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Future Battle Command:Geospatially-Enabled

ESRI Federal User Conference

21 February, 2008

John J. DayDirector, Defense Business Development

ESRI, Inc.

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OutlineGeospatially-enabled Battle Command

• What is the Challenge?

• Why Is It Desirable?

• How Is It Feasible?

• Meeting Key Challenges

• What Does This Mean For Operations?

• Demonstration: Soldier As A Sensor

• Where Is It In Operation?

• What Are the Implications?

ESRI 2008

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• Geo-enabling mainstream, general purpose, integrated information management applications to better support distributed operations under demanding conditions …

• … exploiting, and ultimately, supplanting, ancillary, special purpose, discrete information management systems.

C2 M&SGeo

C2 Services

M&S Services

GIS Services

What is the Challenge?Exploit the power of GIS technology to substantially increase the effectiveness—quality, timeliness, and efficiency—of military operations by …

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Geospatially-enabled Battle Command:Military Decision Making Process (MDMP)

Mission Mission AnalysisAnalysisIPBIPB

WargameWargame

OPORDOPORD

StrikeStrike

CommanderCommanderEnvisions and Envisions and

DecidesDecides

Observe, Orient, Decide, Act (OODA) Loop

Adaptive Planning Integrated with Execution

Prediction & Planning

Execution

COACOADevelopmentDevelopment

FRAGOFRAGO

WngOWngO

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Why Is It Desirable?Quality, Timeliness, …

Visualization

… and Efficiency

Information Integration

Common Operating Picture

Analysis/Workflow

More than maps and imagery … a foundation for mission planning and

execution

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Army ApplicationsIntegrated Information Products• Tier 1 – impact of terrain and weather on

military operations independent of mission

– OCOKA – Obstacles, Cover and Concealment, Observation, Key terrain Maneuver Networks

– Weather impacts on mobility and sensor performance

Off- and On-RoadConnected Graph

Observation &Fields of Fire

DirectionalConcealment

• Tier 2 - for performing well defined military tasks or actions consistent with a mission or objective

– Routes / Axis of Advance– Battle, Attack, Assault and Attack by Fire and Indirect

Fire Positions– Assembly and Engagement Areas

• Tier 3 - for performing well defined military tasks or actions based upon known or predicted situation

– Products selected as part of the OPLAN and OPORD

!.

!.

Direct FirePositions

RouteAssessment

Axis ofAdvance

Attack By Fire Positions

Control Graphics2525B

Symbology

Information and graphics courtesy of U.S. Army Topographic Engineering Center

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How Is It Feasible?

• Core infrastructure advance• Advent of web services and the SOA• Development of enterprise GIS product platform

–Rich, smart clients–Flexible and powerful data management–Computational flexibility—client, server, embedded–Capture and use of “tradecraft”–Strong support for interoperability

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ScalableNetworkedHardware

LaptopLaptop

DesktopDesktop

PDAPDA

ServersServers

PhonePhone

WebWebServicesServices

Enabling Infrastructure Technology

. . . and support integration in mainstream applications

• Faster Processing– Multi-core, Blades

• Increased Bandwidth• Larger Storage• Web Services Standards• Mobile Technologies• Real Time Networks

• Unique imagery and mapping content, and a variety of data models/formats

• Very large, distributed databases• Legacy systems built around computing and

integration constraints

Developments in …

… accommodate GIS demands …

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Advent of Web Services—and the SOA

… and—by decoupling information, business logic, and presentation—enabling flexible management of data and applications in accordance with infrastructure constraints, especially bandwidth.

Delivering Agility: Rapid development and legacy integration, lower costs, collaboration, interoperability …

“Map of the business expressed in technology”CIO Magazine

PresentationPresentation

Globe Globe Map &Map &ChartChart

ImageImage--ProcessProcess

Open Open Web Web

TrackingTracking& RSS & RSS

Serving/Serving/PublishingPublishing

AuthoringAuthoring

22--D D ViewersViewers

33--D ViewersD Viewers

Catalog Catalog GeoGeo--ProcessProcess

Integration Platform

Rich Internet ClientRich Internet Client

AppApp

DataData

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Advancing GIS TechnologyIntegrated Platform ...

