text: Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield
  ANALYZE TERRAIN
  7-18. Terrain analysis is the study and interpretation of natural and manmade features of an area, their
  effects on military operations, and the effects of weather and climate on these features. Terrain analysis is a
  continuous process. Changes in the operational environment may change the analysis of its effects on the
  operation or on threat COA.
  7-19. Ideally, analysis of the military aspects of terrain is based on reconnaissance of the AO and AOI.
  This starts with a map and imagery reconnaissance. If METT-TC permits, the LRS team can conduct an
  aerial or vehicular reconnaissance of the AO and of the objective AO. Automated digital terrain tools can
  assist in the analysis of environmental factors and can display data over maps. Multispectral imaging
  processors (MSIPs) and other digital tools can also help. The BFSB S-2's GI&S team can provide these
  and other tools, as available. Automated tools supplement ground, air, map, or imagery reconnaissance and
  products include--
  • Cross-country mobility.
  • Lines of communication.
  • Vegetation types and distributions.
  • Surface drainages and configurations.
  • Surface materials.
  • Subsurface (bedrock) materials.
  • Obstacles.
  • Infrastructures.
  • Flood zones.
  • Potential helicopter landing zones.
  • Potential amphibious landing zones.
  Note: Lines of communication include transportation, communications, and power.
  Analyze the Military Aspects of Terrain
  7-20. The military aspects of terrain--OAKOC--follow:
  Observation and Fields of Fire
  7-21. Observation refers to the ability to see the threat, either aided by surveillance devices or unaided.
  This includes observation through electronic and optical LOS systems, thermal imaging devices, laser
  range finders, jamming devices, radars, and radios as well as observation from overhead platforms.
  7-22. A field of fire is an area that a weapon or group of weapons can effectively cover with fire from a
  given position. A field of fire is evaluated for threat and friendly indirect- and direct-fire weapons. Even if
  a clear opening offers the best observation, it might have poor fields of fire.
  7-23. The evaluation of observation and fields of fire allows identification of--
  • Potential engagements areas.
  • Defensive terrain and specific equipment or equipment positions.
  • Areas where friendly forces are most vulnerable to observation and fires.
  • Areas of visual dead space.
  7-24. Intervisibility and line of sight have a close relationship. Intervisibility is the condition of being
  able to see one point from the other. This condition may be altered or interrupted by adverse weather, dusk,