Satellite imaging at SamMarin-03

Authors:

  • Andersson Marie

Publish date: 2004-01-01

Report number: FOI-R--1274--SE

Pages: 35

Written in: Swedish

Abstract

This report is the result of an evaluation of the use of satellite imaging during a litoral warfare exercise, SamMarin-03. The evaluation built upon a questionnaire that was answered by participants in the evaluation. The answers from the questionnaire were supplemented by interviews. Futher interviews have been held with persons not directly involved with the exercise but with a broad experience of using satellite imagery. This was the first time that the Swedish navy and the amphibious forces used satellite images "tailored" to the needs of a specific exercise. The purpose of the evaluation was to assess the usefulness of satellite images for tactical needs. A problem during the exercise was that the use of satellite imagery was not a part of the initial planning and the pictures could not be used to their full potential. The use of satellite images at SamMarin gave the navy and the amphibious forces experience of using satellite images for tactical planning. One important experience is that if commercial images are to be used for tactical purposes, the delivery times must be considerably shortened. The report suggests further work to enhance availability of satellite images and how to use these images.