ATP 3-34.

80

GEOSPATIAL ENGINEERING

FEBRUARY 2017

DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

This publication supersedes ATP 3-34.80, dated 23 June 2014.

Headquarters, Department of the Army

This publication is available at the Army Publishing
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and the Central Army Registry site
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 *ATP 3-34.80

Army Techniques Publication Headquarters

No. 3-34.80 Department of the Army
Washington, DC, 22 February 2017

Geospatial Engineering

Contents
Page
PREFACE.............................................................................................................. iv
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... v
Chapter 1 SUPPORT TO UNIFIED LAND OPERATIONS ................................................. 1-1
Decisive-Action Support ..................................................................................... 1-1
Capabilities ......................................................................................................... 1-2
Intelligence ......................................................................................................... 1-6
National System for Geospatial Intelligence....................................................... 1-7
Geospatial intelligence Within the Army ............................................................. 1-8
Chapter 2 ARMY GEOSPATIAL ENTERPRISE ................................................................ 2-1
Operational Usage .............................................................................................. 2-1
Standard and Shareable Geospatial Foundation Data ...................................... 2-3
Data Model ......................................................................................................... 2-5
Geospatial Data Standards ................................................................................ 2-6
System Applications and Services ..................................................................... 2-6
Geospatial Data Management ............................................................................ 2-6
Authoritative Data Sources ................................................................................. 2-7
Chapter 3 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................................... 3-1
Echelons ............................................................................................................. 3-1
Unit and Staff Responsibilities ............................................................................ 3-4
Chapter 4 GEOSPATIAL SUPPORT INTEGRATION ........................................................ 4-1
Common Operating Environment ....................................................................... 4-1
Geospatial Engineering for Planning and Operations ........................................ 4-1
Appendix A METRIC CONVERSION CHART ....................................................................... A-1
Appendix B GEOSPATIAL PRODUCTS ............................................................................... B-1
Appendix C GEOSPATIAL DATA MANAGEMENT .............................................................. C-1
Appendix D TERRAIN CHARACTERISTICS ........................................................................ D-1

Distribution Restriction: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

*This publication supersedes ATP 3-34.80, dated 23 June 2014.

ATP 3-34.80 i
Contents

Appendix E SYSTEMS AND SOFTWARE ........................................................................... E-1

GLOSSARY .......................................................................................... Glossary-1
REFERENCES.................................................................................. References-1
INDEX ......................................................................................................... Index-1

Figures
Figure 1-1. Major functions of geospatial engineering ........................................................... 1-3
Figure 1-2. Elements of geospatial intelligence ..................................................................... 1-6
Figure 2-1. Geospatial data of the COP................................................................................. 2-2
Figure 2-2. AGE/SSGF operational view ............................................................................... 2-3
Figure 2-3. Evolution of the COP ........................................................................................... 2-5
Figure 2-4. SSGF data flow ................................................................................................... 2-7
Figure 4-1. Geospatial engineering in support of situational understanding ......................... 4-2
Figure 4-2. Description of the physical environment .............................................................. 4-3
Figure 4-3. Geospatial engineering applied throughout the operations process ................... 4-8
Figure 4-4. Integration of geospatial engineering across the warfighting functions ............ 4-13
Figure B-1. Example of a joint operational graphic (air) map (1:250,000) ............................. B-1
Figure B-2. Example of a topographic line map (1:50,000) ................................................... B-2
Figure B-3. Example of a product showing cross-country mobility ........................................ B-4
Figure B-4. Example of a product showing linear obstacles .................................................. B-5
Figure B-5. Example of combined obstacle overlay linear obstacles .................................... B-6
Figure B-6. Example of a product showing mobility corridors................................................ B-7
Figure B-7. Example of a product showing lines of communication ...................................... B-8
Figure B-8. Example of a hydrology overlay .......................................................................... B-9
Figure B-9. Example of a product showing potential drop zones ........................................ B-10
Figure B-10. Example of a helicopter landing zone product ................................................ B-11
Figure B-11. Example of a product showing the effects of vegetation ................................ B-12
Figure B-12. Example of a product showing the effects of soil on trafficability.................... B-13
Figure B-13. Example of a product showing fields of fire .................................................... B-14
Figure B-14. Example of a product showing artillery slope tint ............................................ B-15
Figure B-15. Example of a product showing aerial concealment......................................... B-16
Figure B-16. Example of a surface material overlay ............................................................ B-17
Figure B-17. Example of a product showing construction resources .................................. B-18
Figure B-18. Example of a shaded-relief image .................................................................. B-19
Figure B-19. Example of a viewshed analysis ..................................................................... B-20
Figure B-20. Example of a perspective view........................................................................ B-21
Figure B-21. Example of a fly-through ................................................................................. B-22
Figure B-22. Example of an Urban Tactical Planner product .............................................. B-23
Figure B-23. BuckEye .......................................................................................................... B-24

ii ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Contents

Figure C-1. Geospatial data flow and fusion in Distributed Common Ground System–
Army ................................................................................................................... C-2
Figure C-2. Primary functions of the GPC in managing the TGD ......................................... C-4
Figure C-3. TGD data model ................................................................................................. C-6
Figure D-1. Common drainage patterns ................................................................................ D-3
Figure D-2. Road characteristics ........................................................................................... D-9
Figure D-3. Common types of bridges ................................................................................ D-11

Tables
Table 4-1. Geospatial product considerations within the warfighting functions ..................... 4-4
Table 4-2. Weather considerations within terrain analysis ..................................................... 4-5
Table 4-3. Terrain analysis considerations with OAKOC ....................................................... 4-6
Table 4-4. Geospatial engineering considerations in relation to the MDMP .......................... 4-9
Table 4-5. Geospatial engineering considerations in relation to the IPB steps .................... 4-14
Table 4-6. Geospatial engineering considerations in relation to the targeting functions...... 4-16
Table 4-7. Geospatial engineering considerations in relation to the risk management
steps .................................................................................................................. 4-18
Table A-1. Metric conversion chart .........................................................................................A-1
Table B-1. Examples of tailored geospatial products .............................................................B-3
Table D-1. Road categories ................................................................................................... D-9

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 iii

 Preface
ATP 3-34.80 provides doctrine for geospatial engineering operations at all echelons. It is an extension of FM 3-34
and is linked to joint and other Army doctrine to ensure its usefulness for operational level commanders and staff.
This manual serves as a guide for the integration of geospatial engineering in support of unified land operations
at all echelons, with added focus on describing geospatial engineering within divisions and brigades.
The principal audience for ATP 3-34.80 is engineer commanders and staff officers, but all Army leaders, Soldiers,
and Army civilians will benefit from reading it. Trainers, combat developers, and educators throughout the Army
will also use this manual. This manual will help other Army branch schools in teaching the integration of
geospatial engineering capabilities into Army operations.
Commanders, staffs, and subordinates ensure that their decisions and actions comply with applicable United
States (U.S.), international and, in some cases, host-nation laws and regulations. Commanders at all levels ensure
that Soldiers operate in accordance with to the law of war and the rules of engagement. (See FM 27-10.)
ATP 3-34.80 applies to Active Army, Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and
United States Army Reserve unless otherwise stated.
ATP 3-34.80 uses joint terms where applicable. Selected joint and Army terms and definitions appear in both the
glossary and the text. Terms for which ATP 3-34.80 is the proponent publication (the authority) are italicized in
the text and are marked with an asterisk (*) in the glossary. Terms and definitions for which ATP 3-34.80 is the
proponent publication are boldfaced in the text. For other definitions shown in the text, the term is italicized and
the number of the proponent publication follows the definition.
The proponent of ATP 3-34.80 is the United States Army Engineer School. The preparing agency is the Maneuver
Support Center of Excellence (MSCoE) Capabilities Development and Integration Directorate (CDID); Concepts,
Organizations, and Doctrine Development Division (CODDD); Doctrine Branch. Send comments and
recommendations on DA Form 2028 (Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms) to Commander,
MSCoE, ATTN: ATZT-CDC, 14000 MSCoE Loop, Suite 270, Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473-8929;
e-mail to <[email protected]>; or submit an electronic DA Form
2028.

iv ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Introduction
The geospatial engineering discipline is one of three engineering disciplines. It plays a major role in supporting
the combat and general engineering disciplines. This discipline is essential to all lines of engineering support
(assure mobility, enhance protection, enable force projection and logistics, and build partner capacity and develop
infrastructure). Geospatial engineering is an art and a science that pertains to the generation, management,
analysis, and dissemination of geospatial information that is accurately referenced to a precise location on the
earth and is used in offense, defense, stability, or defense support of civil authorities tasks. These tasks provide
mission-tailored data, tactical decision aids, and visualization products that enable the commander and staff to
visualize the operational environment.
Geospatial engineers aid in the analysis of physical and cultural mapping and other activities that significantly
contribute to anticipating, estimating, and warning of possible future events. Providing geospatial information
that is timely, accurate, and relevant is a critical enabler throughout the operations process for developing shared
situational awareness, improving the understanding of capabilities and limitations for friendly forces and the
adversary, and highlighting other conditions of the operational environment that are required for mission
command. Today, geospatial engineering leverages finer temporal, spatial, and spectral resolutions from
additional sensors and platforms that allow increased volumes and more complex data. New methods and
technologies provide additional utility and capability and the ability to work effectively and efficiently within a
broad pool of partners and allies.
In addition to mastering their respective areas of expertise, engineer staff officers and other staff members must
possess a thorough understanding of geospatial engineering to tailor geospatial information to support the mission
command warfighting function. Advancements in technology and access to an abundance of information can
quickly lead to information overload. Planners must be able to analyze the situation through the mission and
operational variables, grasp the military significance of the challenges and opportunities presented, and manage
information to enable situational understanding to support decision making.
This manual describes the application of geospatial engineering in support of Army forces conducting unified
land operations. It also acknowledges that Army doctrine remains dynamic—balancing current capabilities and
situations with projected requirements for future operations. As geospatial engineering capabilities continue to
improve through organizational changes, technological advancements, and emerging best practices, leaders and
planners at all levels will be charged to leverage those improvements and adapt the processes and procedures that
are described in this manual to meet the demands of, and provide the most effective geospatial support possible
to, the commander.
ATP 3-34.80 is built directly on new or revised joint and Army doctrine, notably Army capstone doctrine that is
found in ADP 3-0 and FM 3-34. Other changes that have directly affected this manual include the―
 Loss of topographic companies.
 Adoption of the JP 3-34 definition for geospatial engineering.
 Migration of the Digital Topographic Support System (DTSS) into the Distributed Common Ground
System−Army (DCGS-A) family of systems and the establishment of other peripheral systems and
software to the geospatial realm.
 Establishment of the Standard and Shareable Geospatial Foundation (SSGF), a set of geospatial data
that provides a common framework for visualizing an area of interest (AOI) to enable mission
command and the planning and execution of operational goals. It consists of four data types (elevation,
map background, georeferenced imagery, and geographic feature data) presented in standard digital
and paper formats.
 Internalization of the memorandum of agreement between the U.S. Army Engineer School and the
U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence as a collaboration effort to further the interdisciplinary
abilities of geospatial intelligence.

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 v

Chapter 1

 Evolution of the geospatial intelligence concept, consisting of imagery, imagery intelligence, and
geospatial information.
 Revision of the American, British, Canadian, and Australian Armies Program definition for geospatial
intelligence.
ATP 3-34.80 is organized into four chapters, with supporting appendixes that sequentially describe geospatial
engineering, the roles and responsibilities for integrating geospatial support at the various echelons, and the
integration of geospatial engineering within the Army operations process. A brief description of the chapters and
appendixes follows:
 Chapter 1, Support to Unified Land Operations, describes the role of geospatial engineering in
supporting unified land operations. It also describes the critical roles that geospatial engineering units
and staffs have in providing geospatial engineering in support of Army operations.
 Chapter 2, Army Geospatial Enterprise (AGE), focuses on defining the AGE and SSGF.
 Chapter 3, Roles and Responsibilities, discusses the geospatial engineering capabilities that reside
within the echelons above brigade down to the brigade combat team (BCT).
 Chapter 4, Geospatial Support Integration, focuses on how to integrate geospatial engineering
capabilities into the Army operations process.
 Appendix A provides a metric conversion chart.
 Appendix B, Geospatial Products, provides examples of geospatial products that aid in terrain
visualization and support decision making.
 Appendix C, Geospatial Data Management, provides information on gathering, storing, and
disseminating relevant digital terrain data that supports operations and enables decision making.
 Appendix D, Terrain Characteristics, describes the six characteristics of terrain that geospatial
engineers analyze in determining terrain effects on operations.
 Appendix E, Systems and Software, describes the DTSS family of systems and the DCGS-A that is
used to support mission requirements. The DTSS has been absorbed under the DCGS-A program of
record, but it is still in use across the geospatial force. The DTSS will be replaced in all components
by fiscal year 2019.
Unless stated otherwise, masculine nouns or pronouns do not refer exclusively to men.
Appendix A contains a metric conversion chart for measurements used in this manual. For a complete listing of
preferred metric units for general use, see Federal Standard 376B.

vi ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Chapter 1
Support to Unified Land Operations
Army forces typically operate as part of a joint force in support of unified land
operations. This environment offers various sources of geospatial engineering,
geospatial information and services (GI&S), and geospatial intelligence capabilities.
The characterization of effective geospatial engineering lies in the ability to understand
these available capabilities and to go outside the engineering community and work
effectively with other staff sections, organizations, and unified-action partners. As
such, coordination across functional areas that is focused on supporting various
missions becomes critical. This coordination includes the ability to fully define
requirements; discover and obtain the necessary geospatial data; put this data into a
usable form; and use, share, and maintain the data with unified-action partners. This
chapter describes geospatial engineering capabilities and their role in enabling
commanders and staffs to better understand the operational environment through
terrain analysis and terrain visualization of the physical environment.

DECISIVE-ACTION SUPPORT
1-1. Geospatial engineering activities are knowledge and information management activities that enable
mission command. Knowledge management is the process of enabling knowledge flow to enhance shared
understanding, learning, and decisionmaking. (ADRP 6-0) Information management is the science of using
procedures and information systems to collect, process, store, display, disseminate, and protect data,
information, and knowledge products. (ADRP 6-0) Geospatial engineers conduct both activities by actively
managing the SSGF and generating tailored terrain visualization products to support commanders and staffs
in their analysis. This includes providing the foundation for the common operational picture (COP) and
conducting analyses to support staff running estimates and the intelligence preparation of the battlefield
(IPB). In this role, geospatial engineering supports all warfighting functions.
1-2. Geospatial engineering provided to the Army is based primarily on the supported echelon. Army and
combatant commands focus on geospatial data generation, geospatial data analysis, geospatial data
management, quality control, and data dissemination. At echelons above brigade, the majority of the
workload supports terrain analysis; the military decisionmaking process (MDMP); and data generation,
management, and dissemination. At the BCT and below, geospatial engineering is increasingly focused on
the MDMP that relates to current and future operations; terrain visualization; and database generation,
management, and dissemination, including products tailored for vehicle-mounted and handheld systems.
1-3. Combat and general engineering disciplines rely heavily on geospatial support to efficiently conduct
tasks. While conducting offensive tasks, geospatial engineers assist combat engineers in determining the
suitability of terrain for maneuver by identifying suitable river-crossing sites and bypasses. Geospatial
engineers assist general engineers in the evaluation of road networks, ports, and airfields for initial-entry
forces. While conducting defensive tasks, geospatial engineers assist combat engineers in the location of
defensible terrain and obstacle emplacement and general engineers in the identification of surface materials
that are readily available to harden facilities and improve fighting and protective positions. While conducting
stability tasks, geospatial engineers assist combat engineers in route and area clearance by identifying
vulnerable points and firing points that facilitate the detection of explosive hazards and possible observer
locations. Geospatial engineers assist general engineers in providing hydrology analyses to find water sources
for wells and key infrastructure locations. There are additional missions performed by geospatial engineers
during the defense support of civil authorities tasks that are not typically performed during offense, defense,
or stability tasks.

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 1-1

Chapter 1

1-4. Geospatial engineers are currently embedded in the BCTs, functional and multifunctional brigades,
divisions, and corps and are assigned to civil affairs battalions, brigades, and civil affairs commands. At
Army Service Component Commands (ASCCs), geospatial engineering support is provided by geospatial
planning cell (GPC) engineering detachments. These detachments are composed of geospatial engineer
Soldiers and warrant officers and an engineer officer who serves as the detachment officer in charge (OIC)
and the ASCC GI&S officer. Geospatial engineers make up a low-density, high-demand discipline across the
Army.
1-5. Geospatial engineering activities primarily support the mission command warfighting function;
however, they also provide relevant and integral support to all warfighting functions and special operations
forces. In the conduct of offense, defense, stability, or defense support of civil authorities tasks, some type
of geospatial engineering support is required. This includes, but is not limited to, providing the foundation
for the COP, generating and analyzing terrain data to assist in the MDMP, managing the geospatial database
within an area of operations (AO), and producing overlays for situational understanding.

CAPABILITIES
1-6. Geospatial engineering is those engineering capabilities and activities that contribute to a clear
understanding of the physical environment by providing geospatial information and services to commanders
and staffs. (JP 3-34) FM 3-34 provides additional information on engineer disciplines and their role in support
of unified land operations. Geospatial engineering is the art and science of applying geospatial information
to enable an understanding of the physical environment for military operations. The art is the ability to
understand mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available, time available, civil
considerations, and geographic information available (including the intent of use and limitations); to explain
the military significance of the terrain to the commander and staff; and to create geospatial products for
decision making. The science is the ability to exploit geographic information to produce spatially and
temporally accurate products and services for mapping, visualization, analysis, and modeling within an Army
enterprise construct to meet the mission needs of the commander and staff.
1-7. Within the Engineer Regiment, geospatial engineering is a key enabler for each line of engineering
support (assure mobility, enhance protection, enable force projection and logistics, and build partner capacity
and develop infrastructure). In addition to providing terrain analysis, geospatial engineers provide tactical
decision aids that enable general and combat engineers to efficiently support the assure mobility line of
engineering support regardless of opposed or unopposed entry into the theater. These tactical decision aids
include 3D terrain mapping and fly-through representations that produce nonstandard, tailored map products
(including cross-country mobility, viewshed, zone of entry, drop zones, and surface and subsurface
topographic products).
1-8. Geospatial engineers provide line of sight (LOS) analysis to support the enhance protection line of
engineering support. LOS analysis assists in base or base camp selection and protection of emplacement of
protective obstacles, which identify standoff distances of threat weapons. For the enable force projection and
logistics line of engineering support, geospatial engineers can identify and provide assessments on key
infrastructure (ports, airfields, roads) for the supportability of personnel and equipment for follow-on forces.
Geospatial engineers support the build partner capacity and develop infrastructure line of engineering support
by providing information on man-made features (such as industrial areas that are used for the extraction,
processing, and production of products or raw materials; residential areas; and governmental, institutional,
and military facilities) to assist in the analysis of local infrastructure and to assist the local government in
developing capabilities.

GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION AND SERVICES

1-9. Geospatial information and services is the collection, information extraction, storage, dissemination,
and exploitation of geodetic, geomagnetic, imagery, gravimetric, aeronautical, topographic, hydrographic,
littoral, cultural, and toponymic data accurately referenced to a precise location on the Earth’s surface
(JP 2-03). Geospatial services include tools that enable users to access and manipulate data. Geospatial
services also include instruction, training, laboratory support, and guidance for geospatial data use. The
availability of commercial off-the-shelf geospatial data software applications enables a wide variety of
military and civilian users to apply GI&S to an assortment of situations. Common military applications of

1-2 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Support to Unified Land Operations

GI&S include support to planning, training, and operations (navigation, mission planning, mission rehearsal,
modeling, simulation, and targeting). Automated geospatial applications can enhance map features (such as
elevation) that may not be discernible on a map to enable a more detailed analysis. The GI&S is tactically
employed by geospatial engineers to provide the geospatial foundation for developing shared situational
awareness and to improve the understanding of the effects of terrain on friendly and threat courses of action
(COAs) and other conditions of the operating environment.
1-10. Geospatial data and information is the geographic-referenced and tactical objects and events that
support the unit mission, task, and purpose. These may be derived from, among other things, patrols,
reconnaissance, situation reports, mission variables, and operational variables—sources from which the
geospatial engineers may incorporate into the data that updates the SSGF. To enable the understanding of the
physical environment, geospatial engineers perform the following major functions:
 Generate data to fill the gaps in the theater geospatial database (TGD) and SSGF.
 Analyze the terrain in support of the MDMP of the IPB, enabling predictive analysis and the
provision of actionable information.
 Disseminate geospatial information and products via Web services of the geospatial enterprise
database and hardcopy publishing.
 Manage the geospatial database to support the COP with current and future operational data and
products.
1-11. These major functions required for GI&S are performed by organic geospatial engineering elements
at the theater, corps, division, and brigade levels (see figure 1-1). The roles and responsibilities for performing
geospatial engineering within each of the echelons are further discussed in chapter 3.

Figure 1-1. Major functions of geospatial engineering

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 1-3

Chapter 1

1-12. Terrain analysis is the study of the terrain’s properties and how they change over time, with use,
and under varying weather conditions. Terrain analysis starts with the collection, verification, processing,
revision, and creation of source data. When conducting terrain analysis, personnel must take into account the
effects of climatology (current and forecasted weather conditions), natural and man-made features, and
friendly and threat vehicle performance metrics. Terrain analysis is a highly technical and complex process
that requires the expertise of geospatial engineering technicians and geospatial engineers. Terrain analysis
evaluates the characteristics of natural and man-made terrain that are grouped within the following areas:
 Hydrology.
 Surface configuration.
 Surface materials.
 Vegetation.
 Obstacles.
 Man-made features.

1-13. Terrain analysis and visualization is a combination of art and science. It is a fundamental leadership
skill and involves seeing the terrain and understanding the impact on the situation, including the effects on
friendly and threat capabilities. It is the identification and understanding of terrain aspects that can be
exploited to gain advantage over the threat and those terrain aspects most likely to be used by the threat. It is
the subjective evaluation of the physical attributes of the terrain and the performance capabilities of vehicles,
equipment, and personnel that must cross over and occupy the terrain.

GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION
1-14. Geospatial information is information that identifies the geographic location and characteristics of
natural or constructed features and boundaries on the Earth, including statistical data and information derived
from, among other things, remote sensing, mapping, and surveying technologies; and mapping, charting,
geodetic data and related products. (JP 2-03) It is the foundation on which all other information about the
physical environment is referenced to form the COP. Geospatial information provides the basic framework
for visualizing the operational environment. This information is derived from multiple sources to common
interoperable data standards. It may be presented in the form of printed maps, charts, digital files, and
publications; digital simulation and modeling databases; aerial or satellite imagery; or digitized maps and
charts. Its effectiveness as an enabler is directly proportional to its currency, accuracy, relevance, and
understanding by the user; however, information assurance restrictions often handicap the enabling abilities
of the geographic information system.

Data
1-15. Collecting geospatial data from multiple sources and making it readily available to multiple entities
enables a more sophisticated visualization of the COP. Geospatial data includes information that provides
geospatial understanding and is georeferenced, such as scanned digital maps, elevation data, imagery, and
feature data.

