Terrain Analytical Modeling

Overview#

The Terrain Analytical Modeling module provides computational terrain analysis capabilities for military planning and operational decision-making. The system computes line-of-sight between any two points, generates viewshed analyses showing 360-degree visibility from observer positions, extracts elevation profiles along routes, performs slope analysis for mobility assessment, and manages a registry of Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data sources. Terrain analysis results integrate directly with the effector matching engine for engagement feasibility assessment and with drone operations for flight route planning.

Key Features#

Line-of-Sight Computation#

Compute line-of-sight between any two georeferenced points, accounting for terrain elevation, earth curvature, and atmospheric refraction. The result indicates whether a clear line-of-sight exists, and if obstructed, identifies the location and elevation of the obstructing terrain. Observer and target heights above ground level are configurable parameters. Line-of-sight checks support engagement feasibility assessment, communications planning, and observation post siting.

Viewshed Analysis#

Generate 360-degree viewshed maps from any observer position, showing all terrain visible from that point at a specified observer height. The viewshed result is a raster overlay suitable for display on the operational map, with visible and non-visible areas clearly distinguished. Multiple viewshed layers can be combined to show cumulative coverage from a set of observation posts or sensor positions, identifying dead ground that is not visible from any position.

Elevation Profile Extraction#

Extract elevation profiles along any defined route or line, producing a distance-versus-elevation chart. Profiles support route planning by revealing terrain gradients, valleys, ridge crossings, and potential ambush points. The profile includes minimum and maximum elevation, total climb and descent, and identifies the highest and lowest points along the route.

Slope Analysis#

Compute slope gradients across an area of interest, classifying terrain into mobility categories. Slope data is presented as a colour-coded overlay distinguishing flat terrain, gentle slopes, moderate slopes, steep slopes, and impassable gradients. Slope thresholds are configurable based on vehicle type (wheeled, tracked, dismounted) to support mobility corridor identification and route planning.

DEM Model Registry#

Manage a registry of Digital Elevation Model data sources with varying resolution and coverage. Supported DEM types include SRTM (global coverage at 30m and 90m resolution), commercial satellite-derived DEMs, drone photogrammetry outputs, and LiDAR point cloud derivatives. The system automatically selects the highest-resolution available DEM for a given area of interest, with fallback to lower-resolution sources. Analysts can upload and register new DEM datasets for specific areas of operation.

Terrain Data Caching#

Frequently accessed terrain analysis results are cached to support real-time query performance. Cache invalidation occurs when new DEM data is registered for an area, ensuring analysis results reflect the most current terrain data available.

Use Cases#

• Fire Support Planning - Compute line-of-sight from candidate firing positions to target areas, identifying positions with clear fields of fire and those masked by terrain.
• Observation Post Siting - Generate viewshed analyses from candidate OP locations to maximise surveillance coverage while identifying dead ground requiring alternative sensor coverage.
• Route Planning - Extract elevation profiles and slope analysis along candidate routes to identify the most suitable axis of advance for specific vehicle types.
• Drone Mission Planning - Compute terrain clearance profiles along planned drone flight paths, ensuring safe altitude margins above ground level throughout the route.
• Sensor Placement Optimisation - Combine viewshed and acoustic coverage analyses to identify optimal sensor network configurations that minimise blind spots.
• Engagement Feasibility - Provide the effector matching engine with line-of-sight data to assess whether a candidate effector has a clear engagement path to the target.

Integration#

• Effector Matching Engine - Provides line-of-sight feasibility data as an input to the multi-factor engagement scoring algorithm.
• Drone Operations Management - Supplies elevation data for terrain clearance during flight planning and route deconfliction.
• Acoustic Sensor Network - Terrain masking data informs acoustic coverage zone planning.
• 3D Terrain Visualization - Analysis results (viewsheds, slope overlays, elevation profiles) are rendered on the 3D terrain map.
• Offline Maps - DEM data is included in offline map packages for disconnected terrain analysis.

GraphQL:

lineOfSight

viewshed

elevationProfile

slopeAnalysis

demModels

computeLineOfSight

generateViewshed

extractElevationProfile

computeSlopeAnalysis

registerDemModel

Last Reviewed: 2026-04-02