Redrawing the map - how Reveal’s Farsight software is changing the landscape of military operations

The landscape in which modern warfare is conducted is ever-evolving. In today’s increasingly complex and uncertain battlefields, technology plays a pivotal role. Technological advancements enable armed forces across the globe to harness previously unimaginable possibilities. From state-of-the-art weaponry to intelligent communication systems, developments in technology are changing the shape of armed combat as we know it, and fast. 

Now more than ever before, intelligence is key. The days of battles fought on vast open terrain are now a figment of history, replaced by intricate and unpredictable urban landscapes which present myriad challenges for the modern soldier. Add to this the rapid digitisation of global combat and the deployment of artificial intelligence systems, and the stakes are higher than ever. Keeping pace is essential for survival, but being ahead of the game is even better.

Surveillance has been a transformative component in the advancement of military operations, revolutionising the means by which armed forces personnel gather critical information and establish keen situational awareness. Cutting-edge technology has propelled surveillance to previously unimagined levels of sophistication. Through the deployment of UAVs, satellite imagery and ground-based sensor systems, decision-makers can now monitor and interrogate real-time data to inform their next move. 

Whilst technological advancements are apace and intelligence capabilities are swiftly advancing, there have still been inevitable limitations. Many of these advancements are still housed at Operational HQ’s with units out in the field often finding themselves operating on extremely limited intelligence. Positioned far away from their HQ and the vast amount of data made available to key decision-makers, soldiers at the tactical edge are handicapped by the slow pace of information dissemination. A pace which is at odds with the environment they’re operating in. Still today, forward operational units are frequently reliant on rudimentary intelligence about their surrounding environment, gathered through the execution of dangerous and time-costly ISR operations. 

With these obstacles in mind, one solution which looks set to revolutionise the military landscape is Reveal Technology's Farsight software. Seamlessly integrating with existing military systems, Farsight harnesses the power of advanced data analysis and artificial intelligence to arm the user with unparalleled situational awareness and intelligence-gathering capabilities. 

Reveal’s Farsight software equips the user with the ability to generate real-time 2D maps and near-real-time 3D maps from UAS image data, resulting in dramatic savings not just on time, but also the logistical and cognitive burden shouldered by units navigating high-risk environments.

Designed to operate using imagery from a range of military-approved UAS devices, the software can be integrated for use across several platforms, including the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK). Farsight requires no network connection, meaning that units can generate 3D maps of their operational environment in under 10 minutes, no matter where they are in the world.

Once their map is generated, the user can undertake an immersive virtual exploration of their environment, overlayed with intuitive AI detail. From ascertaining the height of a building to reviewing the ‘line of sight’ from an enemy position, users can harness Farsight’s suite of intelligent features to predict, plan and execute their mission with unparalleled precision and speed.

Farsight’s features include:

• Line of Sight Analysis - Map an area and view points of view some any location. 
• AI Auto Route - Generate routes and other tactical control markup onto models. Routes can be overlaid with LOS analysis to evaluate adversary awareness.
• Terrain Analysis & Graphing - View elevation of terrain as you scrub through route plans to assess concealment as every point.
• Helicopter Landing Zone Surveying - Survey landscapes to find suitable land zones for helicopters, taking into account doctrinal limits and airframe capabilities. 
• Vertical Measurement Tool - Accurately determine building heights, lengths of roads, and more to strengthen rapid mission planning.

Farsight’s selective AI capability serves to significantly reduce the time and data burden, with no compromise on high-quality output. Models can be generated from brief aerial surveys, and the software excels even at elevated altitudes, mitigating much of the noise associated with lower drone flights. Following the completion of a flight over a selected area, users can view an instant 2D map from which they can begin to garner some initial awareness of their operational environment. From here, they can select specific areas of interest (AOIs), for which to generate intuitive 3D models which support Farsight’s full suite of AI features. 

Sam Denniiff, Head of Defence at Coptrz, commented: 

“Reveal works with a variety of systems, including our preferred system, the Parrot ANAFI USA. Traditionally, operators within the military will either have to wait to process and gather data from the field, or, they won’t be provided with adequate information immediately to make tactical decisions. Farsight allows operators to overcome this by collecting data from the field or they won’t be provided with the adequate information immediately to make tactical decisions”. 

Terry Bryan, Technical Sales Lead at Brigantes Consulting, added:

"Farsight has the potential to significantly elevate the performance of today's soldiers in the field. Compared to traditional ISR methods, which impose substantial burdens in terms of time, energy, and risk, adopting this extraordinary technology can offer a distinct advantage to any mission. By harnessing Farsight's capabilities, a unit can gain not only enhanced intelligence but also a remarkable reduction in time and risk expenditure."

Developed alongside the United States Department of Defence, Farsight has been designed specifically for military units operating at the tactical edge. Customisable, easy to learn, and adaptable for integration with multiple technologies, this software grants its users a distinct advantage when operating in uncertain terrain.

Utilising Farsight’s intelligence-enabled features, a unit can not only keenly observe their destination environment, but can also plot strategic manoeuvres based on specific, actionable information. Eliminating the element of surprise, Farsight enhances preparedness and empowers its users with a heightened sense of control whilst significantly reducing the margin for error. Farsight does away with vagaries, placing a keen analytical edge in the hands of soldiers in the front line of combat. 

Stealth, agility and adaptability are just a few of the key ingredients to success in the field. A unit's ability to maintain a sharp and astute awareness of their surroundings, no matter how expeditionary they may be, is a deciding factor when it comes to mission accomplishment. Harnessing the contrasting dynamics of sparse distribution across an expansive landscape alongside a keen awareness of an ever-changing environment, Farsight enables a unit to unleash its full potential, positioning itself at the bleeding edge of military advancement.

Interested in revolutionising your military intelligence capabilities?

To explore how Reveal Technology's Farsight software can elevate your operational efficiency and situational awareness, get in touch with us today. Our team of experts is ready to guide you through the features and benefits of Farsight, ensuring your forces are equipped with the most advanced tools for success in the field. Don't let outdated intelligence methods hold you back. Contact us now and step into the future of military operations with confidence and precision.

Article Credit: Brigantes Consulting, partner of Coptrz Defence.