Image Map
1-16. Compressed arc-digitized raster graphics are digital copies of scanned, unclassified, hardcopy maps
and charts and are available on CD by stock number from the Defense Logistics Agency or can be
downloaded from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Web site. All compressed arc-
digitized raster graphics and enhanced compressed raster graphics data use the World Geodetic System-84
datum, regardless of the datum used during the creation of the original paper map or chart. The data is
published in the NGA raster product format, which can be read by the mission command systems that
incorporate the commercial joint mapping toolkit and other GI&S programs. Compressed arc-digitized raster
graphics at 1:50,000 and 1:100,000 scales are most widely used for tactical operations. Enhanced compressed
raster graphics are a general-purpose product, comprising computer-readable digital map and chart images
with appropriate attribution. Their data is derived directly from digital sources through filtering, compression,
and reformatting to the enhanced compressed raster graphics specification. Enhanced compressed raster
graphic files are physically formatted within a National Imagery Transmission Format 2.1 file. City maps at

1-4 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Support to Unified Land Operations

a 1:12,500 scale or larger are also available, but they do not show all buildings. However, this capability can
be acquired using georeferenced imagery. Unlike imagery, compressed arc-digitized raster graphics and
enhanced compressed raster graphics digital maps do not provide more detail when viewed at a larger scale.
Furthermore, the positional accuracy of compressed arc-digitized raster graphics and enhanced compressed
raster graphics is no better than the accuracy of the source map or chart (plus or minus 50 meters horizontal
accuracy for 1:50,000 scale topographic line maps and plus or minus 100 meters for 1:100,000 scale
topographic line maps).
1-17. Elevation data varies in the following levels of detail:
 Digital terrain elevation data (DTED) Level 1 (roughly 90-meter post spacing, bare earth).
 DTED Level 2 (30-meter post spacing, bare earth).
 Shuttle radar topography mission 2 (30-meter post spacing, reflective surface or treetop data).
 High-resolution elevation data derived from sources (such as interferometric synthetic aperture
radar elevation and light detection and ranging).
1-18. DTED Level 1 is intended for strategic- and operational-level terrain analysis of the operational
environment and is not appropriate for tactical-level planning that requires higher-resolution viewing. DTED
Level 1 provides approximately the same level of detail as the contour lines of a 1:250,000-scale map joint
operations graphic. DTED Level 2 and shuttle radar topography mission data may be used for tactical-level
LOS and viewshed analysis when higher-resolution elevation (inverse synthetic-aperture radar/light detection
and ranging) data are not available. The use of DTED Level 1 with 1:50,000-scale compressed arc-digitized
raster graphics is discouraged due to inaccuracies in lower-resolution elevation data. DTED Level 1 and
Level 2 data can be ordered on CD through the Defense Logistics Agency or downloaded from the NGA
Web site. Most government and commercial software applications that read raster product format will also
read DTED data. Light detection and ranging is an optical remote-sensing technology that measures absolute
properties of scattered light, including the range, from which the elevation data is derived. Light detection
and ranging uses ultraviolet, visible, or near-infrared light to image objects and can be used with a wide range
of objects, including nonmetallic objects, rocks, rain, chemical compounds, aerosols, clouds, single
molecules, and even subterranean displacements. A narrow laser beam can be used to map physical features
with very high resolution. This technology is useful in deriving a 1-meter-gridded, bare-earth digital elevation
model (32-bit geographic tagged image file format) and a 3D feature extraction for urban areas and vegetation
(shape files).
1-19. Georeferenced imagery may consist of controlled image base 5 (5-meter resolution), controlled image
base 1 (1-meter resolution), BuckEye (4-inch resolution), and commercial aerial and satellite imagery.
Controlled image base imagery is used for image map backgrounds and to display features that are not
represented on digital map backgrounds. However, the image maps are not a replacement for standard
topographic line maps. Controlled image base 1 may be used to create image city maps, but higher spatial,
spectral, and temporal resolution imagery may exist and should be used in lieu of controlled image base.
BuckEye data is collected using geospatial sensors employed on aircraft to collect unclassified/for official
use only color image maps with 5- to 10-centimeter resolution and 1-meter elevation data. BuckEye data is
especially useful for urban and complex terrain. Complex terrain is a geographical area consisting of an
urban center larger than a village and/or of two or more types of restrictive terrain or environmental
conditions occupying the same space. Applications for this data include precision mapping, change
detection, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Spatial accuracy is extremely good (approximately 1-meter
absolute accuracy). Interferometric synthetic aperture radar elevation data is a Defense Advanced Research
Projects Agency project that collects interferometric radar data from a sensor mounted to an airframe. It
processes the recorded data into digital elevation models. Interferometric synthetic aperture radar elevation
can rapidly generate 3D maps in daytime, nighttime, or adverse conditions.
1-20. Feature data (buildings, roads, lakes), also referred to as vector data, is represented digitally as points,
curves (lines), and surfaces (polygons). Each feature can include embedded information (attributes) (body-
of-water bank heights, road surface type, road width, bridge load-bearing capacity [such as military load
classification]). Fully attributed feature data can be used to perform automated terrain analysis. However, the
accuracy and fidelity of the attribution directly affects the analysis quality.
1-21. Information about the quality, source, and date and other details about the data are captured in the
metadata. Metadata for spatial data may describe and document the subject matter; the how, when, where,

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 1-5

Chapter 1

and by whom the data was collected; the availability and distribution information for the projection, scale,
resolution, and accuracy; and data reliability with regard to some standard. Metadata consists of properties
and documentation. Properties are derived from the data source, while documentation is entered by an
analyst. Analysts must evaluate the metadata to understand the validity of the products produced from the
data.

INTELLIGENCE
1-22. Geospatial intelligence is the exploitation and analysis of imagery and geospatial information to
describe, assess, and visually depict physical features and geographically referenced activities on the Earth.
Geospatial intelligence consists of imagery, imagery intelligence, and geospatial information. (JP 2-03)
Geospatial intelligence, as an Army discipline, consists of any combination of geospatial information and
another element of geospatial intelligence. The geospatial intelligence enterprise encompasses all activities
that are involved in creating a collection plan, such as collecting, processing, analyzing, exploiting, and
disseminating spatial information to gain intelligence about the operational environment. Geospatial
intelligence visually depicts this knowledge and fuses the acquired knowledge with other information through
the analysis and visualization processes. Geospatial intelligence products help in describing the operational
environment effects on friendly and threat capabilities and broad COAs for each. The use of geospatial
intelligence can be categorized in the following general areas (see JP 2-03 for additional information):
 General military intelligence, indications, and warnings.
 Operational environment awareness.
 Mission planning and mission command.
 Target intelligence.

1-23. Geospatial intelligence spans two branches with two distinct professional Army disciplines: military
intelligence (imagery analysis) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (geospatial engineering). Figure 1-2
depicts the alignment of geospatial intelligence imagery analysts and geospatial engineers with the three
elements of geospatial intelligence.

Figure 1-2. Elements of geospatial intelligence

1-6 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Support to Unified Land Operations

1-24. The geospatial engineering contribution to geospatial intelligence includes the standards, processes,
personnel, and equipment required to generate, manage, analyze, and disseminate the geospatial information
necessary to enable an understanding of the physical environment. Geospatial engineers manage an enterprise
geospatial database that contributes geospatial data to the three elements of geospatial intelligence.
Geospatial data is compiled from multiple sources (including the NGA, Army Geospatial Center [AGC] and
unified-action partners) and from the exploitation of new collection and production from deployed Soldiers
and sensors. Geospatial engineering provides geospatial information that is not intelligence-related
(navigation map safety; installation maps; GI&S support to master planning; real estate; range management;
geospatial data for training, modeling, and simulations).

NATIONAL SYSTEM FOR GEOSPATIAL INTELLIGENCE

1-25. Many ongoing operations and activities across the Department of Defense (DOD) involve geospatial
intelligence. The National System for Geospatial Intelligence (NSG), managed by the NGA, manages
operations through guidance, policies, programs, and organizations. The NSG is designed to be a mutually
supportive enterprise that fosters collaboration between echelons, the Services, U.S. government departments
and agencies, and multinational partners to provide decision makers, commanders, intelligence users and
producers, and civil authorities a better understanding of geospatial intelligence to effectively execute
assigned missions. When developing intelligence architectures, intelligence staffs develop communications
protocols and professional relationships with each relevant component of the NSG. When conducting
information collection planning, intelligence staffs leverage the support each of these components can
provide. See ATP 2-22.7 for additional information.
1-26. The NGA is the primary source for geospatial intelligence analysis and products at the national level.
The NGA produces numerous analytical hardcopy and electronic products and provides standard digital
products, including scanned digital maps, elevation data, imagery, and feature data. Units obtain data through
networks such as the Nonsecure Internet Protocol Router, Secret Internet Protocol Router, Joint World-Wide
Intelligence Communications System, or the NGA (via the Defense Logistics Agency). The Defense
Logistics Agency distributes hardcopy and electronic maps to units. Geospatial engineers can request
imagery (tactical, commercial, or national) that can be leveraged for terrain analysis purposes to meet
operational requirements. Imagery is also used to enhance perspective views and 3D, fly-through
applications. Additionally, the NGA provides an NGA support team in direct support to each combatant
command joint intelligence operations center. The NGA support team has full connectivity with NGA to
ensure reachback capability into NGA continental U.S. resources. NGA geospatial analysts may also be
attached to units, normally at the division level and above, to supplement the organic geospatial engineers
and staffs. JP 2-03 provides additional information on other national and DOD-level capabilities.
1-27. The National Ground Intelligence Center and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers AGC are two service
centers that support geospatial intelligence. One of the National Ground Intelligence Center missions is to
produce and disseminate all source-integrated intelligence on foreign ground forces and related military
technologies. A major component of the National Ground Intelligence Center is the Army Geospatial-
Intelligence Battalion. Its mission is to produce and disseminate imagery intelligence, geospatial intelligence,
and geospatial information products to unified-action partners in support of operational requirements and to
conduct geospatial intelligence readiness assessments of units and provide geospatial intelligence training
for unit deployment and sustainment. An AGC mission is to provide timely, accurate, and relevant geospatial
information, capabilities, and domain expertise for AGE implementation in support of unified land
operations. This includes providing geospatial support, training, and products to the Army and mission
partners; developing and fielding enterprise-enabled geospatial systems; and providing domain expertise and
support to the Army mission command systems and acquisition community. See the U.S. Army Geospatial
Center, Common Map Background Web site for access to geospatial data.

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Chapter 1

GEOSPATIAL INTELLIGENCE WITHIN THE ARMY

1-28. At the ASCC, geospatial intelligence support is provided through the military intelligence brigade–
theater, with GI&S provided by the GPC. Geospatial intelligence cells form at BCTs and echelons above
brigade to provide the commander and staff with the most current, accurate geospatial intelligence analysis
and products possible. The geospatial intelligence cell manages geospatial data and imagery databases,
forming the foundation of the COP that enables the commander to visualize the operational area. Advances
in technology enable the ability to combine the three elements of geospatial intelligence into a single product
that results in a more comprehensive, tailored intelligence product for a wider scope of problems and
customers. Geospatial intelligence cells partner the capabilities of geospatial intelligence imagery analysts
and geospatial engineers and manage the interface to develop geospatial intelligence products. See
ATP 2-22.7 for additional information on geospatial intelligence cells. The geospatial intelligence cell
supports joint operations with the following activities:
 Defining geospatial and imagery requirements.
 Evaluating available data.
 Obtaining mission-essential geospatial intelligence information.
 Developing geospatial intelligence and products.
 Disseminating products.
 Maintaining and evaluating geospatial data and services.

1-29. The brigade intelligence staff officer (S-2) or assistant chief of staff, intelligence (G-2) provides
guidance and taskings to the geospatial intelligence cell. Cell members are supervised by the geospatial
intelligence cell OIC. The geospatial engineering technician serves as the geospatial intelligence cell OIC in
the BCT. The key to successful geospatial intelligence processes and support is collaboration across the
functional areas within the staff and with echelons above and below. The composition of this cell varies based
on the echelon and the availability of geospatial engineers and geospatial intelligence imagery analysts. The
geospatial intelligence cell is located in the Top Secret Sensitive Compartmental Information Facility.
1-30. The geospatial intelligence imagery analyst exploits imagery and geospatial data from satellite and
airborne systems in support of military operations. The duties, responsibilities, and activities of the geospatial
intelligence imagery analyst are to—
 Plan and recommend the use of imaging sensors for reconnaissance and surveillance missions.
 Produce intelligence by studying and exploiting imagery, including visible, infrared, and radar;
fixed- and moving-target indicators; and geospatial data.
 Identify conventional and unconventional military installations, facilities, weapon systems, orders
of battle, military equipment, and defenses.
 Identify lines of communication and industrial facilities.
 Determine precise locations and dimensions of objects.
 Conduct physical battle damage assessments.
 Prepare imagery analysis reports and fused geospatial products.

1-31. Geospatial engineers provide terrain analysis, terrain visualization, tactical decision aids, geospatial
database management, data dissemination, and support to the integration of other geospatial information
requirements within the organization. They create content to support geospatially enabled equipment
(Spiders, aviation cockpit displays, vehicle-mounted and handheld mission command tools) outside the
command post. They also enable staff sections and subordinate units to maintain accurate running estimates
and provide the underlying foundation for the COP.

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 Chapter 2
Army Geospatial Enterprise
The AGE is an integrated system of technologies and processes that provides the
geospatial foundation for the COP. The COP results from storing operationally relevant
spatial and temporal data in a standardized, distributed geodatabase that enables the
sharing and fusing of data from the six warfighting functions across the Army. This
chapter focuses on how the AGE and SSGF are applied by the geospatial engineer.

OPERATIONAL USAGE
2-1. The AGE is a comprehensive framework for systematically exploiting and sharing GI&S (including
associated spatial and temporal data) to enable decisive action. At its core, the AGE is a set of data stores
within a supporting infrastructure based on a common suite of interoperable software, open standards, data
formats, and data models. The AGE allows the efficient collection, generation, storage, management,
analysis, visualization, and dissemination of geospatially referenced information from peer to peer, echelon
to echelon, Army to joint, Army to coalition, and Army to intelligence communities. The AGE enables—
 A consistent, coordinated, and synchronized geospatial foundation for the warfighter COP.
 The geospatial standards that support interoperability and geospatial data exchange between
systems. These standards also support the collection, management, analysis, visualization, and
dissemination of geospatial information.
 The correlation and fusion of independently collected data at different levels of fidelity and
resolution into a common, interoperable geospatial data set.
 The continuity of operations and training between unit transfers, relief-in-place, and transfers of
authority—for example, the ability to transfer geospatial data sets or the geospatial foundation
between units as one assumes the area of responsibility (AOR) of the outgoing unit.
 The ground force synchronization and training between the Army, Marine Corps, special
operations forces, and multinational forces.
 The architecture framework that can be leveraged for current and future activities.

2-2. The AGE enables the geospatial interoperability of a mission command enterprise by providing a
geographic information system. A geographic information system is a system of hardware, software, and
procedures that is used to facilitate the generation, management, manipulation, analysis, modeling, and
display of georeferenced data to solve complex problems (terrain reasoning, geospatial intelligence, modeling
and simulation, testing). It is a commercially and technically proven solution that is capable of automating
the hardcopy map and overlay products. In the strictest sense, a geographic information system is an
information system that integrates, stores, edits, analyzes, shares, and displays geographic information. In a
more generic sense, geographic information system applications are tools that allow users to create interactive
queries (user-created searches), analyze spatial information, edit geospatial referenced data, and present the
results of these operations. Further, a geographic information system is able to represent data as layers.
Geospatial data layers are coregistered within the operational environment. The coordinates of a given
location can be derived accurately within the stated precision of each particular layer. The implementation
of geographic information system principles across the mission command system of systems assures
geospatial data interoperability between mission command systems.
2-3. Information is more efficiently collected, stored, and fused for analysis and display on mission
command systems after they are spatially enabled with open, standards-based, and reusable components.
AGE standards for geospatial foundation data interoperability enable mission command systems to discover,
access, share, and portray authoritative geospatial foundation data. The SSGF leads to a COP. See figure
2-1, page 2-2.

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Chapter 2

Legend:
COP common operational picture
GD&I geospatial data and information
INTEL intelligence
SSGF Standard and Shareable Geospatial Foundation

Figure 2-1. Geospatial data of the COP

2-4. The geographic information system principles that enable the AGE are based on the deliberate
management of geospatial standards, data, and processes. To maximize the use and integrity of geospatial
information, it must be timely, accurate, and relevant. This requires attention to how it is collected, processed,
exploited, disseminated, and archived. The geospatial information does not accidentally evolve and migrate
from sources to desired destinations. Its collection, discovery, storage, and flow must be ensured by deliberate
technical design and deliberate human actions. Geospatial engineer teams (GETs) within the geospatial
intelligence cells are the day-to-day managers of the geospatial foundation data.
2-5. The AGE uses home station and tactical networks to store, manage, and disseminate the SSGF and
decision-making aides. An effective AGE requires trained geospatial engineers at each echelon using the
DCGS-A to manage and maintain the common geospatial foundation data layer for the assigned AOI. Figure
2-2 is a notional diagram showing how the geospatial foundation is maintained across the enterprise by GETs.

2-2 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Army Geospatial Enterprise

Legend:
AFATDS Advanced Field Artillery Tactical GPC geospatial planning cell
Data System M/HH mobile handheld
AGC Army Geospatial Center NGA National Geospatial-Intelligence
CE computing environment Agency
comms communications NSG National System for Geospatial
CPOF command post of the future Intelligence
DCGS-A Distributed Common Ground SSGF Standard and Shareable
System–Army Geospatial Foundation
GCCS-A Global Command and Control TBD to be determined
System–Army TIGR Tactical Ground Reporting System
GD&I geospatial data and information

Figure 2-2. AGE/SSGF operational view

STANDARD AND SHAREABLE GEOSPATIAL FOUNDATION DATA

2-6. The AGE delivers the SSGF upon which data from all warfighting functions is displayed on the COP
in each computing environment. The SSGF forms the base on which units build the COP. Use of the SSGF
puts current operations, planning efforts, and running estimates in the context of space and time, which
supports mission command.
2-7. Because it is the basis of the COP, the SSGF is relevant to all phases of operations and includes
personnel, units, systems, platforms, and processes that use, produce, store, manage, or disseminate
geospatial data that can be shared within and between the six warfighting functions. The SSGF consists of
maps, imagery, feature data, hydrology, vegetation, and elevation data. The SSGF is managed as a data store
and provided as a map service on which staffs can overlay other information. Data overlaid on the geospatial
foundation includes geospatial data and information (GD&I); analysis products and decision aides;
operational and planning graphics from all war-fighting functions and special staff; current operations data;
demographic, cultural, economic, industrial and infrastructure data; and staff running estimate information
that ties to a specific location. The common operating environment standards required for geospatial
interoperability and integration also apply to the geospatial data displayed on the COP (display symbology,

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 2-3

Chapter 2

data exchange formats, the format of the point location [military grid reference system, latitude, and
longitude], the precision required per CJCSI 3900.01D).
2-8. Initially, the geospatial foundation is composed of baseline authoritative geospatial data from the NGA,
AGC, GPCs, unified-action partners, commercial sources, and other area-of-operation data. GETs maintain
the geospatial foundation and provide it to mission command systems and platforms. The geospatial
foundation layer for the COP is stored, managed, and updated in standardized, authoritative, distributed
geospatial data stores.
2-9. GPCs and GETs from corps to brigade synchronize the geospatial foundation to support the building
of the COP. The geospatial foundation is stored at the GPC (or an Army processing center) as a theater
geospatial data store. GPCs provide a tailored TGD and SSGF to the GETs of deploying units. Each
geospatial data store contains (at a minimum) elevation data, orthorectified base map imagery, vector feature
data (in a geospatial data model-compliant data schema), and rasterized finished map products.
2-10. The geospatial foundation takes advantage of the following AGE infrastructure components:
 The ground warfighter geospatial data model.
 Standards for digital maps, geospatial features, imagery, and elevation data.
 Geospatial system applications (such as a geographic translator) and services (such as the
DCGS-A geospatial portal).
 Two-way data flow for geospatial engineers to update, enhance, and disseminate the geospatial
foundation via synchronization.
2-11. The process for handling and managing geospatial data is generally outlined as—
 Data coverage and currency. Standard NGA topographic line maps and database coverage are
available for only a small percentage of the surface of the earth. Data holdings require periodic
updates to capture changes, such as urban growth and cultural and environmental geography
changes.
 Initial data load and data tailoring. At the time of any given contingency operation, planners,
GETs, and GPCs coordinate with the AGC and NGA for tailored, authoritative content. They also
request additional content to fill gaps in coverage. This becomes the GET TGD that includes the
authoritative COP foundation data of the SSGF.
 Data collection and storage. During operations, the GET constantly enhances the coverage and
quality of geospatial information in the TGD by all available means, including collection requests
for high-resolution and wide-area mapping sensors. Information gained from reconnaissance,
surveys, sensors, and other data sets becomes authoritative for the Army once it is vetted by a
GET. The newly collected information about the operational environment is incorporated into the
TGD. It is updated to the SSGF by the GET and synchronized across echelons up to the supporting
GPC TGD. All GET geospatial data is stored and managed on the unit tactical server.
 Data exchange. GETs coordinate with unit network administrators to distribute the SSGF and
updates. The SSGF is provided in the appropriate formats for systems across all computing
environments. GETs use the digital network and Web services to provide the SSGF and updates
to ingesting systems. GETs use the most efficient method or combination of methods available to
provision the SSGF to headquarters and subordinate units.
2-12. As stated previously, the SSGF is the base on which units build their COP. The mission command
systems that present the COP require the ability to layer information from a variety of sources over one
consistent geospatial foundation. This enables the fusion of mission-essential information. Units tailor this
information to meet the needs of the commander. Once built, units share the COP across echelons and, when
needed, with interagency and multinational partners. This facilitates the transfer of information and the unity
of effort. Figure 2-3 shows the evolution of the COP.

2-4 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Army Geospatial Enterprise

Legend:
COP common operational picture
GIS geographic information system
HH handheld
RT real time
SC safety-critical
TOC tactical operations center

Figure 2-3. Evolution of the COP

DATA MODEL
2-13. A standard geospatial data model is the backbone of deliberate data management and is a key
component of the AGE architecture. The geospatial data model documents the geospatial concepts that relate
to the operational environment and defines the content of the geospatial data foundation that supports mission
command and nonmission command uses. This contributes to mission command system interoperability in
operational and nonoperational applications because it enables systems to speak the same language from the
same data dictionary. A geospatial data model contains a standard set of geospatial feature types and defines
the relationships to other feature types and attributes associated with each feature and its allowable values.
The geospatial data model consists of a geospatial logical data model and reference implementations in
common geospatial data storage and management technologies used by mission command and other
communities supported by the AGE. It is important to note that the geospatial data model content is selectable
through the associations described above. This selectivity allows operational and nonoperational activities to
draw from the same geospatial foundation without bearing the burden of manipulating, storing, and
disseminating the data that is not used by a particular function. Additionally, the relationships between the
geospatial data model logical layers provide for the update of information from various sources. Specifically,
the physical instantiation of the geospatial data model is a geospatial data store that provides the vector feature

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 2-5

Chapter 2

data component of the theater geospatial data store. Configuration management of the geospatial data model
ensures that the most accurate, relevant information is available.

GEOSPATIAL DATA STANDARDS

2-14. The AGE depends on a core set of standard geospatial intelligence data types and formats that cover
the spectrum of geospatial features, imagery, and elevation data. Programs of record and non-programs of
record use the relevant geospatial standards adopted by the AGE profile of geospatial standards, a subset of
the geospatial intelligence standards documented in the DOD Information Technology Standards Registry to
make data usable, accessible, and understandable to other geospatial information producers and consumers.
These geospatial intelligence standards are also documented through the open geospatial consortium and
NGA National System for the geospatial intelligence standards working group and are designated by the
AGC Geospatial Acquisition Support Directorate as required for interoperability. Applicable standards
include, but are not limited to, geospatial data and product metadata necessary for cataloging, sharing, and
updating the geospatial foundation. The AGE outlines the standards supported as part of the geospatial
foundation, but it does not prescribe products that are created and used as warfighting function data layers.
This ensures that warfighting function products can be geospatially enabled for accurate and consistent
display on the COP and can be exchanged for display and analysis on systems throughout the enterprise.

SYSTEM APPLICATIONS AND SERVICES

2-15. The AGE makes use of common suites of geospatial software that operate on standards, protocols,
specifications, and common engineering principles described above to support the management of geospatial
foundation and geo-enabled warfighting function data, geospatial analysis, visualization, exploitation, and
dissemination. The DCGS-A is the main tool used by geospatial engineers to manage the geospatial
foundation and make it discoverable and accessible. Systems exploiting the AGE must also be able to tie in
with applicable geospatial services within the global network enterprise construct and mission command
environments.

GEOSPATIAL DATA MANAGEMENT

2-16. The primary manager for the geospatial foundation content for each echelon resides in the respective
GET, which serves as the geospatial foundation data manager. This role can be held by one Soldier or a team
of Soldiers. The geospatial foundation data manager is solely responsible for—
 Managing geospatial data within the unit AO.
 Supporting warfighting functions with geospatial expertise.
 Creating, maintaining, updating, managing, and disseminating geospatial foundation data.
 Verifying and validating recommended changes to the geospatial foundation before updating the
geospatial foundation data store. See figure 2-4 for additional information.

Note. Units consuming geospatial foundation data with no organic GET may designate a
geospatial data manager (much like a communications security custodian) who can manage data
and data loading at his or her level.

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 Army Geospatial Enterprise

Legend:
AGC Army Geospatial Center GET geospatial engineer team
BCT brigade combat team GIS geographic information system
CE computing environment GPC geospatial planning cell
CP command post NGA National Geospatial-Intelligence
CTSF central technical support facility Agency
GD&I geospatial data and information SSGF Standard and Shareable
geo geospatial Geospatial Foundation

Figure 2-4. SSGF data flow

AUTHORITATIVE DATA SOURCES

2-17. Army data stewards assess and approve authoritative data sources. They coordinate with DOD-wide
governance bodies to reconcile and adjudicate authoritative sources. Once a proposed source is certified as
authoritative, it is registered in the authoritative data sources registry. The NGA and the AGC are examples
of authoritative data source producers within the DOD. The GPC TGD holds both authoritative data and
products (such as common map background SSGF) and nonauthoritative data (such as crowd source and
open-source data) that has not been vetted to national standards.

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 2-7

Chapter 2

WARFIGHTING FUNCTION DATA

2-18. During initial fielding and predeployment operations, units receive an initial load of geospatial data
(derived from authoritative sources) for the AO. Each warfighting function and staff element manages
functional data during operations. As reports, events, or observations occur that generate or update spatially
relevant data, these changes are represented on warfighting function overlays. Information that drives
changes in the geospatial foundation layers (such as a bridge being destroyed) is submitted to the GET for
validation and is synchronized with the geospatial foundation using semiautomated processes.

TWO-WAY DATA FLOW

2-19. Two-way data flow is essential for achieving relevant situational awareness across platforms and
command posts. As an integral component of the AGE, two-way data flow takes full advantage of the power
of a geographic information system. Mission command systems pass collected applicable geospatial data to
a GET to validate the data and insert it into the geospatial foundation. The GET disseminates the information
across echelons and platforms as an update to the SSGF. This two-way data flow ensures a common view of
the AO.

