Review article
THE SIGNIFICANCE AND ROLE OF MILITARY CARTOGRAPHY IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS OF THE MILITARY OPERATION COMMANDER OBSERVED THROUGH THE HIERARCHY OF KNOWLEDGE
Marko Zečević
; Dr. Franjo Tuđman Croatian Defense Academy/ Janko Bobetko Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies, Zagreb, Croatia
*
Andrija Kozina
orcid.org/0000-0002-3023-2887
; Dr Franjo Tuđman Defense and Security University, Zagreb, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Throughout military history, military cartography and military symbols on maps have been an important "tool" in supporting the decision-making process of military commanders. By providing a comprehensive understanding of the terrain, showing and symbolizing the size and type of military units on a map that facilitated operational and tactical decision-making, military cartography and military symbology have evolved throughout history to improve the process and speed of decision-making. Standardization in cartography and symbology enables faster and more accurate dissemination of information, ensuring that all units have a common understanding of the operational situation and thereby facilitating the synchronization of actions on the battlefield. In order to maintain efficiency, it is necessary to carry out lifelong learning. Active teaching is the easiest way to transfer knowledge to new generations of military leaders. Military cartography influenced operational efficiency and increased the likelihood of success in military operations and battles. Commanders of campaigns and military operations have historically relied on the hierarchy of knowledge (data-information-knowledge-wisdom) to make competent and knowledge-based decisions during the conduct of operations and battles, and military cartography has played an important role in that process. The above hierarchy includes different levels of data and information processing, from raw data processing to the application of information and knowledge to decisions that enabled victory in battles, operations and campaigns.
Keywords
military cartography; military geography; military symbology; active learning; military decision-making process; OODA loop
Hrčak ID:
333706
URI
Publication date:
15.7.2025.
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