. . . enabling Enterprise GIS

MobileMobileWebWeb

GDB

DesktopDesktop

ArcGIS Server

OpenOpenAPIsAPIs

OGCOGC

KMLKML

SOAPSOAPSQLSQL

Tracking ServerImage Server

ArcSDEArcIMS ArcGIS Engine

On the Desktop, Server, or Embedded

Google Earth

MetadataISO 19139

KML

CAD

ImageIntegration

SOAP, XML, SQLGIS

Services

AutoCAD

LEICABAE

MapInfoGeoMedia

SAP

Ionic

OGC StandardsWMS/WFS/GMLAny

DBMS ArcGIS Server

Interoperable

Region

Local

HeadquartersField

Distributed data management

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Commercial Joint Mapping ToolKit (CJMTK) Standard COTS Software Tools/Architecture for C2 Applications

• Mapping, Charting, Geodesy, and Imagery (MCG&I) functionality for NCES/NCW - all DoD C2I systems

• Standard Visualization Platform for imagery and geospatial data

• Desktop & Server software –licensed by NGA through 2014

Approved Programs:C2PC CCIC2SDCGS JMPSFuture Combat Systems JSTARSGALE GCCS-AFJET TBMCS

… and hundreds more

Sponsor: National Geospatial-Intelligence AgencyContractors: Northrop Grumman, ESRI, Analytical Graphics, Inc., Leica Geosystems

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Power of Geospatial TradecraftMoving from Terrain Analysis to Behavioral Modeling …

SWORD™ Brigade Simulation module

Courses of action Dynamic operational indicators

… and Capturing Knowledge for Validation, Sensitivity Analysis, Training, and Sharing

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Challenge: Coping with Available BandwidthCombining GIS and Web Services technology

• Analysis – compressing TB of data into MB of actionable terrain information

• Web Services – sending only the pixels needed

• Off-network transactions – only using the network for high-priority information

• Layering Data – a mechanism for prioritization

• Separating Data, Business Logic & Presentation

• Application Independence from Data Source

• Products – all or nothing, when you get it– CD-ROM of CIB: 650MB– CD-ROM of VMAP:

650MB– File of NITF is 4GB

• Services – what you need, when you need it– Cache the 10MB of 5m

resolution pixels that matter for the next 24 hours

– Access the 40kB service of 1m resolution pixels that matter… now

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CJMTK Geospatial ApplianceStandard Data/Architecture Solution for C2 Applications

• Application Ready Data—2D and 3D– Standard NGA

Products– General Worldwide

Coverage Data– NGA Geonames

GoogleEarth

FalconView

DGINetNGA-Arnold

GCCS

C2PC

DCGS

• Preconfigured Content and Applications– Map

Documents– Layer Files– Map Services

• Versatile Access– File sharing for

legacy– Geodatabase– Web Services

(WMS, KML, SOAP)

Ruggedized Server (1 TB) Rack Mounted Server (7 TB)

• Data Administration– Map Database,

Cache Updates– Replication Tools– Administration

Tools

…for analysis and decision support

Data Updates

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What Does This Mean For Operations?

How does this relate to the Orders process?

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Essence of Order Resides in the “5Ws”

The 5 WsWHO: which unit is to accomplish the task.

- Normally identified by a Unit_ID.- When Unit_ID is in doubt, could be identified by location.- Could be identified by ROLE (Main Effort, Security Force, etc.)

WHAT: the task to be accomplished.- Could be either an operation or ARTEP task.- Selection maybe dependent on how much the higher commander

wants to limit his subordinate. The more specific the task the less it conforms to “mission type”.

