A survey of the state-of-the-art in the evaluation of natural terrain by earth-science techniques and measurement systems is presented in response to a need that existed for many years. This report considers the terrain as an envelope of the environment and all related parameters that are basic in an evaluation for relevant military applications such as unimproved landing areas, trafficability, site selection for operational facilities, terrain reconnaissance and surveillance, and target detection within a masked terrain complex. Methods of terrain-data acquisition, analysis, and evaluation and their limitations are reviewed. The status of research and development, specifying the gaps in technology, is summarized with accompanying conclusions. The report forecasts the requirement for an automated terrain-data acquisition, storage, and display system. Information pertaining to the classification of terrain data, field devices to measure bearing strength, and a visualized optimum remote sensing system is also given in the appendix. A glossary and a comprehensive bibliography are included. (Author).

"The study reported herein was a preliminary investigation made to provide guidance for a planned, longer range research program to develop and apply new and existing methods for measuring and predicting in quantitative and semiquantitative terms for effects of environmental factors on ground vehicles operating in Southeast Asia"--Vol. 1, p. ix.