Real-Time Cloud Depiction Integration Into The Army's Battlefield Maneuver Control System

Real-time cloud detection and visualization is being developed to demonstrate the value added from space-based weather satellite imagery products in support of Army mission planning and execution. Mission planners and tactical forces need to know the cloud location to assess the impact that clouds will have on their mission. GOES satellite imagery is first acquired by the Army's Deployable Weather Satellite Workstation (DWSW). Multispectral cloud differencing and thresholding techniques are then applied to the GOES imager data to create a Cloud/Clear mask. The Cloud/Clear mask is subsequently formatted and transferred to the Army's Maneuver Control System (MCS) for visualization by mission planners and warfighters. A proof of concept demonstration is planned where operational exploitation of the Cloud/Clear depiction together with geo-registered battlefield information on MCS will be evaluated as part of the Army Space Exploitation Demonstration Program.