Incorporating GIS-Based Visibility Analysis into a Military Transportation Path Planning Algorithm
Cheng‐Chieh Chen, Dahae Hwang, Shiaaulir Wang, Paul M. Schonfeld · Transportation Research Board 90th Annual MeetingTransportation Research Board · 2011
Information about geographical surroundings, such as natural terrain features (elevation, vegetation, rocks, water), manmade features (buildings, bridges), and obstacles (mines, barriers), is quite important for path planning in a battlefield environment. In this study, an evolutionary algorithm for path optimization and an evaluation model that processes relevant data from a geographic information system (GIS) are developed and tested for military transportation path planning applications. Sensor ranges, lines of sight, and effects of topography on visibility are considered in the evaluation functions. Among other applications the proposed algorithms can be used in planning rescue or resupply missions. We initially seek to analyze a moving path that maximizes the net benefit of one mission and start by randomly generating some enemies within the studied area. Some sensitivity analyses are presented to demonstrate that paths are efficiently revised in response to changed conditions.