DEVELOPMENT OF A KNOWLEDGE BASED SYSTEM FOR MILITARY USE

Abstract

Survival of the fittest has been the essence of evolution. Fight for survival and supremacy is as old as living beings. The methods of warfare may have changed but not the basics. Ground conditions still dictate to a large extent the outcome of any conflict. History of warfare shows how many a times victory has been achieved by weaker forces by using the terrain conditions to their advantage. Terrain dictates all battle plans thus correct and timely analysis of terrain is essential for today's fast paced battlefield. Conventional method of studying paper topographical maps is being replaced by use of maps in digital form, to get terrain information. Satellite remote sensing data and tools like Geographic Information System (GIS) are increasingly being used to derive terrain information from digital images. The output terrain information derived from these can be used along with a Knowledge Base (KB) derived from experts for developing a Decision Support System. These systems make the process of selection of suitable sites for various military uses, more accurate and fast hence Military commanders are increasingly using KB systems in their battlefield planning. Parameters like ground slope, land use, water bodies etc dictate the selection of suitable sites for critical tasks during a battle. These tasks include launching of bridges and ferries over water obstacles, selection of suitable helipads, vehicle mobility etc. Such tasks need accurate terrain evaluation, which may be done by use of KB systems. Graphical interface of ERDAS Imagine software has been used as a shell to create KB rules for some military uses. Thematic layers for various terrain parameters required by the military have been created using topographical sheet. These raster layers have been used as inputs for the KB and outputs in the form of colour coded layers showing suitable sites for various military uses have been generated.