In order to meet 42 Engr Regt (Geo) role geographic support elements are deployed. The capabilities, size and composition of these elements will be determined by the nature of the deployment. The capabilities deployed will vary, but will include some, or all, of those listed below:
Provision of Geographic Advice.
Specialist geographic advice must be available to commanders to ensure that best use is made of geographic data, products and capabilities. Geographic staff is additionally responsible for implementing command and control arrangements for geographic assets to ensure the appropriate provision of this advice.
Acquisition and Creation of Data.
Deployed geographic personnel are able to acquire and exploit additional source data and imagery in the field, which can then be used to create more detailed datasets. This may include sources such as satellite imagery, air reconnaissance imagery from manned and unmanned platforms, local datasets and geodetic point positioning data.
Management of Geographic Data.
Geographic personnel are capable of managing digital geographic data. Geographic data should be organised in a geographic database and managed on behalf of the commander in order to allow efficient retrieval and exploitation. Geographic data management covers complex issues such as data validation, format and storage.
Terrain Analysis.
Terrain Analysis is the process of analysing geographic data to determine the effects of terrain, geography and weather on military operations. Terrain Analysis serves to synthesise a wide range of data sources into terrain studies, which a commander can use to assist in decision making. It delivers a wide range of products, a number of which provide crucial input to the IPB/IPE process. These could include 'going traces', route studies and line of sight products.
Geographic Information Presentation.
Geographic personnel are responsible for the composition and presentation of geographic information to HQs and deployed units. Geographic information can be tailored, enhanced and presented in different forms including terrain visualisation, briefing graphics and maps, terrain area studies and verbal ground briefs.
Geographic Information Production.
Geographic information production is the production and the reproduction of digital and paper-based geographic products in the formats required to support field deployable systems. It includes a bulk printing capability, which can also support Psychological Operations.
Geographic Information Dissemination.
Geographic assets assigned to a theatre are responsible for ensuring that deployed forces receive appropriate digital and paper geographic products. Geographic personnel will maintain and operate a specialist in theatre distribution system to ensure delivery of hard copy products and soft copy media. They are also responsible for the publication of geographic data and products on electronic networks.
Geographic systems support.
The specialist nature of the geographic systems being deployed requires the provision of specialist maintenance personnel. Second and third line technical support cannot be provided by assets organic to formations so specialist teams are formed and deployed from 42 Engr Regt (Geo)