DATA STORES SYNCHRONIZATION

2-20. Synchronization is a process that propagates changes made in one geospatial data store to one or more
other geospatial data stores. All geospatial data changes must maintain the pedigree of the data and allow
synchronization without conflict or loss of data. The source and lineage of the data are its pedigree. This
information is stored as metadata that allows users and applications to select data from known authoritative
sources. To minimize synchronization challenges, open geospatial consortium standards (Web map services,
Web feature services) ensure the proper exchange of geospatial data between applications and the geospatial
foundation. Within the operational environment, synchronization is performed during connected and
disconnected operations, based on mission requirements. Engineer leaders ensure that unit standard operating
procedures address methods to notify users of updates and methods to conduct the updates.

Note. Managers can also use this technology to update the warfighting function data store.

2-8 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Chapter 3
Roles and Responsibilities
Geospatial engineering is one of three engineering disciplines, and its full potential is
only realized through a concerted effort of various organizational activities and
individual actions at each echelon. This chapter, in a continuation of the discussion
presented in FM 3-34, describes the key roles and responsibilities for effectively
incorporating geospatial engineering in support of Army operations. See JP 2-03 and
JP 3-34 for specific information on geospatial capabilities in support of joint force
operations.

ECHELONS
3-1. Theater, corps, and division headquarters are modular entities designed to employ forces that are
tailored to meet the requirements of specified joint operations. All stand-alone headquarters are unconstrained
by a fixed formation of subordinate forces. Each is capable of serving as an Army force headquarters. Theater
army headquarters serve as the ASCC with administrative control over Army forces and some theater-wide
planning and controlling support to joint forces. Divisions and corps are the senior tactical warfighting
headquarters, capable of directing BCTs in major operations. Divisions are optimized for the tactical control
of brigades during land operations. The corps provides a headquarters that specializes in operations as a joint
task force, a joint force land component command headquarters, or an intermediate Army headquarters.

THEATER ARMY
3-2. The theater army headquarters relies on a task-organized engineer brigade GET and/or the GPC
deployable team to provide geospatial engineering support. GPCs are the only units in the Army force
structure with a unique, dedicated geospatial data generation capability. The engineer brigade geospatial team
and the GPC require access to the Global Information Grid, classified tactical local area network, and Secret
Internet Protocol Router Network to update and disseminate geospatial information and products.
3-3. The GPC is the theater geospatial engineering asset designed specifically to manage geospatial data in
support of operations within a combatant command AO. The GPC has the task of generating geospatial data
in support of operations in a single theater. The GPCs coordinate geospatial requirements and efforts to
produce geospatial map data for operational areas where current data may not exist. The data is produced in
the form of topographic line maps, image maps, tactical decision aids, and the digital TGD. A GPC is attached
to each theater army for mission command, Uniform Code of Military Justice, and other administrative
functions. Although the GPC is a separate detachment, it is designed to function as a staff section subordinate
to the ASCC engineer. The GPC is dependent on the military intelligence brigade–theater for access to the
data servers, intelligence, and connectivity it needs to perform the specific mission of generating, updating,
managing, analyzing, and disseminating geospatial data, information, and products in support of the theater
army headquarters and geographic combatant commander. The GPC consists of an operations section,
geospatial enterprise section, and a plans and analysis section. The GPC coordinates with NGA, host and
allied nation topographic support activities, higher headquarters, and ASCC battle staff and major
subordinate commands to generate and analyze terrain data; prepare decision graphics, image maps,
anaglyphs, and 3D terrain perspective views; and manage the TGD, map updates, tactical decision aids, and
intelligence preparation of the operating environment. It also coordinates with unified-action partners, host
nation geospatial support activities, and higher headquarters to create and maintain the enterprise geospatial
database. GPCs can deploy a forward element with, and in support of, an ASCC contingency command post
or equivalent forward element.

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Chapter 3

3-4. The GPC validates and enhances the geospatial data gathered by the engineer brigade geospatial team
for integration into the TGD and eventual update of the SSGF. GPCs collect, manage, and disseminate the
TGD for units operating in the GPC AO. The GPC enhances existing data, generates new geospatial data,
and distributes this data to units operating in the AO, to include multinational mission partners. The GPC
hosts an NGA coproduction team that provides theater-generated data to the NGA for inclusion in the national
geospatial data holdings. The GPC coordinates with GETs across the echelons to ensure that a synchronized
geospatial data collection effort is incorporated into the TGD that provides a common database for users.

CORPS AND DIVISION

3-5. The modular corps and division headquarters designs, combined with robust communications, give
commanders a flexible command post structure to meet necessary requirements. Both headquarters have two
command nodes—the main command post and the tactical command post. They are organized around the
warfighting functions and integrating cells.
3-6. The corps and division GETs are assigned to the main command post and partner with geospatial
intelligence imagery analysts within the G-2 to form the geospatial intelligence cell. The geospatial
intelligence cell operates within the G-2 Analysis and Control Element, which provides geospatial
intelligence support for all phases of intelligence operations within the G-2. The geospatial intelligence cell
fuses intelligence and geospatial information into a common picture for the commander, staff, and
subordinate units. Geospatial engineer Soldiers within the geospatial intelligence cell perform content and
knowledge management of the unit TGD. Geospatial engineer Soldiers provide geospatial engineering
support for mission command to the commander; the assistant chief of staff, operations (G-3); other staff
sections; and subordinate units as directed. Geospatial engineer Soldiers within the geospatial intelligence
cell perform the following primary tasks:
 Generate.
 Follow the direction of the staff engineer section to identify geospatial data gaps and nominate
collection or reconnaissance.
 Follow the direction of the staff engineer section to identify the geospatial product (type and
scale) used as the standard planning foundation throughout the staff.
 Acquire the geospatial data from multiple sources (such as the NGA, other national agencies,
other countries, and other GETs across the echelons).
 Provide the appropriate geospatial data sets to the mission command systems to ensure a COP.
 Manage.
 Manage the geospatial information requirements process.
 Manage the geospatial content of the 3D globe.
 Manage the enterprise geospatial database that provides the foundation for the COP.
 Manage the map backgrounds used in the mission command systems to provide the most up-
to-date, accurate, and relevant COP.
 Monitor collection efforts, and verify the field-collected data from information collection
assets and Soldier sensor missions. Incorporate the data into the enterprise geospatial
database.
 Manage requests for information (RFIs) aimed at fulfilling gaps in the geospatial information.

3-2 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Roles and Responsibilities

 Analyze.
 Perform terrain analysis.
 Validate, extract, analyze, fuse, and produce relevant data and products for decision making
or operations.
 Provide tactical decision aids to support decision making.
 Disseminate.
 Publish and maintain the unit geospatial enterprise database server.
 Input field-collected and partner-added geospatial data.
 Integrate and synchronize with the other staff sections and subordinates as requested.

ENGINEER BRIGADES
3-7. The engineer brigade is unique due to its role as a functional brigade and the potential for the
commander to be the theater engineer. When tasked as the theater engineer, the commander assumes the
responsibilities of the theater geospatial officer. This includes prioritizing and coordinating geospatial data
collection with the GPC in theater. Regardless of additional responsibilities, the brigade serves as the
epicenter for collecting, managing, and validating theater geospatial data and synchronizes all engineering
operations in the AO. The brigade provides the in-country interface with the GPC. Due to the overlapping
responsibilities, ASCC commanders and engineer leaders should explicitly delineate the roles and
responsibilities of the ASCC engineer staff, the GPC, and the engineer brigade commander and his brigade.
The brigade GET analyzes and produces geospatial products; performs database management for the storage
of imagery, maps, digital databases, and collateral source materials; and creates tailored products for vehicle-
mounted and handheld systems. Additional detail is provided below under the BCT entry. The GET is not
inherently part of a geospatial intelligence cell, but it retains the capability to perform geospatial intelligence
support tasks in addition to its mission command and geospatial engineering tasks.

FUNCTIONAL AND MULTI-FUNCTIONAL BRIGADES

3-8. GETs provide GI&S support to functional brigades, some of which have unique geospatial needs
(aviation, fires, and maneuver enhancement brigades). They support the unique needs of these brigades (such
as navigation safety and targeting) with tailored geospatial content. The brigade GET is responsible for the
analysis and production of geospatial products; performs database management for the storage of imagery,
maps, digital databases, and collateral source materials; and creates tailored products for vehicle-mounted
and handheld systems. Additional detail is provided below under the BCT entry. The GET is not inherently
part of a geospatial intelligence cell, but it retains the capability to perform geospatial intelligence support
tasks in addition to its mission command and geospatial engineering tasks.

BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM AND BELOW

3-9. The GET is organic to the BCT. The GET supports the engineer staff officer by providing terrain
analysis and products, maintaining the brigade geospatial database on the brigade server, and providing
updates to the brigade AO within the TGD. The team captures and validates field-collected information from
subordinate units for inclusion in the geospatial database and partners with geospatial intelligence imagery
analysts to form the geospatial intelligence cell. The geospatial intelligence cell supports the S-2, the battalion
or brigade operations staff officer (S-3), and other staff sections and subordinate units, as directed, to fuse
intelligence and geospatial information into a common picture for the commander. The GETs perform similar
geospatial engineering missions as the corps and division teams, but with major emphasis on the following
capabilities:
 Generate and analyze geospatial data.
 Follow the direction of the staff engineer officer to provide terrain products and produce tactical
decision aids (terrain analysis) to facilitate decision making.
 Produce image maps.
 Manage the enterprise geospatial database.

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 3-3

Chapter 3

3-10. Geospatial engineering provides commanders with terrain analysis and visualization; improves
situational understanding; and enhances decision making during planning, preparation, execution, and
assessment. The staff engineer officer ensures that the GET has a clear understanding of the mission and the
commander’s intent to enable a proactive geospatial engineering effort throughout the operations process.
Together, they provide the right information at the right time to facilitate decision making. Applications of
tactical decision aids include—
 Promoting the timely development of the modified combined obstacle overlay during IPB to assist
in the development of threat COAs and the identification of avenues of approach, mobility
corridors, and choke points.
 Enhancing rehearsals and reconnaissance missions with the use of 3D fly-throughs, 3D anaglyphs,
or simulations.
 Facilitating the positioning and routing of ground and aerial surveillance assets through LOS
analysis.

UNIT AND STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES

3-11. Geospatial engineering capabilities are task-organized based on the mission and political, military,
economic, social, information, infrastructure, physical environment, and time factors. The engineer staff
officer is responsible for understanding the full array of engineering capabilities (combat, general, and
geospatial engineering) available to the force and for synchronizing them to best meet the needs of the
maneuver commander. The engineer staff officer and the geospatial engineer are responsible for establishing
the single standard geospatial product and scale to be used in staff planning per joint staff, operations; G-3;
or S-3 guidance or the standard operating procedure. As previously mentioned, the section of assignment and
grouping of engineer staff varies among echelons and unit types. The organization of the assigned staff to
meet the unique requirements of the headquarters and situation is ultimately determined by the theater army,
corps, or division commander. Army staff responsibilities are described in ADP 6-0.
3-12. Regardless of the organization, all engineer Soldiers and leaders are expected to understand eight
geospatial functions. They carry out these functions while fulfilling their duties, as described in the following
bullets:
 Database management. Geospatial engineers actively manage the family of databases that
comprise the SSGF and TGD. They look for gaps in data and take steps to close those gaps. The
SSGF and TGD provide the underlying geospatial data and imagery used to provision the Web
map service. This forms the foundation for support to mission command, the COP, and all other
geospatial functions.
 Data collection. Geospatial engineers coordinate within and between staffs and with other
agencies to collect data to fill gaps in the SSGF and TGD. Soldiers can send information requests
up the chain of command. Depending on the type of data requested, requests could go through a
GPC to the AGC or NGA. These agencies use national assets to collect data and provide processed
data back to the requester. This typically yields high-resolution imagery and DTED data and can
include several other data types. Unit staff processes synchronize internal and subordinate unit
collection efforts. This results in orders to subordinate units to conduct reconnaissance operations.
This typically yields feature data that the GET then processes for inclusion into the SSGF and
TGD.
 Geodetic survey. A geodetic survey is a specialized form of reconnaissance to collect data to a
known level of accuracy. Geodetic surveys are conducted by trained survey teams. Survey teams
establish precise locations of geographic features within a specified margin of error. They then
determine the spatial relationships between features to a known level of accuracy. This, in turn,
provides the necessary information to produce accurate maps.

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 Roles and Responsibilities

 Data generation. Geospatial engineers process the data collected from a variety of sources to
extract relevant information and conflate it into the SSGF. This can be as simple as receiving an
update from the GPC or as complicated as building SSGF-compliant data files from a route
reconnaissance form. The result is a current, accurate geospatial foundation.
 Data manipulation and exploitation. This is the process of organizing the family of databases
into tools that enable terrain visualization. Geospatial engineers manipulate the TGD to create the
SSGF. The SSGF is the foundation for the Web map service that underlies the COP for all
computing environments and provides spatial context for running estimates. The analysis and
exploitation of TGD data feeds the leaders’ geospatial understanding.
 Terrain analysis. Engineers evaluate the military aspects of the terrain and local infrastructure
and determine how the projected weather interacts to impact operations. The details of this
evaluation are discussed in chapters 1 and 4 and appendix D of this ATP. Engineers express the
results of the analysis in clear terms to describe the impacts of the terrain and weather on
operations. Geospatial engineers create tactical decision aids and other products that enable a
commander to visualize and understand the operational environment. They also put staff running
estimates into spatial context.
 Cartographic production. Geospatial engineers create a variety of standard and nonstandard
products to support terrain visualization and navigation. This includes tailored map products for
headquarters and subordinate units. Geospatial engineers disseminate these products digitally and
in hard copy within technical and logistic limits. The large-scale printing of standard maps and
unit-created products requires external support.
 Geospatial management. Engineers at all echelons can describe the roles and responsibilities of
geospatial engineers, warrant officers, and officers in staff and command positions in the context
of geospatial engineering. This includes coordinating geospatial engineering activities,
reconnaissance, and staff work to support commanders. This also includes advising the staff on
the geospatial resources available to support running estimates and mission command.

GEOSPATIAL PLANNING CELL OFFICER IN CHARGE

3-13. The GPC OIC coordinates through the ASCC Deputy Chief of Staff Engineer and G-2, military
intelligence brigade–theater, Army and national agencies, engineer staff officers, and G-2s at echelons above
brigade to plan and synchronize geospatial engineering augmentation in support of Army requirements. In
doing so, the GPC OIC performs the following tasks:
 Coordinates with the engineer brigade, the ASCC G-2, or the engineer staff officer to ensure—
 Two-way synchronization and updates for each TGD.
 Synchronized data generation efforts in support of each TGD.
 Coordinates with the corps, division, and brigade to ensure that—
 Organic geospatial intelligence cells and GETs include the necessary database management,
analysis, and print capabilities to meet requirements.
 Procedures are established for effectively transferring field-collected data between corps,
division, and brigade geospatial intelligence cells and GETs; the engineer brigade GET; and
the GPC.

GEOSPATIAL PLANNING CELL OPERATIONS OFFICER

3-14. The GPC operations officer coordinates for the deployment GPC deployed team that supports the
ASCC. The operations officer also coordinates for rear detachment operations in support of deployed
modules. As a member of the ASCC Deputy Chief of Staff, Engineer staff, the GPC operations officer
coordinates and directs geospatial production and analysis activities within the GPC to support ASCC
missions and planning operations. The GPC operations officer also coordinates with subordinate and
regionally aligned forces to provide GPC geospatial data, products, and services (to include the SSGF) for
those units conducting plans and/or operations in support of theater operations.

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 3-5

Chapter 3

GEOSPATIAL PLANNING CELL PRODUCTION OFFICER

3-15. The GPC production officer (usually a geospatial engineer technician) trains and supervises GPC
Soldiers in conducting geospatial engineering operations. The production officer works with other geospatial
engineer technicians in the GPC and the engineer brigade GET to ensure the synchronized transfer of theater-
collected geospatial data to the GPC. The geospatial engineer technician also performs the following tasks:
 Supervises database management operations and data exchange between the engineer brigade
GET, GPCs, and deployed modules.
 Manages the deployed unit enterprise geospatial database and ensures that supported unit mission
command system operators are using common map backgrounds.
 Supervises terrain analysis performed in support of deployed modules.
 Supervises print operations in support of deployed modules.
 Establishes procedures for effectively transferring updated SSGF data on mounted and handheld
platforms.

GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION AND SERVICES OFFICER

3-16. As a member of the ASCC staff, the GI&S officer is the program manager and proponent for the theater
geospatial enterprise (programs, policy, and governance). The GI&S officer oversees enterprise contracts for
materiel and services and coordinates the validation and prioritization of GI&S requirements. The validated
requirements are submitted to the GPC and AGC for production. The GI&S officer coordinates closely with
the NGA and the GPC to establish budget programs, revise data standards, verify production assurance, and
coordinate with the supporting and supported foreign disclosure officers to provide disclosure guidance for
geospatial products to maintain the enterprise.

ENGINEER STAFF OFFICER

3-17. The engineer staff officer (usually the senior engineer officer on the staff) is responsible for
coordinating engineer assets and operations for the command. Regardless of the distribution of the engineer
staff or its section of assignment, the engineer staff officer ensures the synchronization of the overall engineer
effort.
3-18. The engineer staff officer is responsible for the integration of geospatial engineering throughout the
operations process. On behalf of the chief of staff, he provides direction to the GET. The OIC of the GET
and geospatial intelligence cell is responsible for daily operations. The engineer staff officer performs the
following tasks to support the GET:
 Generate.
 Coordinate with the S-2/G-2, S-3/G-3, other staff elements, and the geospatial engineer
technician for terrain products that help describe the physical environment to the commander
and staff, facilitate a better understanding of the operational environment, and enable decision
making.
 Coordinate with the S-2/G-2 for the production and distribution of maps and terrain products
based on established priorities.
 Coordinate for terrain models and products to facilitate rehearsals.
 Manage.
 Establish and maintain a continuous, open link between engineer cells and supporting
engineer command posts to assess the effectiveness of geospatial engineering operations.
 Work with the S-2/G-2 and geospatial engineer technician in assessing the effectiveness of
terrain products based on feedback from the commander, the staff, and subordinate units.

3-6 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Roles and Responsibilities

 Analyze.
 Recommend adjustments to the priorities for the geospatial engineer technician in concert
with the S-2/G-2.
 Work with the S-2/G-2 to integrate updated estimates, tactical decision aids, and geospatial
products into the orders process.
 Disseminate.
 Provide the S-2/G-2 with recommendations on the priorities of geospatial engineering that
coincide with the GET and geospatial intelligence cell.
 Establish procedures for effectively transferring updated SSGF data on mounted and handheld
platforms.

GEOSPATIAL ENGINEER
3-19. Geospatial engineers, in combination with other engineers and other staff members, provide mission-
tailored data, tactical decision aids, and visualization products that define the character of the operational
environment for the maneuver commander. They also provide the commander with a common view of the
terrain, through terrain visualization, that enables him to understand and describe his intent.
3-20. Geospatial engineers use terrain analysis and visualization capabilities to integrate people, processes,
and tools, using multiple information sources and collaborative analysis to build a shared knowledge of the
physical environment in support of the unit mission and the commander’s intent. Geospatial engineers
perform the following tasks:
 Generate.
 Coordinate the collection of classified and open-source geospatial information through
information collection from topographic surveys, site surveys, data mining, reconnaissance
assets, and satellite imagery.
 Submit requests for geospatial information from the NGA, AGC, and GPCs immediately after
mission requirements are determined.
 Partner with the intelligence staff to exploit imagery, information collection reports, and other
collected all-source data to supplement the enterprise geospatial database.
 Coordinate with the Air Force weather detachment or staff weather officer to predict the
combined effects of weather and terrain on operations.
 Respond to new geospatial information requirements generated from updated running
estimates, decision points, adjustments in the commander’s critical information requirements,
or modifications to the concept of operations.
 Administer and maintain geospatial databases.
 Distribute geospatial information and terrain products in support of the MDMP and IPB.
 Establish procedures for effectively transferring updated SSGF data on mounted and handheld
platforms.
 Manage.
 Produce and distribute maps and terrain visualization products based on established priorities
to facilitate staff synchronizations and subordinate unit planning timelines.
 Establish unit level geospatial policies and procedures.
 Establish a geospatial product storage and distribution capability that is synchronized with
other staff elements.
 Monitor and integrate the geospatial information being generated through information
collection, RFIs, and reachback.
 Facilitate the lateral and horizontal transfer of geospatial information in support of the AGE.

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 3-7

Chapter 3

 Analyze.
 Perform terrain analysis and provide terrain visualization products in support of the MDMP
and the IPB.
 Evaluate the availability of standard and specialized maps and imagery products for the
operational area or the specific AO and coordinate any shortfalls through appropriate
channels.
 Maintain geospatial data standards and perform quality assurance and quality control on
geospatial information.
 Process raw data (imagery, elevation, vector, textual) into geospatial information and products
to populate the enterprise geospatial database.
 Perform suitability, mobility, and visibility analysis in support of repositioning capabilities.
 Disseminate.
 Provide the common map background for the COP.
 Produce and disseminate updated terrain analysis products for the staff and subordinate units.
 Publish and disseminate digital and hardcopy geospatial data in an enterprise environment.
 Update the geospatial engineering running estimate. Advise the commander on geospatial
engineering capabilities, limitations, and constraints.
 Help the staff to identify and assess variances between the current situation and forecasted
outcomes resulting from changes in the terrain due to natural or human influence.
 Establish procedures for effectively transferring updated SSGF data on mounted and handheld
platforms.

GEOSPATIAL ENGINEER TECHNICIAN

3-21. Geospatial engineer technicians are the Army terrain analysis and GI&S experts. The technicians
assimilate and integrate geospatial information to aid the commander and staff in understanding the impacts
of the terrain on friendly and threat operations. As an integral part of the planning staff, the technicians
participate in each step of the MDMP to ensure an understanding of the mission and the commander’s intent.
They ensure a proactive geospatial engineering effort aimed at providing the right information at the right
time to facilitate decision making. The geospatial engineer technician serves as the OIC at the BCT level. At
echelons above brigade, the geospatial engineer technician may serve as the OIC of the geospatial intelligence
cell and collaborate with geospatial intelligence imagery analysts to produce geospatial intelligence. The
geospatial intelligence cell OIC is responsible for intelligence oversight. Although the geospatial intelligence
cell is located within the sensitive, compartmented information facility, geospatial engineer technicians spend
much of their time outside the facility, interacting with planners and staff members from each staff section
to ensure that the geospatial information requirements are being met. Geospatial engineer technicians perform
the following tasks:
 Generate.
 Identify gaps in geospatial information for those aspects of the terrain deemed critical during
the MDMP and focus the data generation effort to fulfill those requirements.
 Coordinate RFIs and nominate information collection tasks through the collection manager
to acquire geospatial data (imagery, elevation, full-motion video).
 Ensure the quality of the terrain analysis being performed by the GET.
 Manage.
 Supervise the GET in generating data and performing feature extraction from various sources
(imagery, elevation data, vector data, full-motion video, text-based data, reports).
 Manage the production and distribution of maps and terrain products based on established
priorities.
 Supervise the GET quality control of geospatial data stored in the enterprise geospatial
database.
 Work with the S-2/G-2 in establishing the priorities for the GET throughout the operations
process.

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 Roles and Responsibilities

 Manage geospatial resources and request resupply through appropriate channels.

 Coordinate with the S-3, G-3, or operations directorate of a joint staff to issue fragmentary
orders to adjacent and major subordinate staff elements to provide raw geospatial information
to generate geodatabases for staff consumption.
 Analyze.
 Integrate geospatial engineering into the MDMP and IPB to describe the physical
environment to the commander and staff, facilitate a better understanding of the operational
environment, and enable decision making.
 Establish and maintain communications with geospatial engineering elements at all echelons
within the AOI to foster the lateral and horizontal collaboration for operations and to cultivate
effective geospatial engineering operations.
 Ensure that geospatial data collected from the field and other sources is evaluated, compared
with the existing database, and incorporated into the new database to provide the foundation
for the COP and terrain analysis.
 Continuously assess the effectiveness of geospatial information based on feedback from the
commander and staff.
 Disseminate.
 Provide updated geospatial information and terrain visualization products in support of
updated running estimates and decision points, as necessary.
 Ensure that the enterprise geospatial database is maintained to ensure that mission command
system users have a common map background.
 Provide geospatial information updates and tactical decision aids in support of each staff
section running estimate to facilitate the understanding of the terrain effects on the current
situation.
 Provide terrain visualization products to facilitate rehearsals and reconnaissance.
 Direct the dissemination of tactical decision aids and other geospatial information using Web
mapping services, collaborative software, database server connections, and hardcopy
production.
 Brief the terrain analysis portion of the IPB to the commander and staff during the MDMP
phases.
 Establish procedures for effectively transferring updated SSGF data on mounted and handheld
platforms.

