Target Designation and Indication with GPS Map in Night-Op Conditions

Previous experiments have shown that target indication supported by satellite-guided positioning with map on a GPS device can be made with high precision in daylight. Since the ability of military units to operate in night-op conditions is vital, the possibilities of using such equipment with night vision goggles was tested in a night-time experiment with ten officers. Their tasks were 1) to designate direction and distance to targets visible in the terrain, and 2) to identify target positions in the terrain. They performed the tasks both with GPS device and with conventional verbal target designation. Precision was approximately equal whether the tasks were performed with the GPS device or verbally, but performance time was longer with GPS device. To elicit more information the officers also participated in focus group discussions. This provided important information on design and usage of a GPS device in night-op conditions, e.g. concerning compatibility with other systems and usability in cold weather.