Impact of GIS Modelling in Military Operational Planning

Abstract

The operation planning process takes considerable time and requires sound intelligence regarding the battlefield in preparing a successful operation plan. It is a globally accepted fact that sound planning and preparation well before an operation gives an immense advantage to the success of any battle. The Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB) process is an important aspect in the operation planning process in the modern battlefield. Speed of the output, flexibility, timeliness, accuracy and future usage are essential parameters in this process. The IPB process is conducted using manual overlay drawing methods in Sri Lanka at present. The research proposes a Geographic Information System (GIS) model in conducting the IPB process using ArcGIS software. It was found that the proposed GIS model has the advantages of time saving, easiness, accuracy, flexibility and future usage than the manual method which is used in carrying out the IPB process in the country. The research also introduces a Model Builder Application to conduct terrain analysis as part of the IPB process which increases the speed of the proposed GIS method. However, Defence authorities in Sri Lanka are still lagging behind in introducing GIS to the operational planning process. The research also focused in finding the reasons for not using GIS and identified that lack of training on GIS, lack of knowledge on GIS application and lack of IT resources are the reasons for the limited usage of GIS in the military. Finally, the research recommends introducing GIS based platform not only for conducting IPB process but also other operational planning processes.