INTELLIGENCE STAFF OFFICER

3-22. Although the engineer staff officer has overall responsibility for the integration of geospatial
engineering, the S-2/G-2 are responsible for the GET and perform the following tasks:
 Plan.
 Provide overwatch to the geospatial engineer technician who integrates geospatial products
into the MDMP and IPB to describe the physical environment to the commander and staff,
facilitate a better understanding of the operational environment, and enable decision making.
 Work with the S-3, G-3, engineer staff officer, and geospatial engineer technician to establish
priorities for the GET.
 Prepare.
 Monitor the production and distribution of maps and terrain products based on established
priorities.
 Monitor and integrate the geospatial information being generated through information
collection, RFIs, and reachback.

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 3-9

Chapter 3

 Execute.
 Adjust the priorities for the geospatial intelligence cell based on the situation.
 Work with the engineer staff officer and geospatial engineer technician to integrate updated
geospatial information and geospatial products into integrating processes and continuing
activities as necessary.
 Assess.
 Support the collection and management effort of geospatial information.
 Continuously assess the effectiveness of geospatial products based on feedback from the
commander, staff, and subordinate units.
 Monitor the provision of geospatial information and tactical decision aids in each staff section
running estimate.

BRIGADE OPERATIONS STAFF OFFICER

3-23. The S-3 works with the engineer staff officer and S-2 in synchronizing the GET priorities of support
and levels of participation in the various functional and integrating cells and working groups in the command
post based on mission requirements and the commander’s intent. The S-3 provides quality control of the
orders process and approves the appropriateness of geospatial engineering-related tasks and coordinating
instructions provided in plans, orders, and attachments.

BRIGADE LOGISTICS STAFF OFFICER

3-24. The battalion or brigade logistics staff officer is responsible for ensuring the resupply of materials
needed for the printing and reproduction of maps and other geospatial products through the appropriate
channels. The battalion or brigade logistics staff officer often uses geospatial information and other tactical
decision aids in planning main and alternate supply routes.

BRIGADE PLANS STAFF OFFICER

3-25. The battalion or brigade plans staff officer coordinates with the engineer staff officer to provide the
geospatial engineer technician with guidance that facilitates future planning or the formulation of branches,
sequels, changes of mission, and out-of-sector missions that require as much lead time as possible.
Throughout the MDMP, the battalion or brigade plans staff officer and assistant chief of staff, plans, provide
guidance on the quality and nature of terrain products that best depict those aspects of the terrain that are
most important to the commander.

OTHER STAFF SECTION AND CELL LEADERS

3-26. All staff section and cell leaders are ultimately responsible for integrating geospatial information and
tactical decision aids within respective areas. Critical to this role is ensuring that geospatial information
requirements are relevant and mission-essential. This prevents overloading the GET and helps focus its
efforts. Staff section and cell leaders must clearly communicate requirements and expectations to ensure that
generated geospatial products meet the intent with the first attempt. Staff section and cell leaders seek the
expertise of geospatial engineers in tailoring products that are practical and suitable to their needs.
Recognizing recurring geospatial information requirements and standardizing terrain products that are
typically needed during the MDMP help manage the geospatial engineering workload and allow base
products to be built ahead of time when time is available. These requirements should be captured in the
internal staff section or cell standing operating procedures to help train new members and improve staff
efficiency.

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 Chapter 4
Geospatial Support Integration
The successful integration of geospatial support provides the right geospatial
information to the right person at the right time. Successful integration requires a
thorough understanding of the depth of geospatial resources available, inherent
capabilities, and the ability to recognize opportunities during the conduct of combined
arms operations to exploit those capabilities. Geospatial engineering efforts require a
thorough understanding of the systems used, the differing types of information
involved, and the methods used to exploit these factors into relevant information and
tactical decision aids. This chapter focuses on how geospatial engineering is applied to
the common operating environment and the operations process and on how it is part of
the integrating process.

COMMON OPERATING ENVIRONMENT

4-1. Geospatial technologies enhance situational understanding by enabling the commander’s ability to
visualize running staff estimates, decision making tools, and synchronization tools through the use of one
COP. The COP uses the SSGF as the basis for fusing information from across the staff. Units share the COP
across echelons and platforms to enhance situational awareness.
4-2. At its core, the AGE is a distributed SSGF database and supporting infrastructure that is based on a
common suite of interoperable software. This allows geospatial information and, ultimately, geospatial
intelligence to be collected, stored, fused, analyzed, and disseminated from peer to peer, from echelon to
echelon and, subsequently, into the MDMP and down to the individual Soldier.
4-3. The integrated technologies and the actions of collecting, generating, managing, analyzing, visualizing,
and disseminating from peer to peer and from echelon to echelon will, subsequently, provide information to
the individual Soldier. This extends from Army to joint, Army to coalition, Army to intelligence community,
and operating to generating forces. The SSGF is provisioned as raw data, open geospatial consortium Web
services, and 3D globes. Updated SSGF are fused into globes and databases. GD&I operational data is
overlaid on top of the SSGF for mission relevance, forming the COP.

GEOSPATIAL ENGINEERING FOR PLANNING AND OPERATIONS

4-4. Commanders use experience, applied judgment, and various analytic tools to gain the situational
understanding necessary to make timely decisions to maintain the initiative and achieve decisive results. As
described in ADRP 2-0, providing support to situational understanding refers to the task of providing
information and intelligence to commanders to assist them in achieving a clear understanding of the current
state of the force with relation to the threat and other relevant aspects of the operational environment.
Geospatial engineering adds to the commander’s situational understanding by improving the understanding
of the physical environment, which is integrated through the IPB and staff running estimates. See figure 4-1,
page 4-2.

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Chapter 4

Legend:
ART Army tactical task
COP common operational picture
Intel intelligence
IPB intelligence preparation of the battlefield

Figure 4-1. Geospatial engineering in support of situational understanding

4-5. Situational understanding aligns with the concept that commanders need to understand and visualize
the operating environment to describe, direct, and assess operations. Engineer staff officers and geospatial
engineers—in cooperation with their counterparts in higher, adjacent, and subordinate units—use analysis
and visualization capabilities to integrate people, processes, and tools, employing multiple information
sources and collaborative analysis to build a shared knowledge of the physical environment.
4-6. The more commanders understand the operational environment, the more effectively they can employ
forces. As described in ADP 3-0, operational environments will likely be set in complex terrain with an
asymmetrical threat attempting to offset U.S. advantages. Commanders depend on several sources of
knowledge and relevant information to understand the complexity of the operational environment.
4-7. Army doctrine describes an operational environment in terms of eight operational variables—political,
military, economic, social, information, infrastructure, physical environment, and time (PMESII-PT). Each
staff section shares a role in providing expertise from its perspective and in adding depth and breadth to the
overall understanding of the operational environment. It seeks to identify potential challenges and
opportunities associated with these variables and to use running estimates to provide relevant information
that commanders can use to frame operational problems.
4-8. Geospatial engineers facilitate the staff analysis of the operational and mission variables by describing
the physical environment (see figure 4-2). The two primary aspects of the geospatial engineering mission
that enable staff analysis are terrain analysis and terrain visualization. Geospatial engineering provides the
foundation on which other information and the operational variables are based.

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 Geospatial Support Integration

Legend:
OAKOC observation and fields of fire, avenues of approach, key terrain, obstacles, and cover and
concealment
PMESII-PT political, military, economic, social, information, infrastructure, physical environment, and
time

Figure 4-2. Description of the physical environment

4-9. Geospatial engineers focus on describing the broad characteristics of the terrain (hydrological, surface
configuration, surface materials, vegetation, obstacles, and man-made features), using the framework of the
five military aspects of terrain. The staff analyzes the operational variables, incorporating the terrain analysis
as appropriate. As planning progresses, geospatial engineers tailor the analysis based on the refinement of
the commander’s intent and added clarity on likely missions. Geospatial engineers disseminate additional
information in a combination of written and visual products as it is acquired. These products correspond to
the warfighting functions. See table 4-1, page 4-4. In turn, the staff assimilates that information into its
running estimates and determines the operational impacts from its perspective. The resulting relevant
information is shared within and across echelons to refine the COP and enable situational understanding.

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Chapter 4

Table 4-1. Geospatial product considerations within the warfighting functions

Warfighting Function Geospatial Product Considerations
Mission command • Contribute to situational understanding.
• Establish the foundation for the COP.
• Determine terrain suitability (including LOS) for positioning mission
command nodes and communication systems.
Movement and • Identify mobility corridors and determine avenues of approach.
maneuver • Predict on- and off-road mobility.
• Analyze cover and concealment.
• Template zones of entry (helicopter landing zones and drop zones).
• Provide observation overlays for determining patrol routes, observation
posts, and potential ambush or sniper locations.
• Locate points of penetration and support-by-fire positions in support of
attacks and breaching operations.
• Identify and analyze potential engagement areas and obstacle locations
based on observation and fields of fire.
• Provide updated SSGF.
Intelligence • Provide terrain analysis products in support of IPB.
• Enable intelligence synchronization.
• Provide support to targeting (high-payoff target information).
Fires • Facilitate targeting.
• Template observer and firing points based on visibility and suitability.
• Analyze mobility to facilitate the positioning of artillery systems.
• Provide survey control points for subordinate agencies employing mounted
and handheld platforms.
Sustainment • Display transportation network (road, rail, and air) information for
establishing lines of communication and main supply routes.
• Determine terrain suitability for positioning sustainment capabilities and
establishing base camps based on hydrological analysis and assessment
of other environmental conditions, such as hazards associated with
industrial areas and underground utility lines.
Protection • Identify threat air avenues of approach through elevation and LOS
analysis.
• Provide observation and fields of fire analysis for implementing counter
direct and indirect fire and terrain denial measures.
• Provide cover and concealment analysis for assembly areas and forward
resupply nodes.
• Identify the availability and location of force protection materials.
Legend:
COP common operational picture
IPB intelligence preparation of the battlefield
LOS line of sight
SSGF Standard and Shareable Geospatial Foundation

4-10. The geospatial information presented to the staff is tailored to meet the needs of each staff section.
Geospatial products help the staff visually communicate relevant information to support collaborative
planning with higher, adjacent, and lower units and to update the commander throughout the operations
process. Advances in technology allow terrain visualization products to be formatted into smaller, more
exportable, geospatially aware digital files (such as a geospatial portable document format that can be
electronically disseminated to a larger audience).

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 Geospatial Support Integration

4-11. Recurring staff requirements for geospatial information and staff preferences for customized geospatial
products are determined based on staff training exercises and operational experiences. Standardizing staff
requirements routinely needed in each step of the MDMP helps leaders understand the geospatial workload
and allows efficient prioritization and synchronization of the geospatial effort. Capturing these requirements
and activities in standard operating procedures improves staff efficiency and facilitates the training and
integration of new staff members.

TERRAIN ANALYSIS
4-12. Terrain and weather are natural conditions that profoundly influence operations. They are neutral and
favoring neither side unless one side is more familiar with, or better prepared to operate in, the resulting
conditions. Terrain includes natural features (rivers, mountains) and man-made features (urban areas,
airfields, bridges). Terrain directly affects the selection of objectives; the employment of forces; and the
equipment, location, and movement and maneuver of forces. It also influences protective measures and the
effectiveness of lethal and nonlethal weapons and other systems. The effective use of terrain reduces the
effects of threat fires, increases the effects of friendly fires, and facilitates surprise.
4-13. Weather describes the conditions of temperature, wind velocity, precipitation, and visibility at a
specific place and time. Climate is typically used in strategic and operational planning that covers a large,
geographically diverse area, whereas weather is generally more applicable to tactical planning where its effect
on operations is limited in scale and duration. Climate and weather present opportunities and challenges in
every operation. They affect the conditions of the physical environment and the capabilities and performance
of Soldiers, equipment, and weapon systems. Table 4-2 shows some of the weather conditions to be
considered when analyzing the terrain.
Table 4-2. Weather considerations within terrain analysis
Weather Condition Considerations When Performing Terrain Analysis
Temperature • Freezing temperatures can amplify the effects of precipitation on
man-made structures (roads, bridges) and affect trafficability.
• Extremely high temperatures affect contrasting in thermal
imagery.
Humidity • Humidity can affect materials (soil, concrete) used in constructing
airfields, roads, and combat trails.
• Humidity can affect work-and-rest cycles of Soldiers.
• Humidity can expedite erosion of terrain or corrosion of materials.
Precipitation • Rain and snowfall affect trafficability on and off roads.
• Heavy rainfall can render low-lying areas unusable.
Visibility • Dust, fog, and day and night conditions affect the effective
distances used in LOS analysis and displays.
• Rain, snow, extreme heat, and haze may restrict visibility and the
effective employment of weapon systems and equipment.
High winds (>35 knots) • High winds reduce visibility by blowing sand, dust, and other
battlefield debris, which can affect movement rates.
• Wind can improve trafficability by causing soil to dry faster.
• Wind can amplify the effects of temperatures below 40°F (wind
chill).
Cloud cover • Reduced ceilings impact the LOS of friendly and threat aerial
attacks and reconnaissance platforms.
• Cloud cover impairs aerial and satellite imagery, reduces the
effectiveness of certain types of remote-sensing platforms, and
restricts the employment of certain aircraft.
Legend:
LOS line of sight

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Chapter 4

4-14. For tactical operations, terrain is analyzed using the five military aspects of terrain: observation and
fields of fire, avenues of approach, key terrain, obstacles, and cover and concealment (OAKOC). While
OAKOC is an easily remembered acronym to use for analysis, the results are briefed in an order based on
local guidance. Table 4-3 shows terrain analysis considerations in relation to the military aspects of terrain.
The effectiveness of terrain analysis in support of mission planning and operational requirements is directly
proportional to the availability of current, accurate, high-resolution geospatial data. This depends on the
effective collection, management, and dissemination of geospatial data at every echelon from ASCC to
deployed BCT. Engineer staff officers are responsible for this effort.
Table 4-3. Terrain analysis considerations with OAKOC
Military Aspects of
Terrain Analysis Considerations
Terrain (OAKOC)
Observation and fields • Analyze terrain factors that impact observation capabilities for electronic
of fire (LOS) surveillance systems and unaided visual observation.
• Determine terrain effects on the trajectory of munitions (direct and indirect
fire) and tube elevation.
• Evaluate the potential engagement area, including the—
 Defensibility of the area (for friendly and threat forces) based on terrain
impacts on specific equipment or equipment positions.
 Vulnerability of friendly forces based on threat observation and fields of
fire.
Avenues of approach • Identify mobility corridors based on equipment and preferred doctrinal
formations.
• Categorize mobility corridors by size or type of force accommodated.
• Evaluate avenues of approach by comparing mobility (such as speed based
on vegetation, slope, obstacles, and soil conditions), observation,
sustainability, and accessibility.
Key terrain • Display nominations for key terrain based on the mission, concept of the
operation, threat, and environment.
• Evaluate the following key terrain based on the environment:
 Urban environment—tall structures, choke points, intersections, bridges,
and industrial complexes.
 Open environment—terrain features that dominate an area with good
observations and fields of fire, choke points, and bridges.
Obstacles • Evaluate the effects of natural and man-made obstacles based on—
 Current and projected weather conditions.
 Type of movement (foot, wheeled, tracked, or air).
 Capabilities of vehicles and equipment.
• Analyze water features (and surface drainage) to include width, depth,
velocity, and bank slope for potential river- or gap-crossing sites.
• Identify and evaluate impacts of potential dam breaches.
• Analyze on- and off-road surface conditions, including—
 Slope.
 Vegetation.
 Complex terrain.
 Road characteristics (curves, slope, width, clearance, and load bearing
[bridge classification]).
• Analyze air movement obstructions, including—
 Elevation that exceeds aircraft service ceilings.
 Restrictions to flying the nap of the earth or vertical obstructions that
impact flight profiles (buildings, power lines, communication towers).
• Create the cross-country mobility to reflect severely restricted, restricted, and
unrestricted terrain on the combined obstacle overlay and modified
combined obstacle overlay.

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Table 4-3. Terrain analysis considerations with OAKOC (continued)

Military Aspects of
Terrain Analysis Considerations
Terrain (OAKOC)
Cover and concealment • Analyze aspects of the terrain that offer protection from bullets, exploding
rounds, and explosive hazards (cover).
• Analyze aspects of the terrain that offer protection from observation (from
aerial and ground detection), such as vegetation and surface configuration
(concealment).
Legend:
LOS line of sight
OAKOC observation and fields of fire, avenues of approach, key terrain, obstacles, and cover and
concealment

TERRAIN VISUALIZATION
4-15. Engineers at every echelon are considered terrain experts. As such, they present relevant terrain-related
information to commanders and staffs to help them conceptualize important aspects of the physical
environment and to support decision making. To do so, they first must be able to identify challenges to the
commander’s ability to move and maneuver, protect the force, and sustain the operation. Likewise, they must
also look for opportunities to directly impact the adversary’s freedom of action.
4-16. Advanced technology provides the capability to analyze and display geospatial data in different ways
to create interactive, dynamic, and customized terrain visualization products. For example, terrain
visualization products can integrate threat and other man-made obstacles with natural restrictions of the
terrain to help determine and show the best avenues of approach toward a given objective. Additionally,
terrain visualization supports geospatial intelligence because geospatial products can now leverage a wider
variety of data, including those from other intelligence sources (such as signals intelligence and human
intelligence through collaborative processes) to provide more accurate, comprehensive, and relevant
products. A good example of this is the ability to add more dimensions to standard geospatial products. The
third dimension provides the capability to visualize in depth, while the fourth dimension integrates the
elements of time and movement.
4-17. Staff officers must work with geospatial engineers to fully visualize the terrain more effectively.
Geospatial engineers evaluate the available geospatial content for suitability in performing analysis and in
providing needed visualization products. Geospatial engineers constantly collect, create, and manage
geospatial data to determine its analytical quality and terrain visualization potential. Geospatial engineers
apply filters to screen irrelevant content that could slow analysis or clutter displays. They also check the
integrity of the content to ensure its completeness and logical consistency and then perform analysis to
generate tactical decision aids. Terrain visualization products contain standardized symbols and colors to
ensure quality and understandability. When possible, operational graphics should be included in visualization
products to provide an extended military purpose to the map. This is especially useful when products, in
conjunction with the running estimates, are used to update a maneuver commander.

OPERATIONS PROCESS
4-18. As described in ADP 5-0, the operations process consists of the major mission command activities
performed during operations (planning, preparing, executing, and continuously assessing the operation) and
is driven by commanders (see figure 4-3, page 4-8). The cyclic activities of the operations process may be
sequential or simultaneous and are usually not discrete; they overlap and recur as circumstances demand.
Throughout the process, the four major functions of geospatial engineering (plan, manage, analyze, and
disseminate) are continuously performed to describe the physical environment and the operational
significance of the terrain, to facilitate the further analysis of the operational environment, to support
situational understanding, and to enable decision making. The engineer staff officer is the primary staff
integrator for the geospatial engineer tasks and works together with the general engineer technician and the
S-2/G-2 in advising the commander to realize the full potential of geospatial engineering.

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Chapter 4

Legend:
GI geospatial information
IPB intelligence preparation of the battlefield
MDMP military decision-making process
SU situational understanding

Figure 4-3. Geospatial engineering applied throughout the operations process

Plan
4-19. After collecting requisite geospatial data, planning begins with the analysis and assessment of
conditions in the operational environment. In a continuation of the ongoing analysis of the PMESII-PT
factors, staffs analyze the current situation using mission variables while preparing running estimates.
Commanders and staffs use the MDMP, described in ADP 5-0, to develop the necessary detailed information
that is needed during execution. The MDMP also synchronizes several processes (IPB, targeting, risk
management) discussed later in this chapter. Most of the geospatial engineering effort is integrated into the
MDMP, primarily through the IPB process (a mission analysis task). Table 4-4 shows geospatial engineering
considerations in relation to the seven steps of the MDMP.
4-20. The generation of geospatial data initiated during planning responds to the gaps in geospatial data
coverage identified during mission receipt. This centers on fulfilling the geospatial information requirements
established during IPB and those resulting from the staff analysis of the operational environment. Other
geospatial data requirements in the form of RFIs are also generated as a result of subordinate unit planning
in parallel, especially from units at battalion and below that lack organic geospatial engineering capabilities.

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Table 4-4. Geospatial engineering considerations in relation to the MDMP

Steps of the MDMP Geospatial Engineering Considerations
Receipt of mission • Determine the initial geospatial information requirements, based on the—
 Geospatial information aspects of EEFI, such as prominent features of the AO.
 Mission.
 Type of operations likely to be conducted.
• Assess the availability of existing geospatial data, geospatial information aspects
of EEFI, and terrain products for the AO by—
 Identifying gaps in knowledge of the terrain that existing maps or data cannot
satisfy.
 Generating geospatial data from organic sources (reconnaissance, imagery,
reports) to fill gaps in geospatial information.
 Requesting geospatial data (geological, climatic, cultural) and geospatial
information from higher headquarters, national activities, and agencies through
RFIs and reachback.
 Disseminating available maps, tactical decision aids, geospatial data, and
geospatial information of the AO to the staff to enable the updating of running
estimates.
 Ensuring that correct COP or common map background versions are used in
the mission command systems to establish the map foundation of the COP.
Mission analysis • Disseminate geospatial information and tactical decision aids throughout the staff
in support of IPB and the development of running estimates.
• Evaluate terrain, weather, and threat capabilities to determine the potential impact
on friendly and threat operations.
• Identify available feature data and geospatial information on critical infrastructure
(roads, bridges, airfields).
• Provide geospatial information and terrain products to help the staff evaluate
LOCs, aerial ports of debarkation, and seaports of debarkation requirements.
• Assess the availability of geospatial engineering capabilities, to include national,
joint, multinational, and host nation assets.
• Review existing geospatial data and geospatial information (including
environmental and biological hazards) on potential lodgment areas, reinforced with
on-site reconnaissance and infrastructure assessments when possible.
• Analyze the mobility restrictions of terrain, to include the effects based on obstacle
intelligence, threat engineering capabilities, and critical infrastructure. Recommend
CCIRs as appropriate.
• Integrate gaps in geospatial data and geospatial information into the information
collection and generation effort.
COA development • Integrate tactical decision aids across the warfighting functions that aid planners in
positioning friendly capabilities.
COA analysis • Integrate terrain products that help evaluate the COAs based on evaluation
criteria.
• Insert possible changes in terrain conditions (scenarios) into war games based on
weather effects, such as the loss of a movement route due to surface drainage.
• Help planners realize time-distance factors based on movement rates associated
with on- and off-road mobility predictions.
COA comparison • Use terrain products to help staff sections highlight the advantages and
disadvantages of the COAs from their perspectives.
COA approval • Provide an update on terrain impacts as part of the current IPB presented during
the COA decision brief to the commander.
• Determine geospatial information requirements based on the new CCIR to support
execution.

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Chapter 4

Table 4-4. Geospatial engineering considerations in relation to the MDMP (continued)

Steps of the MDMP Geospatial Engineering Considerations
Orders production • Provide geospatial information and terrain products to support the staff
development of attachments to operation plans and orders.
• Facilitate the production of tab A (Terrain) to appendix 1 (Intelligence Estimate) to
annex B (Intelligence) and appendix 4 (Geospatial Engineering) to annex G
(Engineer).
• Disseminate geospatial information and tactical decision aids to subordinate units
in support of mission planning and execution.
Legend:
AO area of operations
CCIR commander’s critical information requirement
COA course of action
COP common operational picture
EEFI essential elements of friendly information
IPB intelligence preparation of the battlefield
LOC line of communication
MDMP military decision-making process
RFI request for information

Manage
4-21. Geospatial databases are established and managed at the onset of planning and are continuously
updated and maintained through execution to provide users at all levels with access to timely, accurate
geospatial data. Geospatial engineers manage the COP used in mission command systems to minimize
inconsistencies. Geospatial engineers ensure that correct map editions are being used and that updates are
incorporated into the mission command system so that all users are operating from a common map
background. The volume of generated geospatial data increases proportionately with the duration of the
operation. Incomplete, inaccurate, or antiquated geospatial information residing in shared folders contributes
to information overload and can be misleading. Geospatial data must be managed to ensure its effectiveness.

Analyze
4-22. Geospatial engineers analyze the physical environment to help the staff further its analysis of the
operational environment and for commanders to visualize the terrain for better mission planning. This broad
view of the operational environment is narrowed upon mission receipt through the analysis of the mission
variables. Geospatial engineers focus on the characteristics of terrain and its effects across the warfighting
functions. Geospatial information enables the MDMP.

Disseminate
4-23. Geospatial information is systematically disseminated through the mission command system and
tactical networks to enable staff planning and the development of running estimates. Geospatial information
is disseminated to subordinates to facilitate parallel planning. Geospatial information distributed to
subordinates should be referenced in orders and relevant to the other mission information provided.
Geospatial engineers also ensure the proper dissemination of map updates to ensure that mission command
system users are operating from a common map background.
4-24. During the last step of the MDMP, the staff prepares the order or plan by turning the selected COA
into a clear, concise concept of operations with the required supporting information that subordinates need
for execution. Geospatial information and tactical decision aids are distributed to the staff to help prepare the
annexes. Geospatial information and other information necessary for coordinating and synchronizing the
geospatial engineering effort are placed into the appropriate paragraphs in the base order and attachments.
See FM 6-0 for information on the general format for orders and attachments.

