Completing the Sensor Grid: A Revolution in Imagery Management
Abstract
Operation Desert Storm, Desert Fox and Deliberate Force (Serbia) all demonstrate that the military is in the process of a paradigm shift related to targeting. The improved accuracy of weapons is leading Operational Commanders to use almost exclusively precision Guided Munitions (PGMs) that cannot function without a large volume of highly accurate target coordinates. In response to a Defense Science Board recommendation, the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) has begun the development of a global set of geospatial information using satellite imagery as the base. If we are to respond decisively and maintain the initiative in evolving conflicts we need both a large Volume of precise points complemented by quick access to targeting imagery. Such an imagery database (Sensor Grid) does not currently exist, but investigations internal to NIMA indicate that modifications to imagery management and triangulation have the potential to revolutionize the availability of Mapping, Charting, and Geodesy (MC&G) imagery. This paper will examine the imagery management practices that must change in order to make it feasible to develop a world wide database of satellite imagery so that the PGMs of the future may be as responsive as they are accurate.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 05, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA363053
Entities
People
- Mark W. Spivey
Organizations
- Naval War College