Application of GIS and Artificial Intelligence in Military Operations: Prospects and Challenges

Ezra Chipatiso

doi:10.25159/3005-4222/15984

Authors

Ezra Chipatiso University of Zimbabwe https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6276-2022

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/3005-4222/15984

Keywords:

GIS and Remote Sensing, Military operations, Artificial Intelligence, Drone technology

Abstract

The study explores the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in military operations, focusing on prospects and challenges. The study considers the aspect of GIS and AI in military operations since various military organisations have yet to fully adopt this technological development into their systems. Therefore, the need to embrace recent military developments for command, control, communication, and coordination in military operations becomes significant. Military institutions have adopted geospatial and/or AI tools to improve their capabilities of detecting and monitoring national security threats. The rationale behind this study was to identify the benefits and factors interfering with GIS and AI in undertaking military operations, with a focus on land-based military developments, to provide a direction for military transformation. A qualitative approach was employed, and interpretive content analysis of the literature supported the results and discussion of the study. An online survey was conducted to extract information from a sample of 40 students undertaking War Studies at the University of Zimbabwe, who were conveniently selected. In-depth interviews were also done with two military experts from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF). Data collected was analysed using a qualitative interpretation of themes drawn from research objectives, and Kant’s Ethical Theory was used to emphasise the need for promoting universal moral principles. Embracing GIS and AI results in improved access to information, data management, information dissemination, terrain analysis, target or pattern recognition, quick data processing algorithms, autonomous systems, and predictive analysis. However, factors which could interfere with GIS and machine learning in military operations include financial constraints, training requirements, cyber-security threats, software issues, as well as misinterpretation of situations. The study recommends the need for AI governance across all tasks relevant to military operations, and to come up with national defence AI strategies, policies, and guidelines.

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