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 Geospatial Support Integration

4-25. While units at corps level and below normally conduct tactical planning, Army forces frequently
participate in or conduct joint operations planning. ASCCs routinely participate in joint operation planning,
to include developing plans as the joint force land component. Corps and divisions perform joint operations
planning when serving as a joint task force or Army force headquarters. Corps, divisions, and BCTs that are
directly subordinate to a joint task force participate in joint operations planning and receive joint formatted
orders. It is important that leaders serving in BCTs and echelons above brigade understand the joint planning
process and are familiar with the joint format for plans and orders. For a detailed explanation of joint
operation planning, refer to JP 5-0 and JP 3-33. The primary joint doctrinal publication for planning
engineering operations is JP 3-34. JP 2-03 provides the format for annex M (GI&S) to joint orders.

Prepare
4-26. Mission success depends as much on preparation as it does on planning. Preparation creates the
conditions that improve friendly force opportunities for success. Key preparation activities are planning
refinement based on IPB updates and answering information requirements that result from information
collection, RFIs, and reachback. The commander and staff continuously review IPB products against the
current situation and redirect collection assets to focus on the most important intelligence and information
gaps remaining, while emphasizing the commander’s critical information requirements.

Generate
4-27. After issuing plans and orders, new geospatial information requirements in the form of RFIs are
generated as a result of subordinate planning. The staff also continues to identify new geospatial information
requirements based on its own planning refinement.
4-28. Geospatial engineering supports mission rehearsals with terrain visualization products, such as 3D fly-
throughs and perspective views from projected friendly unit positions. Geospatial data is used in modeling
and simulation applications in the Army Battle Command System and in stand-alone simulation systems to
allow commanders to replicate realistic scenarios and facilitate mission rehearsal. To be effective, these
applications must represent a realistic physical environment using echelon-appropriate, high-resolution
geospatial data that is presented to scale.

Manage
4-29. Geospatial engineers monitor and integrate selected GD&I being generated through information
collection efforts, RFIs, and reachback and continue to update geospatial databases to support planning
refinement in preparation for execution. Geospatial engineers maintain, update, and publish SSGF data and
information in support of the COP.

Analyze
4-30. Geospatial engineers analyze newly acquired GD&I collected through information collection, RFIs,
and reachback and implement changes to previous terrain assessments used during planning and issued to
subordinates in mission orders.

Distribute
4-31. Geospatial engineers disseminate new or updated geospatial information and tactical decision aids to
enable subordinate unit mission planning, planning refinement, and execution. Geospatial engineers
maintain, update, and publish common map background data and information in support of the COP.

Execution
4-32. Execution refers to putting the plan into action. It involves monitoring the situation, assessing the
operation, and adjusting the order as needed. Commanders continuously assess progress based on information
from the COP, running estimates, and assessments from subordinate commanders. During execution,
geospatial engineering focuses on maintaining situational understanding, facilitating assessment, enabling
decision making, and promoting responsiveness in implementing adjustments.

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Chapter 4

Generate
4-33. As the situation develops throughout execution, geospatial engineers respond to new geospatial
information requirements generated from ongoing integrating processes, continuing activities, adjustments
in the commander’s critical information requirements, or modifications to the concept of operations.

Manage
4-34. Geospatial engineers continue to maintain geospatial databases and incorporate, as appropriate, new
or updated GD&I resulting from information collection, reachback, or unit operations into the SSGF to
maintain situational understanding, to update the geospatial engineering running staff estimate, and to
provide special support to developing situations.

Analyze
4-35. During execution, the priority for geospatial engineering is typically on the decisive operation;
however, developing situations may dictate a shift in focus. Geospatial engineering helps the staff identify
and assess variances between the current situation and forecasted outcomes resulting from changes in the
terrain due to natural or human influence. When commanders direct adjustments based on an assessment of
the effects of those variances, the geospatial effort shifts appropriately.

Disseminate
4-36. Geospatial engineers ensure the availability of near-real-time geospatial information through common
access databases, Web mapping services, and shared content.

Assess
4-37. During assessment, commanders, staff, and subordinate commanders continuously monitor and
evaluate the current situation and the progress of the operation. They compare the current situation with the
concept of operations, mission, and commander’s intent. The COP and running estimates are primary tools
for assessing the operation. Running estimates aim to refine the COP with information not readily displayed.
The development and continuous maintenance of running estimates drives the coordination among staff
sections and facilitates the development of plans, orders, and the supporting attachments. During planning,
assessment focuses on understanding the current conditions in the operational environment and developing
relevant COAs. During preparation and execution, assessment emphasizes evaluating progress toward the
desired end state, determining variances from expectations, and determining the significance (challenge or
opportunity) of those variances.

Generate
4-38. Throughout the operations process, the geospatial engineering effort is managed to generate the
geospatial information that the staff needs to accurately assess the situation. Multiple geospatial information
requirements are generated as a result of the ongoing staff synchronizations, requiring prioritization of effort
for geospatial engineering tasks. In support of simulations and modeling, geospatial data is generated to
reflect realistic scenarios and conditions based on the physical environment, which enables future planning
and allows for branch and sequel design.

Manage
4-39. In support of assessment, geospatial engineers continue to maintain and update geospatial databases.
They also manage the content, packaging, and provisioning of the SSGF.

Analyze
4-40. During assessment, geospatial engineering focuses on helping staffs maintain running estimates
through terrain analysis that highlights the impact of changes in the terrain due to natural and human
influences. For example, sudden changes in weather (such as heavy precipitation) may require that geospatial
information be rendered in certain low-lying areas that are vulnerable to flooding (such as wadis, low-water

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 Geospatial Support Integration

crossing areas, and other severely restricted terrain). When adjustments are necessary, geospatial engineering
facilitates the repositioning of friendly capabilities with terrain visualization products. Change detection can
be used to assess the progress or effects of events or activities that alter the terrain (friendly and threat activity,
natural disaster, civil-military construction projects, water level adjustments in reservoirs, agricultural
activities). This is particularly useful in areas where the security or political situation restricts a physical
presence by friendly forces.

Distribute
4-41. Geospatial engineers disseminate mission-relevant GD&I and visualization products to staff sections,
functional cells, subordinate units, and working groups to help the staff evaluate the current situation and the
progress of the operation. Geospatial engineers ensure the distribution of updates to maintain the integrity of
products to the units. Geospatial engineers maintain, update, and publish common map background data and
information in support of the COP.

Integration
4-42. As described in ADP 3-0, commanders use the warfighting functions to help exercise mission
command. Commanders also use integrating processes to synchronize operations throughout the operations
process. Geospatial engineering is applied across the warfighting functions through various integrating
processes as described in the following paragraphs. See figure 4-4.

Legend:
IPB intelligence preparation of the battlefield

Figure 4-4. Integration of geospatial engineering across the warfighting functions

INTELLIGENCE PREPARATION OF THE BATTLEFIELD

4-43. IPB is an integrating process and occurs during all operations process activities. As described in
ATP 2-01.3, IPB is a systematic, continuous process of analyzing and visualizing the operational
environment in a specific geographic area for a specific mission or in anticipation of a specific mission.
4-44. Although the S-2 or G-2 leads the IPB, it involves the entire staff and incorporates information from
each section area of expertise. The integration of geospatial engineering into the IPB requires a concerted
effort between the engineer and intelligence staffs and coordination and synchronization with higher, lower,
and adjacent units. Table 4-5, page 4-14, shows geospatial considerations in relation to the steps of the IPB
process.

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Chapter 4

Table 4-5. Geospatial engineering considerations in relation to the IPB steps

IPB Steps Geospatial Engineering Considerations
Define the operational environment. Identify gaps in the coverage and availability of
geospatial data and geospatial information for the AO
and the AOI.
Analyze the factors of the physical environment using
OAKOC in consideration of each warfighting function.
Describe the operational environment effects. Describe the terrain effects on threat and friendly
capabilities.
Evaluate the threat. Describe and show the terrain effects on threat
capabilities based on the threat mission or objectives.
Determine the threat COAs. Incorporate geospatial information and tactical
decision aids to eliminate improbable COAs.
Describe the effects of terrain on the military aspects
of threat COAs.
Create tactical decision aids that depict OAKOC
advantages with respect to critical aspects of possible
COAs.
Legend:
AO area of operations
COA course of action
IPB intelligence preparation of the battlefield
OAKOC observation and fields of fire, avenues of approach, key terrain, obstacles, and cover and
concealment

Define the Operational Environment

4-45. Defining the operational environment centers on identifying for further analysis those specific features
of the environment or the activities in the environment that may influence the available COAs or the
commander’s decisions. During this step, geospatial engineers identify gaps in the coverage and availability
of geospatial data and geospatial information for the AO and AOI. The geospatial intelligence cell and staff
work closely together to fill these gaps, to include—
 Providing input to the information collection plan.
 Submitting RFIs to higher headquarters.
 Using reachback to GPCs, national agencies, and other sources.

4-46. Geospatial engineers analyze the factors of the physical environment using OAKOC in consideration
with each of the warfighting functions. The results of this analysis are then described to the staff as part of
the next step.

Describe the Operational Environment Effects

4-47. This step involves analyzing the environment and describing its effects on threat and friendly
capabilities. Geospatial engineers evaluate the effects of terrain and weather on operations and then brief the
staff on the conclusions. The staff incorporates the results into its running estimates.

Evaluate the Threat

4-48. Threat capabilities are evaluated based on threat missions and objectives. For geospatial engineers, this
is a continuation and refinement of the ongoing terrain analysis aimed at helping the staff understand terrain
effects on threat capabilities. Geospatial engineers incorporate the results of information collection
operations, RFIs, and reachback into their analysis and disseminate geospatial information to further staff
analysis. In cyclic fashion, as the staff furthers its analysis, the level of detail required to fulfill the staff
additional geospatial information requirements increases as IPB progresses. Geospatial engineers continue
to use information collection operations, RFIs, and reachback to augment their analysis. As geospatial

4-14 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Geospatial Support Integration

information accumulates within the staffs at each echelon, the management of geospatial information and
knowledge about the terrain becomes increasingly important.

Determine the Threat Courses of Action

4-49. The intelligence staff, helped by the rest of the staff, determines threat COAs based on the analysis
performed during the previous steps. COAs are prioritized based on the likelihood of occurrence. Geospatial
engineers provide geospatial information and terrain products that help minimize the number of considered
COAs based on the effects of intervening terrain. Terrain suitability products help visualize the mobility,
suitability, and visibility aspects of terrain, which can quickly render COAs unfeasible. In prioritizing the
threat COAs, geospatial engineers determine if the terrain will support the COAs by assessing the terrain
effects against the COA evaluation criteria—for example, examining the terrain effects on the mobility and
rates of march for threat vehicles. Geospatial products that visually highlight those advantages and
disadvantages of the terrain for each COA enable decision making.

INFORMATION COLLECTION
4-50. Information collection contributes to the commander’s visualization and decision making.
Commanders continuously plan, task, and employ collection assets and forces. These assets and forces
collect, process, and disseminate timely and accurate information and intelligence to satisfy the commander’s
critical information requirements and other intelligence requirements. Information collection is continuous
and is used to improve situational awareness. See ADRP 2-0, ATP 2-01, FM 3-55, and JP 2-03 for more on
information collection.
4-51. Terrain analysis helps the intelligence staff employ collection assets for maximum effectiveness
without exposing those assets to unacceptable risks. Viewshed analysis can help in positioning LOS-based
information collection assets. Evaluating the cover and concealment provided by natural and man-made
terrain can help in determining which routes offer the best survivability based on the protection needs of the
information collection asset.
4-52. The staff collectively determines information requirements during the IPB to focus information
collection to support the mission. In a cooperative effort between the intelligence and engineer staffs,
information requirements are analyzed to determine which ones can be fulfilled through geospatial
engineering, to include reachback through appropriate channels to GPCs and national level assets (NGA,
AGC).

TARGETING
4-53. Targeting is an integral part of Army operations in which targets are selected and prioritized and, while
considering operational capabilities to achieve the commander’s desired effects, appropriate responses are
matched. The targeting working group uses targeting to synchronize the effects of fires, including
information-related capabilities, with the capabilities of other warfighting functions. Geospatial engineering
supports targeting with high-precision, high-resolution GD&I (such as the Digital Point Positioning
Database). The full potential of geospatial engineering in support of targeting is best realized through the
integration of geospatial engineers within geospatial intelligence cells. Geospatial engineers have the ability
to bring precision terrain analysis support that is otherwise absent from other staff activities to electronic
target folders. The electronic target folders provide the means to visualize the target and understand the
complexity of mobility, suitability, and visibility aspects that also impact targeting.
4-54. Army tactical targeting methodology is based on the following four functions:
 Decide.
 Detect.
 Deliver.
 Assess.

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 4-15

Chapter 4

4-55. Like other integrating processes, targeting is cyclical and occurs continuously throughout an operation.
Its steps mirror those of the operations process—plan, prepare, execute, and assess. Targeting occurs
throughout the operations process and MDMP and continues after the order is published, validating previous
decide, detect, deliver, and assess decisions while planning for future decisions. Table 4-6 shows the four
targeting functions, the associated targeting tasks, and the geospatial engineering considerations within them.
See ADRP 5-0 and ATP 3-60 for additional information on targeting.
Table 4-6. Geospatial engineering considerations in relation to the targeting functions
Targeting Process Geospatial Engineering
Targeting Task
Function Considerations
Decide • Perform a target value analysis to • Integrate mobility, suitability, and
develop HVTs. visibility products to help template
• Provide fire support and input to targets and identify potential EAs.
targeting guidance and targeting • Calculate movement rates in support
objectives. of establishing decision points,
• Designate potential HPTs. timelines, and triggers.
• Deconflict and coordinate potential • Assist in determining building and
HPTs. structure composition and location
• Develop the HPTL. and defining characteristics and the
• Develop the AGM. surrounding area. Identify sensitive
• Determine the measure of areas and locations (schools, key
performance and measure of infrastructure, culturally significant
effectiveness for BDA requirements. sites, religious institutions, hospitals)
to avoid collateral damage and
• Submit IRs and RFIs to the S-2 or subsequent host nation backlash.
G-2.
Detect • Execute the information collection • Perform LOS/viewshed analysis to
plan. help position LOS-based target
• Update PIRs and IRs as they are acquisition assets.
answered. • Help update the HPTL based on new
• Update the HPTL and AGM. geospatial information or
assessments of changes in the terrain
due to natural or human influence.
Deliver • Integrate capabilities across all • Ensure that the latest and current
warfighting functions matching the version of the SSGF is being used,
appropriate response. and support the fires cell with
appropriate GD&I (Digital Point
Positioning Database) to meet target
execution.
Assess • Assess task accomplishment (as • Work with a geospatial intelligence
determined by the measure of imagery analyst (in the geospatial
performance). intelligence cell) in performing change
• Assess effects (as determined by the detection to assess the effects
measure of effectiveness). achieved by attacks on buildings,
• Monitor targets engaged with facilities, and other structures.
information-related activities.
Legend:
AGM attack guidance matrix HVT high-value target
BDA battle damage assessment IR information requirement
EA engagement area LOS line of sight
G-2 assistant chief of staff, intelligence PIR priority intelligence requirement
GD&I geospatial data and information RFI request for information
HPT high-payoff target S-2 intelligence staff officer
HPTL high-payoff target list SSGF Standard and Shareable
Geospatial Foundation

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 Geospatial Support Integration

Decide
4-56. The decide function is cyclic and occurs throughout the operations process based on the unit battle
rhythm. As part of IPB, the S-2/G-2 adjusts threat models based on the effects of terrain and weather to create
situational templates that portray possible threat COAs. The S-2/G-2, S-3/G-3, fire support coordinator, and
other members of the staff collaborate and conduct target value analysis for each threat COA to identify
potential high-value targets. The completed threat model identifies high-payoff targets, and the situation
template predicts the location. Geospatial engineering combines the terrain analysis conducted during IPB
with the staff analysis of the critical threat functions in each COA and the required capabilities (assets)
associated with each function. The staff determines which assets are likely to be of value based on the threat
mission and objectives and the effects of terrain. For example, in a threat-offensive COA, the prominence of
linear obstacles in an operational environment could indicate value in threat obstacle-breaching and gap-
crossing assets. The further analysis of gap characteristics (width, bank height) can reveal possible crossing
sites and, when considered in the overall threat COA, can help the S-2/G-2 template the employment location
of threat gap-crossing assets.

Detect
4-57. The detect function involves locating high-payoff targets accurately enough to engage them and
depends on the results of the information collection effort. Characteristics and signatures of the relevant
targets are determined and compared to potential engagement system requirements to establish specific
sensor requirements. Information needed for target detection is expressed as a priority intelligence
requirement. As collection assets gather information, the findings are reported to the commander. Detection
plans, priorities, and allocations change during execution based on the mission variables. The terrain analysis
conducted during the decide function is applied within the detect function to help template the location of
high-payoff targets and predict the location of employment (based on terrain) to help focus target acquisition
assets. For example, artillery slope tint products can help template threat artillery positions based on slope
restrictions.

Deliver
4-58. The deliver function is the execution of capabilities against targets. Geospatial engineers have access
to high-precision, high-resolution imagery, adding more capabilities to increase the location accuracy of
targets. Geospatial engineers integrate the results of terrain analysis to aid in the selection of the appropriate
response to targets.

Assess
4-59. The assess function occurs throughout the operations process, but it is most intense during execution.
Battle damage assessment is the timely and accurate estimate of damage resulting from attacks on targets.
As part of the geospatial intelligence cell, geospatial engineers support the change detection used to assess
effects on facilities and structures.

TARGETING WORKING GROUP

4-60. During execution, the targeting working group continually assesses the current situation, prepares
update briefings for the commander, and looks toward the future. The working group provides a forum for
extending the planning conducted during the MDMP throughout the operation, allowing the targeting
working group to reconsider decisions made and modify or initiate actions to implement those decisions. The
targeting working group is an important event in the battle rhythm. It recommends the use of unit combat
power and resources toward detecting, engaging, and assessing high-payoff targets. The integration of
geospatial engineering in targeting working groups can help to—
 Update the high-payoff-target list based on new geospatial information or an assessment of
changes in the terrain due to natural or human influence.
 Position or shift LOS-based target acquisition assets based on terrain restrictions.

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 4-17

Chapter 4

 Determine the suitability of lethal and nonlethal delivery systems based on the natural and man-
made terrain.
 Determine effects and battle damage assessment based on change detection of imagery.
4-61. The keys to successful targeting working groups are preparation and focus. Each representative must
come to the meeting prepared to discuss available assets, capabilities, and limitations related to his or her
staff area. Much of this preparation requires time-consuming, detailed planning and coordination with other
staff sections well in advance. Before the targeting working group, the engineer staff officer, the geospatial
engineer technician, and the S-2/G-2 work to—
 Gather available geospatial information pertaining to potential high-payoff-target nominations and
employment location, based on the terrain.
 Provide geospatial information that could impact the means of delivery, munitions used, or
placement of systems to reinforce existing natural and man-made obstacles.
 Make recommendations for air tasking order nominations (normally based on a 72-hour cycle) for
the employment of fixed-wing imagery assets.
 Provide updates on the terrain effects based on changes in the terrain due to natural or human
influence or the acquisition of new geospatial information resulting from refined terrain analysis,
surveillance and reconnaissance collection, RFIs, and reachback.
 Provide geospatial information and geospatial products pertaining to the restricted target, no-
strike, and sensitive-site list.

OTHER INTEGRATING PROCESSES

4-62. Geospatial engineers provide support to other integrating processes. They provide the foundation to
put staff running estimates into context in terms of location, and they develop and disseminate tactical
decision aids based on geographically referenced phenomena. With respect to risk management, geospatial
engineers possess the ability to view, interpret, and display data as a product, service, or 3D globe to
determine patterns, relationships, and trends to support mission requirements.
4-63. Risk management is an integrating process that occurs throughout the operations process. Risk
management is the process of identifying, assessing, and controlling hazards (risks) that arise from
operational factors and then balancing those risks with mission benefits (see ATP 5-19). Risk management
helps to preserve the force and is integrated primarily through the MDMP during planning and through
protection working groups throughout the rest of the operations process. Table 4-7 shows geospatial
engineering considerations for each step of the risk management process.
Table 4-7. Geospatial engineering considerations in relation to the risk management steps
Risk Management Steps Geospatial Engineering Considerations
1. Identify hazards. Analyze and describe to the staff those hazards
associated with the physical environment.
2. Assess hazards to determine risks. Assign risk to each hazard in terms of probability and
severity.
3. Develop controls and make risk decisions. Determine how cover and concealment can be used
to effectively enhance survivability.
4. Implement controls. Provide appropriate input into mission orders,
briefings, running estimates, and standard operating
procedures as necessary.
5. Supervise and evaluate. Assess the effectiveness of geospatial engineering
applied throughout the risk management process and
provide feedback to leaders.

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 Geospatial Support Integration

4-64. During mission analysis, the focus is on performing the first two steps. Hazards are identified using
mission variables as a standard format. Geospatial engineering focuses on helping the staff to visualize and
assess those hazards associated with the physical environment. Risk is assigned to each hazard in terms of
probability and severity.
4-65. The develop controls and make risk decisions step is accomplished during COA development, analysis,
comparison, and approval. Geospatial engineering can aid planners in determining the effectiveness of cover
and concealment provided by natural and man-made features along movement routes and in static positions.
Controls are implemented through mission orders and standard operating procedures. Geospatial engineers
can create special-purpose maps and visualization products (such as image maps with annotations) to help
leaders communicate their instructions. The supervise and evaluate step is conducted continuously
throughout the operations process.

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 4-19

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 Appendix A
Metric Conversion Chart
This appendix complies with AR 25-30, which states that weights, distances,
quantities, and measurements contained in Army publications will be expressed in both
U.S. standard and metric units. Table A-1 is a metric conversion chart for the
measurements used in this manual. For a complete list of preferred metric units for
general use, see Federal Standard 376B.
Table A-1. Metric conversion chart
U.S. Units Multiplied By Equals Metric Units
Feet 0.3048 Meters
Inches 0.0254 Meters
Metric Units Multiplied By Equals U.S. Units
Meters 3.2808 Feet
Meters 39.3700 Inches
Legend:
U.S. United States

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 Appendix B
Geospatial Products
Geospatial products are visual representations of relevant information pertaining to the
terrain effects derived from terrain analysis. Geospatial products contain information
about the physical environment that can be easily understood by commanders to help
them better understand the operational environment and enable decision making. This
appendix provides an overview of the standard geospatial products provided by
national agencies and the tailored products generated by geospatial engineers.

STANDARD GEOSPATIAL PRODUCTS

B-1. The production of standard products (paper and digital maps) is overseen or completed by the NGA
and the U.S. Geological Survey. Scanned maps are paper maps that have been scanned into a computer file
and georectified. Two types of scanned maps are produced by NGA: arc-digitized raster graphics and
compressed arc-digitized raster graphics. The AGC also publishes NGA maps in geospatial portable
document format.

JOINT OPERATIONAL GRAPHIC (AIR)

B-2. Joint operational graphic (air) charts are medium-scale maps designed for aeronautical use (see figure
B-1). The joint operational graphic (air) displays topographic data (relief, drainage, vegetation, populated
areas) and includes an aeronautical overprint depicting vertical obstructions, aerodromes, special-use
airspace, navigational aids, and related data. Joint operational graphic (air) maps support tactical and other
air activities, including low-altitude visual navigation.

Figure B-1. Example of a joint operational graphic (air) map (1:250,000)

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 B-1

Appendix B

TOPOGRAPHIC LINE MAP

B-3. Topographic line map coverage is not currently available for the entire world. Requirements for the
NGA production of topographic line maps are based on theater commander requirements.
B-4. A 1:50,000-scale topographic line map is the standard map used for dismounted tactical planning and
operations (see figure B-2). A 1:100,000-scale map is more commonly used for mounted planning and
operations and is better suited in areas with less significant terrain features and when movement can be
conducted rapidly across the area.

Figure B-2. Example of a topographic line map (1:50,000)

CITY GRAPHIC MAP

B-5. The scales of city graphic maps generally range from 1:10,000 to 1:35,000, depending on the size of
the city. This large-scale product is used for planning and conducting ground combat operations in urban
areas. It depicts street names; traffic networks; port facilities; airfields; individual buildings; military,
industrial, and governmental complexes; hospitals; schools; places of worship; and other key features.

TAILORED PRODUCTS
B-6. Geospatial engineers create tailored products that combine or integrate raster, vector, and text
information (see table B-1). The following are examples of products that geospatial engineers can tailor to
support mission planning, preparation, execution, and assessment. These products are generated digitally and
consist of base imagery or a map or elevation background with various layers placed on top. These digital
overlays have database tables associated with each component that allows them to be queried, analyzed, and
displayed to create the desired end product. Because they are digital overlay files, they can be displayed in
any number of mission command systems.

