FIELD ARMY MAP SYS ED
Abstract
This Project funds development of the Digital Topographic Support System (DTSS). All DTSS systems use Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) software. DTSS varients include the: DTSS-Light (DTSS-L) which is shelter mounted on a HMMWV, DTSS-Deployable (DTSS-D) which is mounted in hand carried transit cases), DTSS-Base (DTSS-B) which is garrison based for data generation, and the High Volume Map Production System (HVMP) which reproduces digital maps. Current force DTSS systems provide the commander the ability to rapidly obtain terrain information and produce digital topographic products. The traditional terrain analysis, topographic and reproduction support provided by Army Engineer Terrain Teams was a slow, labor intensive process that does not meet the needs of the digital battlefield. The DTSS provides digital terrain analysis and map updates to commanders and weapons platforms in support of mission planning (e.g., imagery exploitation, Cover and Concealment, other Intelligence Preparation of the Battlespace), rehearsal (e.g., 3D fly through, simulations) and execution (e.g., Common Operational Picture, route planning). The DTSS automates terrain analysis and visualization, data base (development, updating, management, and dissemination), and graphics reproduction. The Combat Terrain Information Systems (CTIS) Modernization Plan emphasizes the development of a combined, integrated, tactically deployable, fully autonomous terrain analysis and graphics reproduction capability. These capabilities are being provided in HMMWV shelterized (DTSS-L) and transit case (DTSS-D) configurations. The DTSS-L is highly mobile and capable of supporting a full range of military operations, as well as peacetime stability and support operations. The DTSS-L has been Type Classified-Standard. The DTSS-D provides a COTS configuration that is capable of operating all of the terrain analysis software. The DTSS-D consists of transportable workstations and peripherals that can be set up to augment the tactical configurations. The DTSS-D does not include tactically deployable shelters and vehicles or tactical communications. The DTSS-D has been Type Classified-Standard. The DTSS-B was procured in response to a US Army Europe (USAEUR) initiative to develop the capability to generate terrain information over sparsely mapped areas to support contingency, mission rehearsal, and training operations. The DTSS-B is designed to augment the National Geospatial-Intelligence Angency (NGA) capabilities at the Echelon above Corps (EAC) level by providing quick response data generation, special purpose mapping, terrain analysis, and theater geospatial data baseing. The DTSS-B includes a component that is capable of handling National Technical Means information in a secure environment. The DTSS-B has been Type Classified-Standard. The HVMP provides a tactical capability to rapidly reproduce large volumes of topographic materiel from digital sources. HVMPs are capable of reproducing information from a variety of digital and hardcopy sources via direct digital interfaces. CTIS systems are deployed from Brigade through Echelon above Corps, Stryker Brigades and Special Forces Groups. Additionally, an institutional training classroom environment has been developed and integrated into the curriculum at the National Geospatial/Intelligence School (NGS). NGS provides critical MOS (Military Occupation Speciality) specific training on the operation and use of CTIS developed systems. Products developed as part of the CTIS RDT&E program (e.g., improved Battle Command Systems interoperability, migration to Joint Technical Architecture - Army (JTA-A) and Common Operating Environment (COE), improved data base management and distribution, automated feature extraction, improved tactical terrain decision aid functionality, rapid terrain visualization, battlefield terrain reasoning awareness (BTRA), migration to Distributed Common Ground Station - Army (DCGS-A) architecture, and improved graphics reproduction) are being incorporated into all of the DTSS hardware and software architectures. Additionally, the Current Force Topographic Support System (TSS) found in Engineer Topographic Companies is outdated and must be modernized to keep pace with Army digitization. The modernization associated with the TSS include replacing the Operations, Distribution and Photomechanical Sections with DTSS-L, DTSS-D, and the HVMP. The Survey section will be downsized to a HMMWV configuration and the Drafting section will be updated to include digital cartographic equipment. This system supports the Current-to-Future Force transition path.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2012
- Source ID
- 579_0604716A_5_2040_PB_2012
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