WHEN: the timing of the task.- Control type (AT a certain time, NLT a certain time, EVENT_PLUS_T (D+1, H+2, etc.)

- Parameters: (DTG, Event, Time, Unit_ID, etc..)

WHERE: the location for accomplishingthe task

- Lat/Long, UTM, MGRS, etc.- Terrain_Feature_ID

Graphic_Control_Measure_ID

WHY: the reason for accomplishing the task.- Purpose term. (Attrit, Defeat, Destroy, Contain, Clear, etc..)- Parameters: (dependent on the term but required for clarification:

Destroy what? Enemy Force, Terrain Feature)

HOW: In mission type orders, how to do a task is left up to the subordinate. The “general”how for the order itself is found in the context of the Commander’s Intent and the Concept of Operations.

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COTS C2 System FrameworkSitaWare – MIP Compliant C2 based on ArcGIS

• Natively based on MIP standards– MIP Block 2 compliance (C2IEDM)– MIP Block 3 according to MIP

test/implementation plan (JC3IEDM)• Best-in-class interoperability

– Messages: ADatP-3, USTMF, OTH GOLD, J-series

– Replication: MIP DEM– Services: xml/web services, IBM SOA/ESB

connectivity• ESRI GIS

– Latest ArcGIS products through strategic collaboration with ESRI

– Possible to integrate any ArcGIS based components with little effort.

• Core functionality– Situation picture– Plan & orders– Logistics/holdings– ORBAT/task organization– MilStd2525/APP6 or tailored symbology.

80% of what all C2 systems require – in an open architecture where partners can tailor and extend the solution.

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Defining C2 for the US Army Future Combat System How will it Communicate Orders?

• Network Centric• Explicit understanding of orders and

operations in a distributed environment• Know precisely, in real-time, location of

all friendly and enemy forces

• Robotics Integrated into Force• Amplify capability of manned elements• Multi-functional (scouting, armed,

sustainment)

• Increased Reliance on Extended Range Engagement• Organic plus strategic and tactical

support• Long range ISR and precision fires

• Capable of Air-Mobile Operations• Commercial and minimum DoD

strategic and tactical lift

Direct Fire Function

Infantry Carrier + C2 Function

Indirect Fire Function

Sensor Function

Organic &Inorganic

RSTA

Networked Command,Control &Comms

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The Solution - Battle Management Language (BML)?

• BML - an unambiguous language to:

– Transmit Digital Orders to Joint and Combined Forces using an unambiguous, machine and human readable language

– Command and control live and simulated forces conducting military operations

– Provide for situational awareness and a shared, common operational picture– Reduce workstation controllers, unique interfaces, and interpreters– Reduce time and cost to accomplish training / operations

• Only having to input units / graphics once into system since they are stored and are accessible through a common database

• OPORD production / issue– Facilitates auto-fill of large portions of units OPORD based on data from higher headquarters’ OPORD

– Improve Service, Joint, Coalition interoperability– Better integration of simulations into C2 systems

Shared Semantics between C2 and M&S via a Common Tasking Description

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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

BML Scope

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BML Representations

Graphics convert to BML

Division attacks on order in zone to seize OBJ SLAM.Division Mission

Form of maneuver: PenetrationMain effort: BLUE-MECH-BDE2,

on order BLUE-ARMOR-BDE1Supporting effort: BLUE-MECH-BDE1

BLUE-ARMOR-BN1Deep: NoneReserve: BLUE-AVN-BDE1Security: BLUE-CAV-SQN1Tactical Combat Force: BLUE-MECH-TM1

Division Concept of Operations

Tasks to Subordinates

•Protect (Division Rear Area)•DSA•On order•Tactical Combat Force•BLUE-MECH-TM1

•Protect (Division left flank)•Zone (PL AMBER to PL BLUE)•On order•Screen•BLUE-CAV-SQN1