B-2 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Geospatial Products

Table B-1. Examples of tailored geospatial products

Geospatial Product Primary Uses
Identifies mobility corridors and friendly and threat AAs and
Cross-country mobility
EAs.
Portrays linear obstacles that impede mobility.
Linear obstacle Combines with cross-country mobility to create a combined
obstacle overlay.
Identifies mobility corridors and friendly and threat AAs and
Combined obstacle overlay
EAs.
Shows mobility corridors by combining cross-country mobility,
Mobility corridors
transportation, and linear obstacle overlays.
Identifies available road and transportation networks in an
LOC
operational area or AO.
Shows the operational impacts of water features in an
Hydrology analysis
operational area or AO.
Locates possible drop zones in an operational area or AO to
Drop zones
support airborne operations.
Locates possible landing zones in an operational area or AO
Helicopter landing zones
to support air assault operations.
Determines the suitability of an area (cover and concealment,
Vegetation analysis mobility restrictions) based on the effects of the vegetation in
an operational area or AO.
Soil trafficability Shows the effects of soil on trafficability.
Locates defensible terrain in an operational area or AO.
Field of fire
Identifies possible EAs and position fighting systems.
Artillery slope tint Templates threat artillery assets based on slope restrictions.
Shows areas or routes that offer concealment from overhead
Aerial concealment
detection.
Depicts areas based on types of soil that constitute its surface.
Surface material Provides information on trafficability, construction projects,
and survivability (dig/slow-dig overlays).
Shows areas that contain certain types of materials to support
Construction resources
construction planning.
Highlights variations in elevation and slope in an operational
Shaded relief
area or AO.
Shows areas of direct observation from a given point that can
Viewshed analysis
help position LOS-based systems.
Provides 3D terrain visualization from an observer’s point of
Perspective view
view.
Provides 3D terrain visualization of an area as seen from the
Fly-through
point of view of a pilot, vehicle driver, or dismounted Soldier.
Displays key aspects of urban terrain to facilitate operating in
Urban Tactical Planner™
an urban environment.
Downloadable, unclassified, high-resolution, two-dimensional
BuckEye
and 3D imagery.
Legend:
AA avenue of approach LOC line of communication
AO area of operations LOS line of sight
EA engagement area

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 B-3

Appendix B

CROSS-COUNTRY MOBILITY
B-7. The cross-country mobility product demonstrates the off-road speed for a vehicle as determined by the
terrain (soil, slope, and vegetation) and vehicle performance capabilities; however, it does not consider the
effects of roads and obstacles (see figure B-3). Cross-country mobility is used to help identify avenues of
approach and engagement areas.

Legend:
DTED digital terrain elevation data

Figure B-3. Example of a product showing cross-country mobility

B-4 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Geospatial Products

LINEAR OBSTACLE
B-8. The linear obstacle overlay portrays linear natural or man-made terrain features (escarpments,
embankments, road cuts and fills, depressions, fences, walls, hedgerows, pipelines, bluffs, moats) that pose
obstacles (see figure B-4). This information can be combined with a cross-country mobility product to create
a combined obstacle overlay.

Legend:
DTED digital terrain elevation data

Figure B-4. Example of a product showing linear obstacles

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 B-5

Appendix B

COMBINED OBSTACLE OVERLAY

B-9. The combined obstacle overlay provides a basis for identifying ground avenues of approach and
mobility corridors (see figure B-5). Unlike the cross-country mobility overlay, the combined obstacle overlay
integrates obstacles to vehicular movement (built-up areas, slope, soils, vegetation, hydrology) into one
overlay. The overlay depicts areas that impede movement (severely restricted and restricted areas) and areas
where friendly and threat forces can move unimpeded (unrestricted areas).

Legend:
DTED digital terrain elevation data

Figure B-5. Example of combined obstacle overlay linear obstacles

B-6 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Geospatial Products

MOBILITY CORRIDORS
B-10. The mobility corridor product is a combination of cross-country mobility, transportation, and linear
obstacle overlays to show mobility corridors that are based on the restrictiveness of the terrain, vehicle
capabilities, and preferred movement formations (see figure B-6). This product is used to identify avenues of
approach, plan the size/echelon that support movements, and develop engagement areas.

Legend:
DTED digital terrain elevation data

Figure B-6. Example of a product showing mobility corridors

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 B-7

Appendix B

LINES OF COMMUNICATION
B-11. The lines-of-communication overlay shows routes into an operational area, to include dual highways,
all-weather hard and loose surface roads, footpaths, airfields, railroads, bridges, ferries, docks, and other
man-made features that are used for transporting people, goods, and equipment. See figure B-7.

Legend:
DTED digital terrain elevation data

Figure B-7. Example of a product showing lines of communication

B-8 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Geospatial Products

HYDROLOGY ANALYSIS
B-12. Hydrology overlays identify drainage features by size and location (see figure B-8). Where interim
terrain data and vector interim terrain data (or other detailed vector data) exist, geospatial engineers can
provide a wide variety of detail about drainage features (widths, depths, water velocity, bank heights,
vegetation along banks, bottom materials). The data can also provide a flood analysis simulation of tidal
fluctuations (dam collapse) over a given time period. These overlays may be used to evaluate friendly and
threat COAs and highlight conditions that can impose a major operational or logistical concern.

Legend:
DTED digital terrain elevation data

Figure B-8. Example of a hydrology overlay

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 B-9

Appendix B

DROP ZONES
B-13. This drop zone product helps planners quickly template possible drop zones in support of airborne
operations (see figure B-9). Drop zone overlays use slope (less than 10 percent slope for personnel and less
than 30 percent slope for equipment) as the limiting factor. In addition to slope, cover and concealment,
accessibility (entry and exit routes), and vertical and linear obstacles must also be considered.

Legend:
DTED digital terrain elevation data

Figure B-9. Example of a product showing potential drop zones

B-10 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Geospatial Products

HELICOPTER LANDING ZONES

B-14. The helicopter landing zone product helps planners quickly template possible landing zones in support
of air assault operations. Helicopter landing zone overlays depict suitable open areas (free of vertical and
linear obstacles) that have less than a 15 percent slope (see figure B-10). Soil conditions should also be
evaluated to avoid areas that may contribute to brown-out conditions for pilots.

Legend:
DTED digital terrain elevation data

Figure B-10. Example of a helicopter landing zone product

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 B-11

Appendix B

VEGETATION ANALYSIS
B-15. The vegetation analysis product shows the effects of vegetation in an operational area based on the tree
types (coniferous, deciduous, or mixed), tree heights, stem diameter, stem spacing, and canopy closures (see
figure B-11). It also reflects information about cultivated areas (crop types, wet or dry conditions) and
whether the area is terraced or not. This product is used to create more complex products such as cross-
country mobility, combined obstacle overlay, and zone of entry products. It helps planners to determine the
suitability of an area based primarily on the availability of cover and concealment and restrictions to mobility.

Legend:
DTED digital terrain elevation data

Figure B-11. Example of a product showing the effects of vegetation

B-12 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Geospatial Products

SOIL TRAFFICABILITY
B-16. This product shows the effects of soil on trafficability, usually based on the type of soil and its moisture
content (see figure B-12). Fine-grained soil (such as silt and clay) and highly organic soils (referred to as
peat) severely restrict or prohibit movement, while dry and compact soils are more trafficable.

Figure B-12. Example of a product showing the effects of soil on trafficability

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 B-13

Appendix B

FIELD OF FIRE
B-17. A field-of-fire product shows the area that can be effectively covered from a specific position based
on LOS and weapon capabilities (see figure B-13). This product is used to locate defensible terrain, identify
potential engagement areas, and position fighting systems to allow mutually supporting fires. It can also
reveal where maneuvering forces are more vulnerable to ambush.

Legend:
DTED digital terrain elevation data

Figure B-13. Example of a product showing fields of fire

B-14 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Geospatial Products

ARTILLERY SLOPE TINT

B-18. The artillery slope tint product depicts areas of interest for artillery assets where slope is the primary
limiting factor (see figure B-14). Areas with a slope from 0 to 7 percent are considered suitable for artillery
firing positions, while a slope of 8 to 12 percent is considered marginal. This product helps template threat
artillery assets by narrowing the likely areas for firing positions based on slope restrictions.

Legend:
DTED digital terrain elevation data

Figure B-14. Example of a product showing artillery slope tint

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 B-15

Appendix B

AERIAL CONCEALMENT
B-19. The aerial concealment overlay shows the most suitable areas to conceal a force from overhead
detection based on the analysis of woods, underbrush, tall grass, and cultivated vegetation (see figure
B-15). This product is predicated on canopy closure information within the vegetation layer. It is particularly
useful in templating areas where threat forces may be operating. It can also help friendly forces identify
concealed movement routes and staging areas.

Legend:
DTED digital terrain elevation data

Figure B-15. Example of a product showing aerial concealment

B-16 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Geospatial Products

SURFACE MATERIAL
B-20. The surface material overlay shows a contrast based on the predominant type of soil that constitutes
the surface area (see figure B-16). This information is useful in determining the trafficability of an area,
assessing the ease of excavating fighting positions, and planning construction projects that are better suited
on certain types of soil.

Legend:
DTED digital terrain elevation data

Figure B-16. Example of a surface material overlay

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 B-17

Appendix B

CONSTRUCTION RESOURCES
B-21. The construction resources product shows the natural resources of an area (see figure B-17). This
product can help engineers plan major construction projects (roads, base camps) that are benefited by having
close access to certain types of construction materials that can be made readily available through quarrying.

Legend:
DTED digital terrain elevation data

Figure B-17. Example of a product showing construction resources

B-18 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Geospatial Products

SHADED RELIEF
B-22. A shaded-relief image depicts relief of an area by mimicking shadows of the sun to highlight variations
in elevation and slope (see figure B-18). This product can be depicted in grayscale or a single/multicolor
ramp or used as the foundation for other products to enhance appearance.

Legend:
DTED digital terrain elevation data

Figure B-18. Example of a shaded-relief image

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 B-19

Appendix B

VIEWSHED ANALYSIS
B-23. A viewshed analysis, often misnamed LOS profiles, shows an area of observation that is possible from
a 360° perspective based on elevation (see figure B-19). Viewshed or LOS analysis is used in templating
threat positions, positioning friendly capabilities (such as LOS-based communications and observation
platforms), and developing engagement areas. The accuracy of this analysis is directly proportional to the
level of resolution of existing elevation data. This is not to be confused with direct observation, another form
of LOS analysis, which is the visibility from one single point to another single point.

Legend:
DTED digital terrain elevation data

Figure B-19. Example of a viewshed analysis

B-20 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Geospatial Products

PERSPECTIVE VIEW
B-24. The perspective view product is a 3D depiction of an area from an observer point of view that is
produced by combining imagery layers with elevation data (see figure B-20). The display can include roads,
rivers, operational graphics, text to enhance the terrain visualization, and anything typically displayed on a
two-dimensional map.

Legend:
DTED digital terrain elevation data

Figure B-20. Example of a perspective view

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 B-21

Appendix B

FLY-THROUGH
B-25. The fly-through product is a computer-generated view of an area along a specified line of travel at a
specified altitude and angle as viewed from inside a vehicle or by dismounted Soldiers (see figure B-21). The
display can include roads, rivers, operational graphics, and text to enhance the terrain visualization.

Figure B-21. Example of a fly-through

B-22 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Geospatial Products

URBAN TACTICAL PLANNER

B-26. The Urban Tactical Planner is a data set that can be viewed as two- or three-dimensional (see
figure B-22). It consists of imagery, maps, elevation data, and urban vector overlays. It displays key aspects
of the urban area in thematic layers that are overlain on high-resolution imagery or maps. The Urban Tactical
Planner provides an overview of the urban terrain in the form of maps, imagery, elevation data, perspective
views, handheld photography, video clips, and building information. The Urban Tactical Planner is produced
by the AGC; however, GETs have the capability of incorporating new data and imagery into the Urban
Tactical Planner, and it can be exported to CD for use by nongeospatial engineers.

Figure B-22. Example of an Urban Tactical Planner product

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 B-23

Appendix B

BUCKEYE
B-27. The BuckEye capability uses aerial geospatial sensors to collect unclassified, geospatially accurate
color imagery and high-resolution elevation data to support the ground warfighter. Light detection and
ranging sensors provide 1-meter post spacing elevation data, and mapping cameras provide 5- to
10-centimeter resolution color imagery. Color imagery collected from the mapping camera undergoes
radiometric balancing and is orthorectified using BuckEye elevation data to build contiguous image maps
across areas of interest (see figure B-23). Under the Wide Area Mapping Initiative, this will evolve into a
program of record by 2020.

Figure B-23. BuckEye

B-24 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Appendix C
Geospatial Data Management
The Army capitalizes on the information-sharing capabilities enabled by mission
command systems to facilitate decision making. To be effective, mission command
systems rely on access to current, accurate, and common geospatial data that resides in
shared, distributed geospatial databases to form the foundation of the COP. The unique
nature of geospatial data—the size and diversity—presents management challenges.
Geospatial data differs from other data in that it contains structured data (location,
shape, and orientation) about objects in relation to the surface of the earth—making
the data extremely large and cumbersome. Geospatial data also originates from various
sensors, national resources, intelligence assets, host nation resources, and
reconnaissance forces in a variety of formats that increase the potential for
inconsistencies. Geospatial engineers are charged with managing this data through an
enterprise geospatial database that aims to allow multiple applications to
simultaneously use the same geospatial data for different purposes at different
echelons. This appendix discusses those requirements and provides considerations for
effectively managing geospatial databases in support of unified land operations.

DIGITAL GEOSPATIAL DATA

C-1. Geospatial data is disseminated to the computing environment as rapidly as possible, while security is
ensured and integrity is retained. Figure C-1, page C-2, shows how geospatial engineers integrate within the
DCGS-A architecture based on the migration of DTSS into DCGS-A.
C-2. The two types of services (product and discovery) are enabled through metadata (data about data) that
resides on a metadata catalog. This requires data or products that are posted on a server to be accompanied
by appropriate metadata, which allows users to search for products or data and obtain services. Metadata
allows discovery services in two ways. The first is a simple search feature that allows users to search key
phrases, dates, areas of interest, names, and product and data types. The second allows geospatial engineers
and other analysts to set an alert that is triggered when a product or data that meets the predefined query is
posted on the network. This allows data, once posted, to find the analyst.
C-3. These product and discovery services provide the staff with faster access to geospatial products. Some
of the more common geospatial products (LOS, cross-country mobility, helicopter landing zones) can be
provided through Web services in which a customer accesses the Web using a thin-client approach to submit
product requests. With certain situations, customers create their products by entering a few key parameters.
C-4. Orchestrating this effort begins with an understanding of the desired end state based on user
requirements. This includes requirements for geospatial data storage, manipulation (the ability to process
updates), and multidimensional displays. Geospatial engineers determine what data sets are being developed
by national agencies and how they will be distributed to users, including the dissemination of geospatial
information generated by theater level geospatial capabilities and the reverse flow of enhanced geospatial
data that will update Army databases.

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 C-1

Appendix C

Legend:
ABCS Army Battle Command System IPL imagery product library
CMT collection management mgr manager
DIB distributed, integrated backbone MTI moving-target indicator
EGD enterprise geospatial database WS workstation

Figure C-1. Geospatial data flow and fusion in Distributed Common Ground System–Army
C-5. The digital terrain data framework will be implemented in stages, varying in resolution and area
coverage. The framework consists of—
 NGA data.
 TGD.
 Field-collected and -generated data.

NATIONAL GEOSPATIAL-INTELLIGENCE AGENCY DATA

C-6. The NGA provides the data that forms the foundation terrain data sets initially used by all units before
deployment. Based on preexisting data prepared from national sources for dissemination to all military users,
the data consists of elevation, feature, and imagery data and is typically incomplete, out of date or, in many
cases, nonexistent. NGA provides the data electronically through the Nonsecure Internet Protocol Router
Network, Secret Internet Protocol Router Network, and Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications
System gateways and in hardcopy through the Defense Logistics Agency and the Army supply system.

C-2 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Geospatial Data Management

THEATER GEOSPATIAL DATABASE

C-7. NGA data forms the foundation of the TGD that each GPC manages for its assigned theater of
operations. As the central authority for geospatial data in the theater, the GPC ensures the distribution of
geospatial data to geospatial units at each echelon. The GPC also collects enriched data from those units;
evaluates, corrects, updates, and incorporates it into the TGD; and provides updated data to the NGA for
inclusion in its national geospatial databases.

FIELD-COLLECTED AND -GENERATED DATA

C-8. Field-collected and -generated data updates the geospatial databases residing at the Army level down
to the BCT. The generation of enriched data relies on top-down and bottom-up feeds. While top-down feeds
can result from multiple sources, bottom-up feeds primarily rely on the result of information collection
activities. An information collection capability is any human or automated sensor, asset, or processing,
exploitation, and dissemination system directed to collect information that enables better decision making,
expands the understanding of the operational environment, and supports warfighting functions in decisive
action.
C-9. Data that is retrieved from tactical units is normally provided to the tactical operations center through
digital and voice reports or imagery. Issues regarding the validity of the data are normally addressed by the
senior geospatial engineer, while concerns about the quality of the data rest with the intelligence staff. After
issues pertaining to data validity or quality are resolved, the database manager updates the unit master
database according to the established operating procedures and passes the updated data to the GET at higher
headquarters for further incorporation and dissemination to other units. The enrichment data provided by
subordinate units is consolidated and organized to enable an enterprise geospatial database at that echelon.
For example, reports from the BCT to the division showing individual minefields are consolidated with
terrain data. The information is then presented on a combined obstacle overlay that shows a more
comprehensive picture of the mobility restrictions in the division AO.

ENTERPRISE GEOSPATIAL DATABASE DEVELOPMENT

C-10. Geospatial database development and maintenance is a continuous process and a shared responsibility
by geospatial engineers at each echelon down to the BCT. The data management sections in the GPCs are
responsible for the development and maintenance of the TGD and help geospatial intelligence cells and GETs
acquire data and build the respective databases. Figure C-2, page C-4, shows the primary functions and
supporting tasks that are performed by the GPC in managing the TGD in relation to the major functions of
geospatial engineering.
C-11. Most geospatial database development occurs in anticipation of future operations. In cooperation with
higher headquarters, geospatial engineers monitor the status of geospatial data covering the AO. This data is
normally provided to the GPC by the NGA, the AGC, and other national sources. Geospatial engineers use
the available geospatial data to develop initial databases that serve as basic references for geospatial
information production in support of the operational commander’s planning requirements. In preparation for
deployment, geospatial engineer units acquire and load geospatial data provided by the GPC into primary
and secondary servers that contain the master databases. Once deployed, the GET manages the map file
server and maintains the supported unit geospatial data and terrain products. This includes the digital maps
and Web map services used by the unit mission command system, which enable mission command system
operators to evaluate the terrain using the embedded mapping toolkit. Deployed geospatial engineer units
maintain configuration management control over the digital geospatial data.
C-12. Following deployment, field-collected and -generated data is gathered using the means available to
facilitate the creation of geospatial products in support of IPB and other integrating processes. Close
coordination and working interfaces with the intelligence staff ensure the acquisition of imagery data through
national imagery and other intelligence data sources early in the operation.

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 C-3

Appendix C

Legend:
CDROM compact disc read-only memory
DEM digital elevation model
DVD digital video disc
GI&S geospatial intelligence and services
IPB intelligence preparation of the battlefield
QA quality assurance
QC quality control

Figure C-2. Primary functions of the GPC in managing the TGD

C-13. Distributing in-theater updates and data feeds to echelons below BCT is a challenging aspect of
geospatial data dissemination. This involves moving data between dispersed and possibly engaged forces and
the nearest geospatial engineer element. The GET that is organic to the BCT establishes and manages the
enterprise geospatial database. Updates to this initial database are disseminated through established tactical
networks or removable media devices as prescribed in mission orders or standard operating procedures. These
updates typically require less memory than the full enterprise geospatial database since the mission command
system is normally provided with an initial load before deployment. Tactical updates and feedback resulting
from operations at the lower tactical levels are submitted to higher headquarters using the method specified
for disseminating products, but in reverse. The provision of tactical updates and feedback is critical in
establishing the most accurate geospatial data for other users.
C-14. The geospatial engineer elements at each echelon, in cooperation with the respective S-2/G-2, work to
develop and rehearse procedures for producing and disseminating geospatial information. Enabling this
interoperability down to the lowest tactical level helps ensure that terrain products and analytical data are
rapidly disseminated to the appropriate data users.
C-15. The engineer staff officer, S-2/G-2, S-3/G-3, geospatial engineers, and geospatial intelligence imagery
analysts in the geospatial intelligence cell work during the planning phase to fulfill geospatial information
requirements through information collection, RFIs, and reachback, as appropriate. The GET identifies
geospatial data requirements and develops geospatial databases using the requirements cited by the
operational commander and subordinate commanders, which are prioritized by the senior geospatial engineer
in coordination with the S-2/G-2. These databases may also contain other information as deemed appropriate
by the senior geospatial engineer.
C-16. The enterprise geospatial database requirements are established at the highest deployed echelon or the
GPC to ensure database integrity. The mission command systems use a mapping toolkit and Web mapping
service. Based on digital terrain data, Soldiers can evaluate the operational area or a specific AO, develop a
limited set of tactical decision aids, and provide an accurate digital display of the digital terrain data.

C-4 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Geospatial Data Management

C-17. Geospatial data is exchanged among the GPCs, geospatial intelligence cells, and geospatial
engineering teams at the various echelons using communication networks. The senior geospatial engineer at
each echelon is responsible for establishing and standardizing the procedures for populating the database at
that echelon. Newly generated or obtained geospatial data is checked, validated, and cataloged using uniform
naming conventions to facilitate the use of the database. This provides other users with efficient access to the
geospatial database residing on the unit servers.
C-18. When operating in a multinational environment, the geospatial engineer team must work closely with
the engineer staff officer and S-2/G-2 to develop procedures for disseminating geospatial information updates
to those mission partners without access to digital systems to ensure data integrity throughout the command.
C-19. A database management system controls the organization, storage, and retrieval of data. The database
management system embedded in the DTSS and DCGS-A helps the geospatial engineer manage geospatial
data. The database management system automatically correlates data from various sources, enabling the
analyst to manipulate the data to create and disseminate new or updated geospatial products. The database
management system also facilitates the exchange or addition of new categories of data (digital maps,
overlays) without major disruptions to ongoing work.
C-20. The GPC is a critical node in the overall geospatial enterprise architecture. Each GPC is responsible
for data generation and quality control of data in its operational area. This provides a single point of
responsibility, increases the confidence level of geospatial data within a theater, and prevents the duplication
of effort that can result in multiple, conflicting data sets. The desired end state is to have every GPC TGD
mirrored at a central location (such as the AGC) for Army-wide access and to have that data accepted and
included in the NGA national database.
C-21. GPCs must coordinate with each other and develop coproduction agreements to reduce the duplication
of effort and facilitate the management of geospatial data generation and collection activities in their
respective operational areas. Each GPC usually maintains only data that is required for its operational area;
a TGD does not need to mirror every other TGD. In special situations where a GPC may need to access data
residing in another GPC operational area, it can subscribe to updates based on metadata. If a GPC enters into
a coproduction agreement with another TGD, the validation and acceptance of data belongs with the TGD
responsible for that theater.
C-22. The GPC may be augmented with NGA geospatial analysts, cartographic analysts, and data stewards
to enhance its ability to manage the TGD and ensure the quality of data generated by the GPC and
subordinates in meeting national mapping accuracy standards for subsequent inclusion and redistribution in
the NGA national and regional databases.
C-23. The geospatial data within an area must be cross-referenced to ensure accuracy and to ensure that the
geospatial data provides the same terrain information through varying levels of scale. Geospatial engineers
compare scales and metadata associated with the data to identify inconsistencies and modify the appropriate
levels as needed. Any changes to verified NGA data (vector map, feature foundation data) are reported to
NGA and to the other GPCs to ensure database consistency.
C-24. TGD features are stored in a geospatial database and organized by the four levels of resolution or scales
(see figure C-3, page C-6). The following four levels can be utilized by any echelon of command:
 Global level. Generally equivalent to the 1:1,000,000 scale and has features that are associated
with standard NGA maps at this scale (such as NGA vector map Level 0).
 Regional level. Generally equivalent to the 1:250,000–1:500,000 scale. Newly extracted data
must adhere to NGA cartographic standards at this map scale (such as an NGA vector map Level
1, feature foundation data, and planning interim terrain data).
 Local level. Generally equivalent to the 1:50,000 scale, but can range from the 1:100,000 scale
(such as NGA vector map Level 2, vector interim terrain data, and interim terrain data).
 Specialized level. Any special products that are 1:10,000 or larger (such as an NGA urban vector
map or AGC Urban Tactical Planning data).

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 C-5

Appendix C

Figure C-3. TGD data model

C-6 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Appendix D
Terrain Characteristics
Terrain analysis is conducted to study the natural and man-made features in an area
and evaluate the effects on military operations. This appendix describes the six
characteristics of terrain (hydrology, surface configuration, soil composition,
vegetation, obstacles, and man-made features) that geospatial engineers address during
terrain analysis. These characteristics serve as the framework for describing the terrain
in an operational area or a specific AO.

HYDROLOGY
D-1. Water is an essential commodity and is always an important factor in planning. It is necessary for
drinking, sanitation, food preparation, construction, and decontamination. Support activities (helicopter
maintenance, operation of medical facilities) consume large volumes of water. When untreated or stagnant,
water can present health hazards. Drainage features (streams, rivers) can affect mobility and shape COAs.
Engineers play an important role in providing water to Army forces and are responsible for finding subsurface
water; drilling wells; and constructing, repairing, or maintaining water facilities. Geospatial engineers
generate, manage, and analyze hydrologic data and work with ground survey teams and well-drilling teams
to locate water sources. Geospatial engineers also produce geospatial information to help commanders and
staffs understand the effects of surface drainage on operations.

