Publication

Modeling Simulation and Software (MS2)
2023

Tool Development for Mobility Visualization and Routing Incorporating Vehicle Limitations and Terrain Modeling

by Eric Pesheck; Robert Goff; Joseph Little; Paramsothy Jayakumar

Abstract

In this investigation, a prototype tool for visualizing vehicle mobility and planning routes across offroad terrain was developed and evaluated in the field. The tool uses detailed vehicle, soil, and terrain characteristics to plan routes and indicate vehicle limits, including go/no-go zones on the local terrain map. Consistent with NG-NRMM principles, the process uses Multi-Body system simulation and simple terramechanics soil models to characterize the vehicle capability and integrate this data within a geospatial application to visualize mobility over terrain and facilitate route planning. A tablet-based prototype was soldier-tested in the field to confirm operational utility and selected routes. The results indicate how the NG-NRMM approach and associated modeling strategies can positively impact operational planning and execution.