. Grouping of objects…. So there are subordinate forces (children) forces comprising the Force (target)

3. Cohesive Formation and tasks argue that there are operational relationships required for the task (e.g. fire: complimenting angles and range fans)

4. Possible that there is parent to the target force (F (+))

Situation F (+)

F (+)

F (T)

F (-)

Table of Organizationand Equipment

(TO&E)

Physical Account of the ForceVehicle Type and Count# of unitsSpacingWeaponsRelationships

Situation F (-)

Situation F (T) Syntax and Semantics1. Understand the elements and qualities of the

force being evaluated– Possible Tasks, Activities and Missions– C2IEDM

2. Field Manuals –– TO&E, Physical Conditions and Behaviors– Universal Joint Task List (UJTL)

– Language of Command– Battlefield Operating Systems (BOS)– Tactical Tasks and Missions


Evolving a geoBML

What Dynamics Impact the Representation1. Weather2. Other Battlefield information3. Persistence of Operational Value

Situation F (+)

F (+)

F (T)

F (-)

Table of Organizationand Equipment

(TO&E)

Physical Account of the ForceVehicle Type and Count# of unitsSpacingWeaponsRelationships

Situation F (-)

Situation F (T)

Computation Constraints1. Data and Information Dependencies

– Product Generation– Time Sensitivity– Computational Time Allowed

– 1 Time, Intervals or at Run Time– Sensitivity to locally held data


C2IEDM Implementation ofSpatial Objects

object-item

object-item-id

category-code

name

alternate-identification-text

symbol-code

object-item-type

object-item-id

object-type-id

object-item-type-index

reporting-data-id

object-type

object-type-id

category-code

dummy-indicator-code

name

object-item-category-code

object-type-category-code

feature

feature-id

category-code

control-feature

control-feature-id

category-code

feature-type

feature-type-id

category-code

control-feature-type

control-feature-type-id

category-code

spatial-object

spatial-object-id

Key

Currently Exists in C2IEDM

BML additions

Additions to capture SOs

feature-category-code

control-feature-category-code

feature-type-category-code

An OBJECT-TYPE that encompasses

meteorological, geographic, and control

features of military significance.

An individually identified class of objects that has

military significance.

A nontangible FEATURE-TYPE of military interest that

may be represented as a geometric figure and is

associated with the conduct of military operations.

A nontangible FEATURE of military interest that is

administratively specified, may be represented by a geometric figure, and is associated with

the conduct of military operations.

An OBJECT-ITEM that encompasses meteorological,

geographic, and control features of military significance.

An individually identified object that

has military significance. A record of the perceived

condition of a specific OBJECT-ITEM as a

specific OBJECT-TYPE


object-item-location

object-item-id

location-id

accuracy-quantity

bearing-angle

speed-rate

speed-accuracy-rate

use-category-code

reporting-id

status-code

C2IEDM Implementation

spatial-object

spatial-object-id

category-code

access-to-objective-area

area-of-interest (object item id)

concealment

direction-of-attack

effected-control-measure (action effect item)

engagement-area (object item id)

exclusion

friendly-maneuver-plan (action functional association index)

geometry

location (location id)

LOS-to-objective-area

maneuver-graph

mobility-network

objective-area (action objective item)

observation-field-of-fire

orientation

reference-id

size (unit type size code)

type-solver

unit-type (unit type echelon code)

vehicle-type (equipment type)

weapon-type (equipment type)

weighted-cost

object-item-association

subject-object-item-id

object-object-item-id

object-item-association-index

category-code

subcategory-code

task-id

spatial-object-status

spatial-object-status-id

object-item-status-index

Etc.

object-item-status

object-item-id

object-item-status-ix

category-code

hostility-code

booby-trap-indicator-code

emission-control-code

reporting-data-id

control-feature-status

control-feature-status-id

object-item-status-index

investigation-status-code

mine-presence-code

recirculation-indicator-code

surface-condition-code

surface-firmness-code

control-feature-status-category-code

(Spatial Objects defined)

location

location-id

location-category-code

Key

Currently Exists in C2IEDM

BML additions

Additions to capture SOs


SO Product Usage

Division7 Step MDMP

Bde7 Step MDMP

Bn TF7 Step MDMP

Tier 2 SO’s

Tier 2 SO’s

Tier 2 SO’s

Tier 1 Products

Tier 3 SO’s

Tier 3 SO’s

Tier 3 SO’sMDMP – Military Decision Making Process


Demonstration Architecture(Proof of Concept)

geoBMLC2IEDM

CommandersSupport

Environment

BattlespaceTerrain

Reasoning &AnalysisSystem

BML GUI

Web Service Interface

RoutePlanner

OTBTasksGraphicsUnits


Example Spatial Objects

Enemy Situation(Tier 2 Engagement Areas)

Courses of Action(Tier 2 Routes)

Digital Plan / OPORDER(geoBML)

Simulation

C2 System


What this can mean for a Coalition

MIP Services Layer C/JMTK

MIPDEM

BML

A Common Operational Picture

C2 BusinessLogic

Other Business Logics

GML

Web Services

HLA / DIS

Web Services

HLA / DIS

Operational DBsGeodatabaseJC3IEDM

US Systems CoalitionSystems

EmbeddedSimulation

COTS / NGA / CJMTK

geoBML

MIP / COTS / DoD


Partial BML Portfolio

• Growing community of investment– Shared belief that BML is a necessary component of Net-Centric Operations

• Challenges– Technological infrastructure enabling distributed, multi-national development

and extension of BML• Operational Domains and specific requirements of National entities

– Capability to maintain the integrity of the JC3IEDM

Specification Ground Air Naval Implementation Software Services International

Coalition BML X X X X X X

NATO-WG X X X

JBML X X X X X X

geoBML X X X

XBML X X X X

Army BML X X

AO BML X X

MIP/JC3IEDM X X X X X


Summary

• Network-Centric Operations require a change in paradigm for the employment of actionable geospatial information

• Digital Maps are not enough– Move beyond concepts of maps as the “wallpaper” of the COP– Actionable geo-information and decision tools need to empower C2 activities

at the appropriate level of semantic and syntax representation– BML / geoBML is a formalization of C2 Information and representation

• Allows Commanders to access the right environmental information to accomplish their intent

– Spatial Objects forming geoBML will enable reasoning to adapt to both changed missions and a variety of terrain and environmental data

• Geospatial information and implementation concepts have achieved a state of maturity that merits inclusion in the Net-Centric Enterprise

Carry the right battlespace knowledge……you carry the day

Documents

A Geospatial Battle Management Language …...A Geospatial Battle Management Language (GeoBML) for Terrain Reasoning Presented to the 11th International Command and Control Research