•Support (B-A-BDE1)•Zone•On order•Follow and Support (B-A-BDE1)•BLUE-ARMOR-BN1

•Reserve•AA EAGLE•On order•Occupy•BLUE-AVN-BDE

•Seize (OBJ SLAM)•Zone•On order•Follows and Assumes (B-M-BDE2)•BLUE-ARMOR-BDE1

•Penetrate (MRR2)•Zone•On order•Attacks•BLUE-MECH-BDE2

•Fix (MRR1)•Zone•On order•Attacks•BLUE-MECH-BDE1

•Why•Where•When•What•Who

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• 5 Ws is an intuitive organizing principle.• 5 Ws and relationships can be expressed

in the existing formalism of the C2IEDM.But,• 5 Ws are not necessary nor sufficient.• 5 Ws are not detailed enough to specify tasks for execution.• 5 Ws do not have a formal, verifiable syntax.

BML – The need for a Grammar

Why a 5 W Representation is not a Grammar

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BML – The need for a Grammar

Tasks are not explicitly represented in the C2IEDM.

• Tasks are listed and verbally defined in the C2IEDM table:“action-task-category-code”.

• Tasks have no grammar within the C2IEDM.• Example: advance is a C2IEDM “action-task”.• While advance has meaning, it has no explicit relationships

within the C2IEDM.• Thus, any interpretation of advance must be through Human

interpretation.

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Why An Improved Formal BML is needed

• Our current US Army BML is a loosely knit “language” tailored to interpersonal communication.

• 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 automationthat the Army is implementing.

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

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JC3IEDM Spatial ComponentWhat if we add the GIS spatial component?

• JC3IEDM tables + Geodatabase Tables• Access the spatial component in JC3IEDM• Maintain the same tables in JC3IEDM

+ =

Point, Polyline, Polygon

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geoBML

• geoBML is an extension of BML into the domain of actionable geospatial information.

• geoBML is not a geo-spatial database.• geoBML provides a semantic and syntactic bridge

between the Warfighter’s decision making, Situational Awareness (SA) needs, and the terrain experts’ realm.

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BML Way Ahead … Horizontal Interoperability(Military and Commercial Investment)

JC3IEDM

MIPD

EM HLA/DIS

Geospatial

C2 Services

Layer

M&S Services

Layer

GIS Services

Layer

BML

GeoBML GeoBM

L

GML

28

MIP Services Layer C/JMTK

MIPDEM

BML

A Common Operational Picture

Other Business Logic

C2 Business Logics

GML

Web Services

HLA / DIS

Web Services

HLA / DIS

Operational DBsGeodatabaseJC3IEDM

US Systems CoalitionSystems

Embedded Simulation

COTS / NGA / CJMTK

geoBML

MIP / COTS / DoD

Challenge: Integrating C2, Geo, and M&SBML—a standard representation of digitized C2 information —and geoBML, for actionable geospatial information

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Modeling and Simulation/Wargaming ‘Train As We Fight’ MÄK GIStoSIM

• …allows ArcGIS-based applications to interoperate with HLA, DIS or TENA exercises & visualize data in real-time

• …incorporates HLA, DIS, or TENA data into ArcGIS based C4I systems

“Network”

