Using Web Services to Support Battlefield Visualization and Tactical Decision Making

This study presents a cost effective software development method for network-centric warfare. Web services were employed to communicate two tiers of a system. First tier is the main application where the battlefield is visualized. Second tier is a report tool which remote observers use to send report on military units. Reports from the observers in the field are passed to the main application and the units existing on the main application are passed to the report tool via the Web service implemented. Received reports were reflected on the simulation software in an animated form. Resultant system achieved a powerful view of the battlefield with animation capabilities of the software, hence will provide the commanders with realistic and accurate field intelligence; hence is expected to improve the decision making process in conflict situations.