SO422 Fall 2005

Beach Recon Lab

For this exercise we will look at digital topography and satellite imagery of a coastal area.  They were produced at different times, and you might look for differences between them.  One data set is a digital elevation model (DEM), and the other is satellite imagery.  The imagery, at 5 m resolution, is from NGA and should be available for any military operational area (it is called CIB).  The DEM is better resolution than you could count on for military operations.

 For this exercise you will prepare a briefing of the coastal terrain covered by the two data sets.   Assume that you will be performing amphibious military operations in this area, and describe what you see and some of its key characteristics that would affect military operations.  Use appropriate terminology, but explain what you are describing since your commander might not have had the benefit of this course.  Include the coordinates of particular features of note.  I am most interested in your describing the features of the topography and making a reasonable effort to tie them to military considerations than that you get the technical characteristics of military weaponry and tactics.

 You have the following guidance:

• The civilian population is friendly, and we would like to minimize casualities and damage to buildings.
• We have limited helicopters and LCACs; most of our heavy equipment must be landed over the beach.
• Our immediate objective is to control the beach and penetrate 25 km inland.  Any landing location along this stretch of coast would be acceptable.

 Your briefing will be in the form of either a Word file, or PowerPoint presentation, and consist of at least 5 images saved from the program, with your analysis of them in bullet form.  Remember that you are explaining to an O6 the processes that created this coast, and what it characteristics would be like.  You will also select a spot for the landing and discuss why you selected the spot.

 You may work alone to collect the data and prepare the analysis, and will turn in the assignment before you leave the classroom.  You will not discuss the exercise with anyone other midshipmen once you start work.