Simulator

Simulation data in ArcGIS DisplaysSimulator

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AuthoringTier

Presentation Tier

Serving/Publishing

Tier

GIS Workstation

MobileClients Browser

Service Architecture

Desktop

Server

Demonstration: Soldier as SensorA loosely coupled Service Architecture…

WorkflowServices

ImageData

Services

GeodataReplication

Services

GeoAnalysisServices

Map &Chart

Services

DIVDIVGDBGDB

BGDBGDGDBGDB

BGDBGDGDBGDB

… to collect, integrate, and share information across echelons

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XX

Mobile Clients

Serv

ices

Arc

hite

ctur

eSe

rvic

es A

rchi

tect

ure

X

DivisionDivision

BrigadeBrigade

PatrolPatrol

I

Service / Theater / Joint / Agency

InfantryDivision

BrigadeCombat Team

RSTAPlatoon

Browser

Browser

GIS Workstation

GIS Workstation

SynchronizationSynchronization

SynchronizationSynchronization

SynchronizationSynchronization

ArcGIS Server

Com

mon

Ope

ratin

g Pi

ctur

eC

omm

on O

pera

ting

Pict

ure

Com

mon

Ope

ratin

g Pi

ctur

e

ConnectedConnected& Disconnected& Disconnected

OperationsOperations

Demonstration: Soldier as SensorTechnical Workflow

ReusableReusableWebWeb

ServicesServices

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Common Operating PictureCommon Operating Picture

Demonstration: Soldier as SensorOperational Workflow

Ope

ratio

nal D

river

s

TransmitTransmitPatrolPatrolOrderOrder

XML Patrol Order

Detailed Mission PlanningConduct Operations

XXSBCT TOCSBCT TOC

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XXSBCT TOCSBCT TOC

Situational AwarenessMission Management

Situational Awareness

Connected / DisconnectedReporting

DynamicRe-tasking

SituationalAwareness

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DigitalDigitalMissionMissionProfileProfile

Conduct Patrol

II

RSTARSTAPlatoonPlatoon

33XX

SBCT TOCSBCT TOC

Conduct Patrol DebriefValue Added AnalysisQC/QA Data Updates

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Situational AwarenessManage Operations

XXXXDIV TOCDIV TOC

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CurrentCurrentOpsOps

IntelIntel

PlansPlans

BaseBaseDataData

66

Brig

ade

Push

es C

hang

es U

p

Division Sends U

pdates Dow

n

33

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Demonstration: Soldier as SensorImplications for deployed forces of Service-enabling GIS support

Knowledge base Data, maps, simple applications—limited, pre-packaged, static

Data, maps, complex applications—rich, flexible, customizable, dynamic

Operations planning & execution

Adaptive in near real time, connected or disconnected, synchronized

Situational awareness

Broad-based, flexible scope, integrated, consistent, and current

One consistent COP

Rigid, iterative (OODA loop), connected or unsynchronized

Limited, restricted scope, stove-piped, inconsistent, obsolescent

Multiple COPs

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Sponsor: 753rd Electronic Systems Group, Hanscom AFBContractors: MITRE, ProLogic and SAIC

Operations: Airborne Web Services (AWS)

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Sponsor: U.S. Army Engineering Research and Development Center, Topographic Engineering CenterContractors: ESRI, George Mason University, Viecore FSD, Northrop Grumman

Operations: Joint Geospatial Enterprise Services (JGES)

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Operations: Search and Rescue Optimal Planning System (SAROPS)

Software Support Agent: U.S. Coast Guard Command and Control Engineering Center, Portsmouth, VA.Contractors: Northrop Grumman, Applied Science Associates, Metron, Allied Technologies Group

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Implications: Geospatially Enabled Battle Commandimproving Military Decision Making

How could the Enemy Move?

TerrainAnalysis

What is my Optimum Mission 

Plan?

Mission Planning

Where are my Strike Assets?

J3

Where is the Enemy?

J2

What is their Status?

J4

SH**PG 10% 56

SH**PG 12% 3

SH**PG 54% 28

What are my Options? M&S

B

AsF22 10 minM105 

Adaptive planning, realistic wargaming, rapid and flexible execution

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Conclusions

• Battle Command systems need to be geospatially enabled to meet the future force needs

• Enterprise GIS technology provides the integrating platform for C2 capabilities

• BML provides the semantic consistency required to integrate C2 and M&S capabilities

This Geo-Enabled Battle Command environment will provide:

• Adaptive planning and flexible mission operations execution • Better communication between mission planners and operations staff• Wargaming of future options through direct use of modeling and

simulation capabilities in warfighting systems• Immediate consideration in the planning process of options emerging

from a simulation• Rehearsal capabilities within operational systems• A current operational picture for planners and operations staffs• An improved military decision making process