WATER SOURCES
D-2. Water availability and consumption requirements vary based on the climate and topography of a region
and the type and scope of operations. Through terrain analysis, geospatial engineers can help planners
determine probable sources of water that can exist on and below the surface.

Surface Water
D-3. Surface water is commonly selected for use in the field because it is the most accessible; however, it
tends to be more contaminated than groundwater. Surface water resources are generally more accessible and
adequate in plains and plateaus than in mountains. Large amounts of good-quality water can normally be
obtained in coastal areas, valleys, or alluvial and glacial plains. Although large quantities are available in
delta plains, the water may be brackish or salty. Water supplies are scarce on lacustrine, loess, volcanic, and
karst plains. Large springs are the best sources of water in karst plains and plateaus. In the plains of arid
regions, water usually cannot be obtained in quantities required by modern armies; and when it is, it is usually
highly mineralized. In the plains and plateaus of humid, tropical regions, surface water is abundant but is
generally polluted and requires treatment. Perennial surface water supplies are difficult to obtain in arctic
regions; in summer they are abundant, but often polluted.

Groundwater
D-4. Groundwater is usually less contaminated than surface water and, therefore, is typically a more
desirable water source. In arid environments, exploring and using groundwater can reduce the need to
transport water to desired locations. Groundwater is easily obtained from unconsolidated or poorly
consolidated materials in alluvial valleys and plains, streams and coastal terraces, glacial outwash plains, and
alluvial basins in mountainous regions. Areas of sedimentary and permeable igneous rocks may have fair to
excellent aquifers, although they usually do not provide as much groundwater as areas composed of
unconsolidated materials. Large amounts of good-quality groundwater may be obtained at shallow depths
from the alluvial plains of valleys and coasts and at greater depths in the terrace. Aquifers underlying the

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 D-1

Appendix D

surface of inland sedimentary plains and basins also provide adequate amounts of water. Abundant quantities
of good-quality water generally can be obtained from shallow to deep wells in glacial plains. In loess plains
and plateaus, small amounts of water may be secured from shallow wells but these supplies fluctuate
seasonally. Plains and plateaus in arid climates generally yield small, highly mineralized quantities of
groundwater. In semiarid climates, following a severe drought, dry streambeds frequently can yield
considerable amounts of excellent subsurface water. Groundwater is abundant in the plains of humid, tropical
regions, but it is typically polluted. In arctic and subarctic plains, wells and springs fed by groundwater above
the permafrost are dependable only in summer; some of the sources freeze in winter, and subterranean
channels and outlets may shift in location.
D-5. Wells may yield large quantities of water if they tap into underground streams. Wells that penetrate
aquifers within or below the permafrost are good sources of perennial supplies. Adequate supplies of
groundwater are hard to obtain in hills and mountains composed of gneiss, granite, and granite-like rocks.
They may contain springs and shallow wells that generally yield water in small amounts. Shallow wells in
low-lying lava plains normally produce large quantities of groundwater. In lava uplands, water is more
difficult to find, wells are harder to develop, and careful prospecting is necessary to obtain adequate supplies.
In wells near the seacoast, the excessive withdrawal of freshwater may lower the water table, allowing the
infiltration of saltwater that ruins the well and the surrounding aquifer. Springs and wells near the base of
volcanic cones may yield fair quantities of water; but elsewhere in volcanic cones, the groundwater is too far
below the surface for drilling to be practicable. See NTRP 4-04.2.13/TM 3-34.49/AFMAN 32-1072 for
additional information on the ability of rocks and soils to hold and transmit water. See DODD 4705.1E for
surface, ground, and existing water facility information.
D-6. Vegetation is a good indicator of groundwater sources. Deciduous trees tend to have far-reaching root
systems, indicating that a water table is close to the ground surface, while coniferous trees tend to have deep
root systems, indicating that the water table is farther away from the ground surface. Palm trees indicate
water within 2 or 3 feet, salt grass indicates water within 6 feet, and cottonwood and willow trees indicate
water within 10 to 12 feet. The common sage, greasewood, and cactus do not indicate water levels. Other
indicators of potential groundwater include—
 Crop irrigation.
 Karst topography.
 Snowmelt patterns.
 Wetlands.
 Springs.
 Soil moisture.
 Surface water.
 Wells and qanats.
 Urban areas.

SURFACE DRAINAGE
D-7. Surface drainage can significantly impact military operations. It can impede cross-country mobility,
restrict movement to roads, and render land areas that are prone to flooding unsuitable for positioning forces
or capabilities. Planners must first analyze the flow and channeling characteristics of surface water, which
vary based on geographic location and seasonal weather patterns. Drainage features can be perennial
(containing water most of the year), intermittent (containing water part of the year), or dry or cyclical (rarely
containing water, such as wadis). Planners can then determine the effects of surface water on operations
based on the capabilities of personnel, vehicles, and equipment. Geospatial engineers enable this analysis by
acquiring or generating surface drainage data that includes such things as width and depth of streams and
canals and the velocity and discharge of streams. They also obtain or produce information on dams, levees,
and other drainage features and can create geospatial products that show the catastrophic effects if they fail.
D-8. In the absence of geologic maps and data, drainage patterns can be studied to determine rock types and
to better understand the area structure and composition. The most common drainage patterns are shown in
figure D-1.

D-2 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Terrain Characteristics

Figure D-1. Common drainage patterns

Rectangular
D-9. The rectangular drainage pattern, characterized by abrupt bends in streams, develops where a treelike
drainage pattern prevails over a broad region and is generally associated with massive igneous rock.
Metamorphic rock surfaces, particularly those composed of schist and slate, commonly have rectangular
drainage. Slate possesses a particularly fine-textured system. The drainage pattern is extremely angular and
has easily recognizable short gullies that are locally parallel.

Parallel
D-10. In the parallel pattern, major streams flow side by side in the direction of the regional slope. Parallel
streams are indicative of gently dipping beds or uniformly sloping topography. The greater the slope, the
more nearly parallel the drainage and the straighter the flow. Local areas of lava flows often have parallel
drainage, even though the regional pattern may be radial. Alluvial fans may also exhibit parallel drainage,
but the pattern may be locally influenced by faults or jointing. Because of the slope toward the sea, coastal
plains develop parallel drainage overboard regions.

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 D-3

Appendix D

Dendritic
D-11. The dendritic drainage pattern is a treelike pattern composed of branching tributaries to a main stream,
characteristic of essentially flat-lying and homogeneous rocks. This pattern implies that the area was
originally flat and is composed of relatively uniform materials. Dendritic drainage is also typical of glacial
till, tidal marshes, and localized areas in sandy coastal plains. The difference in texture or density of a
dendritic pattern may help identify surface materials and organic areas.

Trellis
D-12. In a trellis pattern, the main stream runs parallel and small streams flow and join at right angles. This
pattern is found in areas where sedimentary or metamorphic rocks have been folded.

Radial
D-13. In a radial pattern, streams flow outward from a high central area. This pattern is found on domes,
volcanic cones, and round hills. However, the sides of a dome or volcano might have a radial drainage system
while the pattern inside a volcanic cone might be centripetal, converging toward the center of the depression.

Annular
D-14. The annular pattern is a modified form of the radial drainage system and is found where sedimentary
rocks are upturned by a dome structure. In this pattern, streams circle around a high central area. The granitic
dome drainage channels may follow a circular path around the base of the dome when it is surrounded by
tilted beds.

Braided
D-15. A braided stream pattern commonly forms in arid areas during flash flooding. The stream attempts to
carry more material than it is capable of handling. Much of the gravel and sand is deposited as bars and
islands in the stream bed.

SURFACE CONFIGURATION
D-16. Surface configuration refers to the physical shape of the terrain and includes—
 Elevation.
 Depressions.
 Slope.
 Landform type.
 Surface roughness.

D-17. The elevation of a point on the surface of the earth is the vertical distance it is above or below mean
sea level. Relief is the representation of the shapes of hills, valleys, streams, or terrain features on the surface
of the earth. Local relief is the difference in elevation between points in a given area. The elevations or
irregularities of a land surface are represented on graphics by contours, hypsometric tints, shading, spot
elevations, and hachures.
D-18. The rate of rise or fall of a terrain feature is known as its slope. Slope affects the speed at which
equipment or personnel can move. Slope can be categorized as gentle, steep, concave, or convex and can be
expressed as the slope ratio or gradient, the angle of slope, or the percent of slope (see TC 3-25.26). The
slope ratio is a fraction in which the vertical distance (rise) is the numerator and the horizontal distance (run)
is the denominator. The angle of slope in degrees is the angular difference that the inclined surface makes
with the horizontal plane. The tangent of the slope angle is determined by dividing the vertical distance by
the horizontal distance between the highest and lowest elevations of the inclined surface. The actual angle is
found by using trigonometric tables. The percent of slope is the number of meters of elevation per 100 meters
of horizontal distance. Slope information that is available to the analyst in degrees or in ratio values may be
converted to the percent of slope by using a nomogram.

D-4 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Terrain Characteristics

D-19. Landforms are the physical expression of the land surface and are generally categorized into the
following groups:
 Plains.
 Plateaus.
 Hills.
 Mountains.

D-20. Within each of these groups are surface features of a smaller size (flat lowlands, valleys). Each type
results from the interaction of earth processes in a region with given climate and rock conditions. A complete
study of a landform includes a determination of its size, shape, arrangement, surface configuration, and
relationship to the surrounding area.
D-21. Subsurface configuration is the physical shape of terrain that is beneath the surface of the earth or body
of water and not exposed at ground level. Most common are underground structures that can be natural or
man-made. Geospatial engineering can assist in the mapping of possible underground facilities (tunnels,
bunkers, sewer, water, and gas networks). See ATP 3-34.81 for additional information on the detection of
subsurface structures.

SOIL COMPOSITION
D-22. Planners rely heavily on the results of soil analysis since variations in soil composition (soil type,
drainage characteristics, and moisture content) can affect trafficability, road and airfield construction, and
the ease of digging fighting positions in a specific area. Generating soil data normally requires extensive field
sampling and the expertise of soil analysts. Once the data is acquired, geospatial engineers use it in
combination with standard geospatial products and imagery to create tailored geospatial products that enable
the staff to further its own analysis of the operational area or specific AO and to facilitate planning. The
effectiveness of these products is directly related to the quality of available soil data. See TM 3-34.64 for
additional information.
D-23. For field identification and classification, soil is grouped into the following five major types:
 Gravel.
 Sand.
 Silt.
 Clay.
 Organic matter.

D-24. These soil types seldom exist separately. They are usually found in mixtures of various proportions,
which contributes to their unique characteristics. Some soils may gain strength under traffic (compaction),
while others lose it.

GRAVEL
D-25. Gravel consists of angular to rounded, bulky rock particles ranging in size from about 0.6 to 7.6
centimeters (1/4 to 3 inches) in diameter. It is classified as coarse or fine; well or poorly graded; and angular,
flat, or rounded. Next to solid bedrock, well-graded and compacted gravel is the most stable natural
foundation material. Weather has little or no effect on its trafficability. It offers excellent traction for tracked
vehicles; however, if not mixed with other soil, the loose particles may roll under pressure, hampering the
movement of wheeled vehicles.

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 D-5

Appendix D

SAND
D-26. Sand consists of angular or rounded rock grains that are 0.6 centimeter (1/4 inch) in diameter and
smaller. Sand is classified as coarse, medium, or fine. Well-graded, angular sand is desirable for concrete
aggregate and foundation material. It is easy to drain and ordinarily not affected by frost action or moisture.
Analysts must be careful in distinguishing fine sand from silt. When sand is wet enough to become compacted
or when it is mixed with clay, it provides excellent trafficability. Very dry, loose sand is an obstacle to
vehicles, especially on slopes. Under wet conditions, remoldable sands react to traffic, as do fine-grained
soils.

SILT
D-27. Silt consists of soil- or rock-derived granular material with a grain size between sand and clay. It lacks
plasticity and possesses little or no cohesion when dry. Because of its instability, water causes silt to become
soft or to change to a quick condition (a hydraulic uplift phenomenon where water quickly saturates the
material and reduces its cohesiveness and strength). When dry, silt provides excellent trafficability, although
it is very dusty. However, it absorbs water quickly and turns to a deep, soft mud (a quick condition) that
impedes movement. When groundwater or seepage is present, silt exposed to frost action is subject to ice
accumulation and consequent heaving.

CLAY
D-28. Clay generally consists of microscopic particles. Its plasticity and adhesiveness are excellent
characteristics. Depending on mineral composition and the proportion of coarse grains, clays vary from lean
(low plasticity) to fat (high plasticity). Many clays that are brittle or stiff in their undisturbed state become
soft and plastic when worked. When thoroughly dry, clay provides a hard surface with excellent trafficability;
however, it is seldom dry except in arid climates. It absorbs water very slowly, but takes a long time to dry
and is very sticky and slippery. Slopes with a clay surface are difficult to maneuver or are impassable, and
deep ruts form rapidly on level ground. A combination of silt and clay makes a particularly poor surface
when wet.

ORGANIC MATTER
D-29. Chemically deposited and organic sediments are classified on the basis of mode and source of
sedimentation. Chemically deposited sediment affects how soil is characterized. Some soils (such as silt and
sand) may have been chemically altered to bond the organic matter together to create a dust-free layer on top
of the normal soil composition. The identification of highly organic soil is relatively easy. It contains partially
decayed grass, twigs, and leaves and has a characteristic dark brown to black color, a spongy feel, and a
fibrous texture.

SOIL CLASSIFICATION
D-30. Geospatial engineers use the two-letter abbreviations established in the Unified Soil Classification
System to describe soil. The primary letters identify the predominant soil fraction:
 G—gravel.
 S—sand.
 C—clay (used only with fine-grained soil with 50 percent fines or greater).
 M—silt.
 O—organic.

D-31. The secondary letters further describe the characteristics of the predominant soil fraction. The percent
of gravel, sand, and fines provides the information necessary to choose the primary letter. The secondary
letters are—
 W—well-graded (used to describe sands containing less than 12 percent fines).
 P—poorly graded.

D-6 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Terrain Characteristics

 M—silty fines (used with sands and gravels containing less than 5 percent but more than or equal
to 50 percent fines).
 C—clay-based fines.
 L—low compressibility (used to describe fine-grained soils [silts, clays, organics]).
 H—high compressibility.

VEGETATION
D-32. Geospatial engineers generate and analyze vegetation data and create geospatial products to show the
effects of vegetation on vehicular and foot movements, landing zones, drop zones, observation, and cover
and concealment.
D-33. The types of vegetation in an area can give an indication of the climatic conditions, soil, drainage, and
water supply. Geospatial engineers focus terrain analysis on trees, scrubs, shrubs, grasses, and crops.
D-34. Trees can provide good cover and concealment and can also impede movement and maneuver. Large
trees are usually spaced far enough apart to allow the passage of vehicles, but this gap is often filled with
smaller trees or brush that must be considered. Small trees are usually spaced closer together and do not offer
a gap for vehicles; however, depending on diameter, the trees can be pushed over by large tracked vehicles.
Trees that have been pushed over tend to pile up and can block follow-on vehicles.
D-35. Trees are classified as deciduous (broadleaf) or coniferous (evergreen). With the exception of species
growing in tropical areas and a few species existing in temperate climates, most broadleaf trees lose their
leaves in the fall and become dormant until early spring. Coniferous trees do not normally lose their leaves,
or needles, and exhibit only small seasonal changes. Woodlands or forests are classified according to the
dominant type of tree in them. A forest is classified as deciduous or coniferous if it contains at least 60 percent
of the designated species. Wooded areas that contain less than a 60-percent mixture of either species are
classified as mixed forests. Shrubs include a variety of trees whose growth has been stunted due to soil or
climatic conditions. Shrubs comprise the undergrowth in open forests, but are the dominant vegetation in arid
and semiarid areas. Shrubs are normally not considered an obstacle to movement and provide good
concealment from ground observation; however, they may restrict fields of fire. For the purposes of terrain
analysis, grass exceeding 1 meter in height is considered tall and may provide concealment for dismounted
troops. Grass can improve the trafficability of soils.
D-36. Field crops represent the predominant class of cultivated vegetation. The size of cultivated areas ranges
from a paddy field covering a quarter of an acre to vast wheat fields extending for thousands of acres. In a
concentrated agricultural area where all arable land is used for the crop producing the highest yield,
predictions on the nature of the soil can be made based on information about the predominant crop. For
example, rice requires fine-textured soils, while other crops generally depend on firm, well-drained land. An
area containing orchards or plantations usually consists of rows of evenly spaced trees, showing evidence of
planned planting, which can be distinguished in aerial imagery. These areas are usually free of underbrush
and vines. Rice fields are flooded areas surrounded by low dikes or walls. Some crops (such as grain) improve
the trafficability of soils, while others (such as vineyards) present a tangled maze of poles and wires and
create obstacles to vehicles and dismounted troops. Wheeled and some tracked vehicles are unable to cross
flooded paddy fields, although the fields may be negotiated when they are drained and dry or frozen. Sown
crops (wheat, barley, oats, rye) are grown on a flat surface and have a different impact on movement and
concealment than crops planted in furrows.

OBSTACLES
D-37. Obstacles refer to any physical characteristics of the terrain that impede the mobility of a force. All
obstacles are existing or reinforcing. Existing obstacles are inherent aspects of the terrain and can be natural,
man-made, or a combination of both. Examples of natural obstacles include rivers, forests, and steep slopes.
Examples of man-made obstacles include buildings and structures. Reinforcing obstacles are obstacles
specifically constructed, emplaced, or detonated by military forces and are categorized as tactical or
protective. See ATP 3-90.8 for additional information on reinforcing obstacles.

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 D-7

Appendix D

D-38. Obstacles can have varying degrees of impact on different types of movement, such as ground
(mounted or dismounted) or air movement, or on different types of vehicles (wheeled or tracked). Obstacles
to air mobility include mountains; power lines; and tall buildings that exceed an aircraft service ceiling,
restrict nap-of-the-earth flight, or force an aircraft to employ a particular flight profile. The obstacle analysis
performed by geospatial engineers provides the foundation for further staff analysis of the effects of obstacles
and the assessment of the operational impacts based on areas of expertise. As discussed in chapter 1,
geospatial engineers describe the terrain to the staff using geospatial products (such as the combined obstacle
overlay) that facilitate further staff analysis of the operational environment.

MAN-MADE FEATURES
D-39. Man-made features generally exist in, near, and between urban areas. The level of detail in describing
man-made features depends on the mission and the level of planning. In support of urban operations at the
lower tactical levels, geospatial engineers provide a greater degree of emphasis on the 3D nature of the
topography (supersurface, surface, and subsurface areas). Advancements in automated geospatial
applications, such as the Urban Tactical Planner developed by the AGC, provide more detailed geospatial
information and better visualization of the urban environment. See FM 3-06 for additional information on
analyzing an urban environment.
D-40. Man-made features can be grouped into broad, functional categories to help organize the results of
analysis and describe the terrain. These functional areas include the following:
 Industrial areas.
 Transportation areas.
 Commercial and recreational areas.
 Residential areas.
 Communication areas.
 Governmental and institutional areas.
 Military areas.

INDUSTRIAL
D-41. Industrial areas and facilities are used in the extraction, processing, and production of intermediate and
finished products or raw materials. Examples include factories, warehouses, power plants, and oil refineries.
Manufacturing plants are categorized as heavy or medium to light. Heavy plants contain distinctive structures
(such as blast furnaces), while medium and light plants are usually housed in loft buildings from which
machinery can be removed. Industrial areas often develop on the outskirts of urban areas where commercial
transportation is easiest. These areas may provide ideal locations for sustainment bases and maintenance
sites.

TRANSPORTATION
D-42. Transportation areas and facilities are used in moving materiel and people. Geospatial engineers
evaluate transportation features (networks and facilities) to determine the effects on likely operations. This
includes highways, railways, and waterways over which troops or supplies can be moved.

Roads
D-43. ATP 3-34.81 provides additional information on road classification, road characteristics, and limiting
factors considered during route reconnaissance. Road characteristics (see figure D-2) include—
 Minimum traveled-way width.
 Road surface material.
 Obstructions.
 Bridges and culverts.
 Overpasses.
 Cuts and fills.

D-8 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Terrain Characteristics

 Restrictions.
 Grades.
 Curves.
 Load-bearing capacity.
D-44. Roads are categorized within the following (see table D-1):
 All-weather, dual or divided highway.
 All-weather, hard surface.
 All-weather, loose surface.
 Fair-weather, loose surface.
 Car track.

Figure D-2. Road characteristics

Table D-1. Road categories

Road Categories Description
All-weather, dual or divided • Paved with concrete, bituminous surfacing, brick, or paving stone
highway (waterproof surface).
• Slightly affected by precipitation and temperature changes.
All-weather, hard surface • Paved with concrete, bituminous surfacing, brick, or paving stone
(waterproof surface).
• Slightly affected by precipitation and temperature changes.
All-weather, loose surface • Constructed of crushed rock, gravel, or smoothed earth with an oil
coating.
• Graded and drained, but not waterproof.
• Considerably affected by rain, frost, or thaw and may collapse
completely under heavy use during adverse weather conditions.
Fair-weather, loose surface • Constructed of natural or stabilized soil, sand, clay, shell, cinders, or
disintegrated granite or rock (includes logging roads, abandoned roads,
and corduroy roads that can become quickly impassable in adverse
weather).
Cart track • Traveled natural pathways (includes caravan routes and winter roads
that may become unable to accommodate four-wheeled military
vehicles that are too narrow).

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 D-9

Appendix D

Railways
D-45. Railways can be highly desirable adjuncts to extended military operations. Railroads include all fixed
property belonging to a line, such as land, permanent way, and facilities necessary for the movement of traffic
and protection of the permanent way. This includes bridges, tunnels, and other structures. Railway analysis
covers all physical characteristics and critical features of the existing system and includes components such
as roadbed, ballast, track, rails, and horizontal and vertical alignment.
D-46. The gauge of a railroad is the distance between the rails. Railroad gauges are classified as wide,
standard, or narrow. Wide gauges are 5 feet or wider and are mostly used by Russian, Finnish, and Spanish
lines. Standard gauges are 4 feet, 8 1/2 inches and are used for main and branch lines in the rest of Europe
and the United States. Narrow gauges are less than the standard gauge. Narrow gauges, which have somewhat
limited use, are usually found in mountainous, industrial, logging, and coastal defense areas; mines; and
supply dumps. In South and Central America, a 1-meter gauge is found in many places; however, many
countries are now adopting the standard gauge because they import U.S.-made rolling stock.
D-47. Marshaling yards are used to sort freight cars. They are identified by a large group of parallel tracks
with restricted (one- or two-track) entrances and exits called choke points. Service yards are normally found
in or near marshaling yards and can be identified by the presence of roundhouses, turntables, service facilities,
and car repair shops. Roundhouses are used for the light repair and storage of locomotives. The number of
roof vents on top of the roundhouse indicates its capacity. Turntables are used for turning the engines around.
Service facilities include coal towers, water towers, and coal piles. Car repair shops normally appear as long,
low buildings straddling one or more tracks, with cars awaiting repairs on sidings adjacent to the buildings.
Freight or loading yards are identified by loading platforms, freight stations, warehouses, and access to other
means of transportation. Special loading stations are identified by grain elevators, coal and ore bins, oil
storage tanks, and livestock pens with loading ramps.
D-48. Railheads are points of supply transfer from railroads to other forms of transportation and are generally
found in small towns or cities where sidings and storage space already exist. Characteristics of a railhead
include spurs and sidings from a main line; a road net (including narrow-gauge railroads) leading away from
the area; piles of materials stacked near the track trucks, wagons, or both (without order and without
organization into convoys or trains); and temporary dwellings (such as tents for housing troops guarding and
handling supplies).

Bridges and Culverts

D-49. All bridges present a potential restriction to traffic. Important feature data include—
 Location.
 Type of gap being crossed.
 Overall length.
 Roadway width.
 Horizontal and vertical clearance.
 Military load classification.
 Number and length of spans.
 Type of span construction.
 Bypasses.

D-50. The common types of bridges are shown in figure D-3. See ATP 3-34.81 for information on specific
bridge characteristics used in determining bridge classification.
D-51. Culverts are grouped into the following four main categories:
 Pipe (most common).
 Box.
 Arch.
 Rail girder spans.

D-10 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Terrain Characteristics

D-52. Culverts are usually of concrete construction, but corrugated metal and cast iron are also used. The
pipes have different shapes and can range from 1 foot to several feet in diameter. Box culverts are used to a
great extent in modern construction; they are rectangular in cross section and usually made of concrete. A
large box culvert is similar to a slab bridge. Arch culverts were used frequently in the past, but are rarely
constructed now; they are made of concrete, masonry, brick, or timber. Rail girder spans are found on lightly
built railways or, in an emergency, on any line. The rails are laid side by side, keyed head to base, and may
be used for spans of 3 meters or less.

Figure D-3. Common types of bridges

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 D-11

Appendix D

Tunnels
D-53. A tunnel is an artificially covered (such as a covered bridge) or underground section of road along a
route. Important characteristics of tunnels include location, type, length, horizontal clearance, overhead
clearance, alignment, and gradient. See ATP 3-34.81 for additional information on tunnel types and
characteristics.

