The Defense Mapping Agency Into the 21st Century.

The rapid growth of technology and its impact upon weapon systems developed and deployed into the 21 st century is a key issue for armed forces planners. Similarly, Defense Mapping Agency DMA planners must also be concerned. The Agency currently provides comprehensive Mapping, Charting, and Geodesy MCG support for all major branches of the armed forces. If DMA is to maintain its role as the unique provider of MCG support into the 21st century, capability development decisions must be made now. Presently, in the weapon systems and MCG communities, much emphasis is being placed upon exotic high technology weapons and their MCG requirements. This paper attempts to place in perspective the glamorous offerings of technology and the developing trends in conventional warfare that will probably lead to a continued requirement for the agencys conventional MCG data base products well into the 21st century.