Date of Award

6-1-2010

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Organizational Unit

College of Natual Science and Mathematics

First Advisor

Sharolyn Anderson, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Joseph K. Berry

Third Advisor

Paul C. Sutton

Fourth Advisor

Rebecca L. Powell

Fifth Advisor

Scott T. Leutenegger

Keywords

Aircraft combat survivability, Flight route planning, Geographic information systems, Helicopter, Spatial behavior, Susceptibility

Abstract

Movement and transportation systems are a primary topic in the study of humans and their relationship with the environment. Only a few modes of transportation allow for nearly full freedom of movement that is unconstrained by rigid nodes and networks. Individual human travel (walking, climbing, swimming, etc.) is one example while rotorcraft travel is another. Although other criteria constrain movement, independence from a network allows for a unique examination of human spatial decision-making and choice behavior. This research analyzes helicopter flight route planning in a low threat combat environment with respect to geography. The particular problem addressed, which ultimately concerns the quantitative representation and mapping of helicopter susceptibility in a low threat, combat environment, is assisted by a Geographic Information System (GIS). Prior susceptibility research on helicopters is combined with the spatial analytical functions of a GIS to cartographically model three dimensional flight corridors and routes across four separate areas. GIS optimized flight routing plans that minimize helicopter susceptibility (maximize capability to avoid threats) are then compared to the conventional routes produced by human flight route planners using existing techniques. Findings indicate that although the GIS routes reduce susceptibility costs, they concomitantly decrease route diversity. There was no significant evidence that experience, expertise, landscape familiarity, age, or the amount of time taken to plan had any effect on the spatial character of the routes. Several spatial similarities between conventionally planned routes and GIS optimized routes were revealed that expose potential perceptual limitations imposed by the conventional flight planning paradigm. Implementation of geospatial technology could help eliminate these restrictions.

Publication Statement

Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.

Rights Holder

Brett J. Machovina

Provenance

Received from ProQuest

File Format

application/pdf

Language

en

File Size

217 p.

Discipline

Geography, Geographic information science and geodesy, Operations research

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