Ferries
D-54. Ferries convey traffic and cargo across a water feature. These vessels vary widely in physical
appearance and capacity depending on the depth, width, and current of the stream and on the characteristics
of traffic to be moved. The capacity of a ferry boat is usually expressed in tons and the total number of
passengers. The ferry boat is sometimes assigned a military load classification number. Climatic conditions
have a marked effect on ferry conditions. Tide fluctuations, fog, ice, floods, and excessive dry spells can
reduce the total traffic-moving capacity and increase the hazard of the water route. A ferry site is the place
where ferries convey traffic and cargo. Important information about ferry sites includes the width and depth
of the water barrier and the conditions of the approaches (such as clearance and load-bearing capacity).
ATP 3-34.81 contains information on ferry reconnaissance and reporting.

Fords
D-55. A ford is a shallow part of a body of water or wet gap that can be crossed without bridging, boats,
ferries, or rafts. It is a location in a water barrier where the physical characteristics of current, bottom, and
approaches permit the passage of personnel, vehicles, and other equipment where the wheels or tracks remain
in contact with the bottom at all times. Fords are classified according to the crossing potential or trafficability
for foot or wheeled and tracked vehicles. The ford stream bottom composition largely determines its
trafficability. In some cases, the natural river bottom of a ford may have been improved to increase load-
bearing capacity and to reduce the water depth. Improved fords may have gravel or concrete surfacing, layers
of sandbags, metal screening or matting, or timber or wooden planking. The composition and slope of
approaches to a ford also affect trafficability. Approaches may be paved with concrete or bituminous surface
material, but they are usually unimproved and can be affected by inclement weather and vehicle traffic.
Climatic conditions (seasonal floods, excessive dry seasons), the velocity of the current, and the presence of
debris are also important factors in assessing stream fordability. ATP 3-34.81 contains information on ford
reconnaissance and reporting.
D-56. Low-water bridges consist of two or more intermediate supports with concrete decking and are located
entirely in ravines or gullies. During high-water periods, they are easily confused with paved fords because
both are completely submerged. It is important to know the difference between this type of bridge and a
paved ford because of corresponding military load limitations.

Pipelines
D-57. Pipelines that carry petroleum and natural gas are an important mode of transportation, while rail,
water, and road transportation are used extensively for transporting fluids and gases. The overland movement
of petroleum and refined products is performed most economically and expeditiously by pipeline. Crude oil
pipelines are used only to transport crude oil, while many refined product pipelines carry more than one
product. These products are sent through the pipelines in tenders (or batches) to keep the amount of mixing
to a minimum. Because of the vital link in the energy supply system of an industrialized country, coal and
ore are also carried in pipelines as slurry.
D-58. Pipelines can exist above or below ground and may extend cross-country or follow the alignment of
roads and railroads. When a pipeline crosses a stream or river, it is usually run along the stream bottom.
Where streams are swift or where beds may shift rapidly, the pipe can be attached to existing bridges or
special pipeline suspension bridges. Siphon crossings are used where necessary. When an increase or
decrease of pressure is required, regulating features (pumps, compressors) are used. Pumping stations are
used for liquid fuels, and compressor stations are used for gas. They are similar in appearance except for the
cooling towers present at compressor stations.

D-12 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Terrain Characteristics

D-59. Valves, manifolds, and meters are integral parts of any pipeline system and are located at frequent
intervals along the pipeline and at terminals. Valves protruding from the ground are often the only indicators
of a pipeline alignment.

Ports and Harbors

D-60. Ports are areas located along seacoasts, navigable rivers, or inland waterways where ships may
discharge or receive cargo. Principal port facilities are berthing spaces, storage spaces, cargo-handling
equipment, cargo transshipment facilities, and vessel-servicing facilities. Ports may have various structures
affording berthing space or may be any place that a vessel can be produced more quickly. These structures
include piers, moles, and wharves or quays. Piers project into the water at an angle with the shoreline and are
supported by pilings driven into the harbor bottom. Moles are of solid construction. Wharves and quays are
parallel with the shoreline, while piers and moles are perpendicular to it. Most landing structures are piers or
wharves.
D-61. Harbors are areas where the anchorage and shore are protected from the sea and storms by natural or
man-made barriers (seawalls, breakwaters, jetties, moles). Areas that do not have these protections but are
still suitable for vessel anchorage are open anchorages or roadsteads. A good harbor consists of deep water,
adequate protection from storms, enough space to accommodate a large number of vessels, and a shoreline
that can be developed as a port and as a site for industry. Harbors may be situated on the sea, estuaries, or
inland lakes and rivers.
D-62. Important factors concerning ports and harbors include water depth, bottom characteristics, tidal
fluctuations, discharge volumes and river flow velocity, tidal and river currents, landmark locations, and
underwater obstacle locations. Engineers, divers, and other specialists perform surveys to acquire basic
information about the shoreline, water depth, bottom character, and existing structures (harbors, wharves).
See TM 3-34.73 for additional information.
D-63. Dredging operations require detailed topographic and hydrographic surveys and data on tidal range,
tidal prism, flood stages, velocity, and other hydrographic characteristics, including the status of siltation and
scour. Other information requirements include data on bridges, breakwaters, jetties, piers, islands, overhead
and submarine cables, and vessels (type and size) scheduled to use the waterway. See ATP 4-15 for additional
information.

Airfields and Heliports

D-64. Airfields and heliports are classified by the degree of permanence and type of aircraft (fixed or rotary-
wing) that they are designed to support. An airfield consists of runways, taxiways, and parking areas that
may be permanent, temporary, or natural. A heliport is an area specifically designated and marked for
helicopter landings and takeoffs. The surface of the pad may be natural, temporary, or permanent.
D-65. Runways are the most significant feature of an airfield. Detailed information concerning runways,
taxiways, and parking areas is essential in properly evaluating airfield capabilities. The length, width, load-
bearing capacity, and pavement condition directly influence the type and amount of traffic an airfield can
accommodate. Taxiways are access paths to parking aprons, hangar aprons, and handstands or revetments.
A parallel taxiway parallels the runway but is usually narrower. Under emergency conditions, it may be used
as a runway; however, it should not be reported as a runway. Airfield capacity is described by stating the
maximum (aircraft) on the ground, which is the maximum number of aircraft (usually expressed in terms of
C-141 aircraft) that can be accommodated on an airfield.
D-66. Geospatial engineers, intelligence analysts, and other specialists provide baseline information on
available airfields and heliports in the operational area or specific AO based on a broad view early in the
planning phase. As required, more specific information is generated from airfield assessments performed by
engineer assessment teams or survey teams or as a result of reconnaissance operations.

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 D-13

Appendix D

COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL

D-67. Commercial and recreational areas and buildings (shopping centers, parking lots, stadiums, sports
fields) are where the major business and recreational activities occur in an urban area. Larger open areas
(parking lots, sport fields) can serve as landing zones and artillery firing positions. Large, covered areas or
areas with some type of containment (stadiums, arenas) can provide locations for displaced civilians,
interrogation centers, and enemy prisoner of war holding facilities.

RESIDENTIAL
D-68. Residential areas and associated buildings, which can be found dispersed throughout an urban area,
are where civilians live. Large, suburban areas (or sprawl) normally form on the outskirts. Residential areas
often consist of row houses or single-family dwellings set in a grid or ringed pattern in a planned development
project. Schools are often located throughout residential areas.

COMMUNICATION
D-69. Communication buildings and structures (such as communication towers) are used to transmit
information and data from place to place. They provide the means for operating telephone, radio, television,
and computer systems.

GOVERNMENTAL AND INSTITUTIONAL

D-70. Governmental and institutional areas and facilities constitute the seat of legal, administrative, and other
governmental functions or serve as public service institutions (universities, hospitals) for a country or
political subdivision. This wide-ranging category includes embassies, universities, hospitals, police and fire
stations, courthouses, and prisons.

MILITARY
D-71. Military areas and facilities are used for controlling, billeting, training, or transporting military forces.
Fortifications and military installations may be found in or near urban areas throughout the world.

D-14 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Appendix E
Systems and Software
The DTSS/DCGS-A is the geospatial engineering component that automates terrain
analysis and visualization; database development, updates, and management; and
graphics reproduction in support of mission requirements. The DTSS/DCGS-A
provides the hardware and software necessary to develop and manage a geospatial
database and a software suite of geospatial information-processing capabilities that
support the Army by supplying GI&S and special map reproduction.

DISTRIBUTED COMMON GROUND SYSTEM−ARMY

E-1. The DTSS, in all configurations, is a legacy Army computer system that is migrating from the Army
Battle Command System to the DCGS-A (geospatial) system. The Geospatial Intelligence Work Station will
become the primary tool for geospatial engineers during and after the migration. System replacement is
anticipated to continue until the end of fiscal year 2019.
E-2. Current mission command systems do not exchange geospatial foundation data efficiently or in a
timely manner within command posts, across units (horizontally), or between echelons (vertically). Mission
command programs were designed to support mission command; no two were designed to seamlessly share
geospatial foundation data (maps, imagery, feature data) with each other in a standard, efficient, and timely
manner without translation or a manual workaround. Some fielded systems require a completely new
software load or the preprocessing and conversion of standardized geospatial foundation data to a vendor-
specific format at a continental U.S. contractor facility or by vendor contractors in the field to update the
geospatial foundation data on the system. Material developers addressing the lack of interoperability will
begin fielding new mission command systems in 2019.
E-3. The DCGS-A adds a key system attribute for the ease of use; digital network intelligence capabilities;
and a full, on-the-move capability that interacts across common operating environments and command post
computing environments. The DCGS-A enables commanders to access information, task organic sensors,
and synchronize nonorganic sensor assets with organic assets. These services are shared by commanders,
Services and coalition partners across the network-centric enterprise services (using the Distributed Common
Ground/Surface System integration backbone, Defense Intelligence Information Enterprise, cloud
architecture), the AGE, and the SSGF (using common standards and services). DCGS-A provides a transition
to cloud-based advanced analytics to provide users with enhanced processing, exploitation, and geospatial
intelligence capabilities.

GEOSPATIAL INTELLIGENCE WORKSTATION

E-4. The core functions of the DCGS-A are the—
 Tasking of sensors.
 Processing of data.
 Exploitation of data.
 Dissemination of intelligence information about the threat, weather, and terrain and operating
environments at all echelons through the receipt and processing of select sensor data.
 Control of select sensor systems.
 Intelligence synchronization.
 Information collection planning, and reconnaissance and surveillance integration.
 Fusion of sensor information.

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 Systems and Software-E-1

Systems and Software

 Direction and distribution of relevant threat, nonaligned, and friendly forces and of environmental
weather conditions.
 Ability to host, manage, and provide the SSGF to all common operating environments.
E-5. The DCGS-A incorporates the subsystem tactical ground station, operational ground station, and
geospatial intelligence workstation in its full deployment.
E-6. The geospatial intelligence workstation was previously known as the DTSS−Deployable. It is a
ruggedized, commercial, off-the-shelf, deployable computer that hosts a core set of geographic information
system imagery intelligence applications, software, and map applications that enable warfighter functions
(movement and maneuver, intelligence, fires, protection). The geospatial intelligence workstation replaces
the DTSS−Light. It combines the capabilities of several legacy Army and quick-reaction capability geospatial
and imagery workstations. It is the prime DCGS-A workstation for geographic information system and
imagery intelligence processing, exploitation, and dissemination. It provides geospatial engineers and
geospatial intelligence imagery analysts within tactical and operational units the ability to process, view,
exploit, transmit, and store geospatial and imagery information via area communications to brigades and
echelons above brigade. The geospatial intelligence workstation receives and processes initial geospatial
data, raw imagery, full-motion video, reports, and information received from multiple geospatial, imagery,
and full-motion video intelligence sensors via the network or tactical or operational intelligence ground
processing centers. The geospatial intelligence workstation provides geospatial data, analysis products, maps,
and updates in support of terrain analysis and visualization.

DIGITAL TOPOGRAPHIC SUPPORT SYSTEM–LIGHT

E-7. The DTSS–Light is employed in various configurations at all echelons down to the BCT. The
DTSS−Light is a completely self-contained system that is capable of storing and manipulating imagery,
imagery intelligence, and geospatial information. It is housed in a lightweight, multipurpose shelter that is
mounted on a high-mobility, multipurpose, wheeled vehicle and includes a tent extension to provide
additional workspace. There are current plans to reduce some versions of the DTSS and the current DTSS
program. The DTSS−Light can produce a variety of geospatial products that can be exported in various
formats for use in the mission command systems that incorporate the commercial joint mapping toolkit and
other GI&S programs (such as Falcon View). In addition to creating tailored geospatial products, the
DTSS−Light provides access to the full capabilities of the image processing and GI&S software packages.

FIXED MULTIFUNCTION WORKSTATION AND DISTRIBUTED

COMMON GROUND SYSTEM–ARMY FIXED SERVER
E-8. The fixed multifunction workstation is a theater level asset that is operated by the GPC from a fixed
facility located with or near the ASCC headquarters. It gives geospatial engineers operating at theater the
ability to generate and analyze geospatial data and augment existing databases to provide operational
commanders with geospatial information and geospatial products in support of mission requirements. The
fixed server provides a stable data store for the SSGF and mission command products and services.

GEOSPATIAL-RELATED SOFTWARE
E-9. Generally, these software programs are developed by leaders in the corporate field of geospatial
technology and are often developed at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer sites. The various versions of any
particular software are bundled into packages and are the compilation of upgrades and other similar changes
to other brands of software. Tables detailing software brands, version sets, reference codes, and system
requirements are readily available within the community of interest but are not listed in this text due to the
continually emerging package types. Units that purchase commercial, off-the-shelf versions of software are
susceptible to compatibility and interoperability issues with the government-provided software. The U.S.
Army Training and Doctrine Command Capabilities Manager (geospatial) is the Army user representative to
the DCGS-A (geospatial) program of record that is responsible for providing information to the program and
feedback from the user perspective.

Systems and Software-E-2 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Systems and Software

REACHBACK ENGINEER DATA INTEGRATION

E-10. Reachback engineering data integration (REDi) system provides a common database, mapping tool,
and robust user interface for managing, tracking, and archiving data and reachback support related to the
engineer reachback process and the field force engineering program through the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers Reachback Operations Center.
E-11. From its origins of fielding RFIs in support of deployed engineers, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Reachback Operations Center has evolved to provide a variety of other capabilities under the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers Field Force Engineering Program, including data collection tools, communications
equipment, training, and video teleconference support. Historically, multiple databases and portals were
required for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Reachback Operations Center customers to access the various
data, tools, and support. To provide a more efficient solution, the REDi system was designed as a common
database for all reachback engineering data. It is a single-user interface through which data sources and other
services and tools provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Reachback Operations Center may be
accessed and managed.
E-12. The REDi system provides a full suite of standard tools and capabilities. Custom-designed tools and
menus are provided within the REDi system for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Reachback Operations Center
customers to—
 Submit a new RFI.
 Search the RFI database for archived information.
 Request training on systems and equipment.
 Request information or acquisition of equipment.
 Connect to the Geospatial Assessment Tool for the Engineer Reachback Database.
 Return equipment for repair or replacement.
 Request video teleconference support.

E-13. Another powerful feature provided in the REDi system is a robust mapping tool that enables data stored
within the REDi system to be plotted geospatially. The system also provides the capability of plotting data
from external sources. The user may choose a background layer from a variety of maps and imagery on which
to overlay these data feeds. A variety of standard SharePoint® tools are also provided for users to store and
manage documents, store and organize commonly used internet sources and links, post announcements, or
participate in online chats within the REDi system. Access to the REDi system is available to any common-
access card holder, and the REDi system is available on the unclassified network, the Secret Internet Protocol
Router Network, and on the Combined Enterprise Regional Information Exchange System−Korea network.

22 February 2017 ATP x-xx.x Systems and Software-E-3

This page intentionally left blank.
 Glossary
The glossary lists acronyms and terms with Army or joint definitions. Terms for which
ATP 3-34.80 is the proponent are marked with an asterisk (*).

SECTION I – ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

ADP Army doctrine publication
ADRP Army doctrine reference publication
AGC Army Geospatial Center
AGE Army Geospatial Enterprise
AO area of operations
AOI area of interest
AOR area of responsibility
AR Army regulation
ASCC Army Service component command
ATP Army techniques publication
attn attention
BCT brigade combat team
CDID Capabilities Development and Integration Directorate
CJCSI Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff instruction
COA course of action
CODDD Concepts, Organizations, and Doctrine Development Division
COP common operational picture
DA Department of the Army
DC District of Columbia
DCGS-A Distributed Common Ground Systems−Army
DOD Department of Defense
DODD Department of Defense directive
DTED digital terrain elevation data
DTSS Digital Topographic Support System
FM field manual
G-2 assistant chief of staff, intelligence
G-3 assistant chief of staff, operations
GD&I geospatial data and information
GET geospatial engineer team
GI&S geospatial information and services
GPC geospatial planning cell
IPB intelligence preparation of the battlefield
JP joint publication
LOS line of sight
MDMP military decisionmaking process
MO Missouri

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 Glossary-1

Glossary

MSCoE Maneuver Support Center of Excellence

NGA National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
No. number
NSG National System for Geospatial Intelligence
OAKOC observation and fields of fire, avenues of approach, key terrain, obstacles, and
cover and concealment
OIC officer in charge
PMESII-PT Political, military, economic, social, information, infrastructure, physical
environment, and time
REDi reachback engineering data integration
RFI request for information
S-2 intelligence staff officer
S-3 operations staff officer
SSGF Standard and Shareable Geospatial Foundation
TC training circular
TGD theater geospatial database
TM technical manual
U.S. United States

SECTION II – TERMS
*complex terrain
A geographical area consisting of an urban center larger than a village and/or of two or more types of
restrictive terrain or environmental conditions occupying the same space.
*geospatial data and information
The geographic-referenced and tactical objects and events that support the unit mission, task, and
purpose.
*terrain analysis
The study of the terrain’s properties and how they change over time, with use, and under varying
weather conditions.

Glossary-2 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 References
REQUIRED PUBLICATIONS
These documents must be available to the intended users of this publication.
DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. 15 December 2016.
ADRP 1-02. Terms and Military Symbols. 16 November 2016.

RELATED PUBLICATIONS
These documents contain relevant supplemental information.

JOINT
Most joint publications are available online at <www.dtic.mil/doctrine/new_pubs/jointpub.htm>.
CJCSI 3900.01D. Position (Point and Area) Reference Procedures. 14 May 2015.
JP 2-03. Geospatial Intelligence in Joint Operations. 31 October 2012.
JP 3-33. Joint Task Force Headquarters. 30 July 2012.
JP 3-34. Joint Engineer Operations. 6 January 2016.
JP 5-0. Joint Operation Planning. 11 August 2011.

ARMY
Most Army doctrinal publications are available online at <www.apd.army.mil>.
ADP 3-0. Operations. 11 November 2016.
ADP 5-0. The Operations Process. 17 May 2012.
ADP 6-0. Mission Command. 17 May 2012.
ADRP 2-0. Intelligence. 31 August 2012.
ADRP 5-0. The Operations Process. 17 May 2012.
ADRP 6-0. Mission Command. 17 May 2012.
AR 25-30. Army Publishing Program. 3 June 2015.
ATP 2-01. Plan Requirements and Assess Collection. 19 August 2014.
ATP 2-01.3. Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield/Battlespace. 10 November 2014.
ATP 2-22.7. Geospatial Intelligence. 26 March 2015.
ATP 3-34.81. Engineer Reconnaissance. 1 March 2016.
ATP 3-60. Targeting. 7 May 2015.
ATP 3-90.8. Combined Arms Countermobility Operations. 17 September 2014.
ATP 4-15. Army Watercraft Operations. 3 April 2015.
ATP 5-19. Risk Management. 14 April 2014.
FM 3-06. Urban Operations. 26 October 2006.
FM 3-34. Engineer Operations. 2 April 2014.
FM 3-55. Information Collection. 3 May 2013.
FM 6-0. Commander and Staff Organization and Operations. 5 May 2014.
FM 27-10. The Law of Land Warfare. 18 July 1956.
TC 3-25.26. Map Reading and Land Navigation. 15 November 2013.
TM 3-34.64. Military Soils Engineering. 25 September 2012.

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 References-1

References

TM 3-34.73. Port Construction and Repair. 4 January 2013.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Most DOD publications are available online at <http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/forms/index.htm>.
DODD 4705.1E. Management of Land-Based Water Resources in Support of Joint Contingency
Operations. 3 June 2015.

MULTI-SERVICE
NTRP 4-04.2.13/TM 3-34.49/AFMAN 32-1072. Water-Well Drilling Operations. December 2008.
Web Site <https://ndls.nwdc.navy.mil/BookViewer.aspx?docinstid=765>, accessed 1
February 2017.

OTHER SOURCES
Federal Standard 376B. 27 January 1993. Can be accessed at
<http://www.nist.gov/pml/wmd/metric/upload/fs376-b.pdf>, accessed on 29 November 2016.

PRESCRIBED FORMS
This section contains no entries.

REFERENCED FORMS
Unless otherwise indicated, DA forms are available on the Army Publishing Directorate Web site at
<https://armypubs.army.mil/>.
DA Form 2028. Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms.

WEB SITES
Army Knowledge Online, Doctrine and Training Publications Web site,
<http://www.tradoc.army.mil/publications.asp >, accessed on 17 November 2016.
Army Publishing Directorate, Army Publishing Updates Web site,
<https://armypubs.army.mil/>, accessed on 17 November 2016.
NGA Web site, <https://www.nga.mil/Pages/Default.aspx >, accessed on 17 November 2016.
REDi Web site, <https://redi.usace.army.mil/Pages/index.htm>, accessed on 21 November 2016.
U.S. Army Geospatial Center Common Map Background Web site, http://www.agc.army.mil/Home/CMB-
Request-Form/, accessed on 1 February 2017.

RECOMMENDED READINGS
ADP 1. The Army. 17 September 2012.
ADP 2-0. Intelligence. 31 August 2012.
ADRP 1. The Army Profession. 14 June 2015.
ADRP 1-03. The Army Universal Task List. 2 October 2015.
ADRP 3-0. Operations. 11 November 2016.
ATP 3-20.96. Cavalry Squadron. 12 May 2016.
ATP 3-90.4. Combined Arms Mobility. 8 March 2016.
ATP 3-90.5. Combined Arms Battalion. 5 February 2016.
ATP 6-01.1. Techniques for Effective Knowledge Management. 6 March 2015.
FM 3-96. Brigade Combat Team. 8 October 2015.

References-2 ATP 3-34.80 22 February 2017

 Index
Entries are by paragraph number.

A supporting geospatial P
Army Geospatial Center, 1-24, B- intelligence, 1-22 physical environment, 1-1, 1-13,
1, C-3, C-11, D-39 supporting situational 4-7, 4-13, 4-15
understanding, 4-4 describing, 4-18, 4-22
C unit and staff responsibilities plans. See orders.
complex terrain for, 3-11, 3-25
definition, 4-6 geospatial information S
composite risk management, 4-63 definition, 1-14 soil composition, D-22
D geospatial information technician, surface configuration, D-16
1-29, 3-15 surface drainage. See hydrology.
digital topographic support system responsibilities, 3-21
DTSS-Light, E-7 T
geospatial intelligence, 1-22
Digital Topographic Support cell, 1-27, 3-19, 4-53, C-15 tactical decision aid, 3-9, 4-17, 4-
System, E-1 44
geospatial planning cell, 3-3, C-7,
E C-21 targeting, 4-53
engineer coordinator, 3-11, 3-17, geospatial products meetings, 4-60
4-5, 4-17 standard, B-3 process, 4-53
definition, 3-17 tailored, B-26 terrain
enterprise geospatial database, 1- characteristics, D-1
H complex, 4-6
24, 3-21, C-1, C-13
hydrology, D-1, D-15 describing, D-1
F observation and fields of fire,
I avenues of approach, key
ford
definition, D-55 intelligence preparation of the terrain, obstacles, and cover
battlefield, 4-44, 4-55 and concealment, military
G aspects of, 4-9, 4-14
M urban. See Urban Tactical
geospatial engineer, 1-24, 4-21,
B-6, C-1, C-9, C-17, D-1, D-7, man-made features, D-37, D-70 Planner.
D-22, D-42, D-166 military decision-making process, terrain analysis, 4-12
responsibilities, 3-19, 3-21 4-19, 4-25 terrain visualization, 4-8
geospatial engineer teams N theater geospatial database, 3-4,
brigade, 3-9 National Geospatial-Intelligence 3-9, C-5, C-21
brigade combat team, 3-9 Agency, C-6
corps and division, 3-1 U
geospatial engineering O Urban Tactical Planner, D-39
definition, 1-6 operations process, 4-18 V
integration of, 3-1, 4-1 orders, 4-24, 4-37
major functions, 3-11 vegetation, D-32
W
warfighting functions, 4-9, 4-42

22 February 2017 ATP 3-34.80 Index-1

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 ATP 3-34.80
22 February 2017

By Order of the Secretary of the Army:

MARK A. MILLEY
General, United States Army
Chief of Staff

Official:

GERALD B. O’KEEFE
Administrative Assistant to the
Secretary of the Army
1704602

DISTRIBUTION:
Active Army, Army National Guard, and United States Army Reserve: Distributed in electronic media
only (EMO).
PIN: 104384−000