M&S – C4ISR Interoperability
C4ISR systems use standard NIMA products “as is” (directly or via a repository):
- No integration is performed; error handling is not well defined
- Geospatial subsystems are commonly treated as “black boxes”:
- Generate 2D electronic map displays and 2-1/2D perspective views
- Produce terrain analysis results (line-of-sight, route selection, etc.)
M&S systems use highly integrated and optimized databases:
- Sources include NIMA products as well as 3D models, photos, drawings, etc.
- Data is fully integrated; many types of errors and inconsistencies are “fixed”
- NIMA data is often thinned or discarded to meet real-time requirements
- “Realistic” appearance can take priority; details are often “synthesized”
- Abstract features are expanded into full-scale 3D polygonal representations
- Multiple products are generated, each optimized for its specific purpose:
- Generation of 2D plan view map displays and hardcopy maps
- Visual and sensor (radar, IR, etc.) simulation, 3D perspective displays
- Terrain reasoning by computer generated forces
When networked, C4ISR and M&S systems MUST produce consistent results
- Will they? (Almost certainly not!)