“Since the inception of the AGC HR3D BuckEye Support Team, (AGC has) satisfied over 185 Requests for Information (RFI), assisted in the mission planning of over 180 operations in the CENTCOM and AFRICOM AORs, and provided support to over 50 JSOC and non-JSOC Special Operations training exercises, to include two operations of national significance. Additionally, the HR3D program provided new CONUS collections for past, present, and future training locations in excess of 20,000 square kilometers. This critical data helped to improve and develop new tactics, techniques and procedures for future operations.” – Brigadier General Terrance G. Taylor, Joint Special Operations Command Deputy Commanding General
“The contributions of AGC Buckeye are invaluable to both humanitarian and military operations. These efforts significantly enhance the capabilities within AFRICOM. I fully endorse continued support for AGC Buckeye's mapping initiatives and recognize the critical role they play in our mission success.” – Lieutenant Colonel Hamilton R. Hadwin, AFRICOM Joint Reconnaissance Center Chief
“Buckeye has been an integral part of the base defense apparatus during our tenure here as they provide specific imagery that can be collected on request in support of a dynamic environment. Buckeye’s ability to create products at the UNCLASSIFIED level is unique and incredibly important on a base that exists as the sum total of a multitude of organizations, some of whom cannot access SIPR.” – Colonel Robert M. Martinez, Al Asad Airbase Commander
Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) is a remote sensing technology that utilizes laser pulses to measure distances and create detailed, high-resolution 3D maps of the Earth's surface. By emitting rapid laser pulses and measuring the time it takes for the light to bounce back, LIDAR generates precise spatial data that is invaluable for a variety of applications, particularly in military contexts. Unlike commercial satellites, which can provide useful imagery, LIDAR offers unparalleled depth perception, allowing for the identification of terrain features, infrastructure, and even vegetation in a three-dimensional context.
In the realm of large-scale combat operations, the integration of LIDAR into reconnaissance and planning phases is critical. When deployed on aircraft, the U.S. Army Geospatial Center’s (AGC) LIDAR sensors can conduct broad-area collection missions, capturing extensive geographic areas with remarkable accuracy. This high-resolution geospatial data lays the groundwork for situational awareness, enabling military planners to visualize the terrain and make informed decisions during the competition phase prior to crises or conflict.
The capabilities provided by LIDAR are particularly essential during the preparation stages of operations. It offers detailed information on obstacles, potential cover and concealment options, and logistical routes, which is vital for mission planning. For instance, commanders can evaluate potential engagement zones, plan troop movements, and assess the vulnerability of infrastructure—all through a comprehensive 3D understanding of the battlefield. Such insights are crucial for effectively deploying forces, optimizing strategies, and minimizing risks during operations.
The rapid evolution of warfare, characterized by increased complexity and the integration of advanced technologies, necessitates a sophisticated approach to intelligence gathering. LIDAR not only enhances traditional reconnaissance methods but also complements emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, which can analyze vast datasets for actionable insights. Without LIDAR, the Army would be at a strategic disadvantage, unable to fully harness the potential of these advanced systems.
Without the ability to collect LIDAR data, the impact to combat planning, training, and mission execution could be detrimental. The loss of this advanced capability would lead to a significant reduction in the military's situational awareness. Commanders would operate with limited understanding of the terrain, potentially jeopardizing operational effectiveness and increasing the risk to personnel. Tactical decisions based on outdated or incomplete data could result in misallocation of resources, failed missions, or even catastrophic losses.
In summary, AGC’s LIDAR collection capability is an indispensable tool for the U.S. Army, providing high-resolution, three-dimensional geospatial data that commercial satellites cannot match. Its ability to support the planning and execution of large-scale combat operations is vital for maintaining operational superiority. As modern warfare continues to evolve, preserving the capability to collect and utilize LIDAR data will be essential for effective military operations and ensuring the safety and success of our forces.