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Australian Army Selects GIS Software
Esri's ArcView GIS software provides the basis of the GIS module for BCSS, together with its ArcView 3D Analyst and ArcView Spatial Analyst software extensions. The software will eventually provide users with tools to perform sophisticated terrain and mobility analysis as part of their command support role. The initial rollout of BCSS will consist of 140 ArcView GIS licenses as well as ArcView 3D Analyst and ArcView Spatial Analyst extensions. BCSS is a modular system based on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology. The BCSS project team has been watching industry trends closely and only tested those COTS products that can realize at least 80 percent of their solution and have the potential for further customization. Initial development of ArcView GIS has already been carried out in the Engineering and Intelligence departments within the Army, and this work will be incorporated into the GIS module for BCSS. The development process has involved close consultation with current and potential users. The Army's First Brigade will provide testing services as the system is being rolled out. The plan is to gradually expand the use of the BCSS in a structured manner. According to project team member Major Adrian Harding, "We are planting the [GIS] seed by providing access to the technology." Major Harding hopes the first stage of BCSS will whet the appetite of Army users and provide a taste of what the technology can offer. The project team is well aware of the rapid nature of change in the information technology industry and is consequently operating on a timescale of six monthly software reviews with hardware reviews every two years. It is anticipated that this approach will minimize the problems encountered with lengthy development periods, which could conceivably produce outdated applications. CelsiusTech Australia, prime systems integrator for the BCSS project, is incorporating other software into the system including the Command Data Network System-Army (CDNS-A), Lotus Notes, and the Microsoft Office suite. ADI has been contracted as the GIS developer for the project. The system will operate under a Windows NT environment on commercial and industrial workstations. Esri software is already the predominant GIS within the Australian Defence Force. For more information, contact Rob Coorey, Esri-Australia-Defence (E-mail: rcoorey@esriau.com.au). |
The Australian Army has selected Esri software for the GIS component of its Battlefield Command Support System (BCSS). Both the Australian Navy and Air Force have implemented similar systems, and BCSS will provide the Army with a long overdue command support system.