This study aims to refine the current cartographic standards and specifications used by the Australian Defence Force to produce the 1:50 000 scale Topographic Line Map (TLM) so that TLMs can be read with both normal chromatic vision and with achromatic NVG vision. The proliferation and integration of Night Vision Goggles (NVG) into the Australian Army has increased the operating capacity of forces at night. The Australian Army has incorporated NVG into standard operating procedures and training to the effect that Australian military personnel do not operate, at night, without NVG. The increased use of NVG in the Australian Army has required existing systems to be modified or redesigned to be effective within the limitations of NVG. The inability to read TLMs effectively with NVG is an identified problem within the Australian Army. This research has investigated the problems associated with using NVG and the information, which cannot be read on TLMs with NVG. This information was compared to a survey of features on a TLM that are critical for successful military operations. The combined information determined which features on a TLM were to be refined to enable effective reading with NVG. The scope of this research limited refinements to current or previous cartographic standards and specifications used by the Australian Army to produce TLMs. Refinements were limited to symbology, size, and colour and three critical information features of contours, watercourses and vegetation. The problems of cartographic design for a dual vision system (chromatic/achromatic) were investigated and it was determined that the common factor of value contrast exhibits the greatest effect on the refinement process. Prototype TLMs were produced and tested with normal and NVG vision to determine the best cartographic portrayal of the critical information features, without compromising the Figure/ground relationship, balance and cognitive meanings of the TLM. A final product was produced from the prototype experiment results providing a TLM for use with both normal and NVG vision. The refined TLM has changed contours from brown to black without changes to symbology or size and watercourses from 0.1mm width to 0.2mm width without changing colour or symbology. Vegetation was retained at the current standard and specification.

The requirement to operate vehicles in low light and/or night environments whilst wearing night vision goggle (NVG) systems has become increasingly common during military operations. There is very limited research investigating injury risks associated with these systems during ground vehicle collisions. This study examined the injury risks associated with wearing the Australian Defence Force - Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH) and NVG system, in frontal vehicle collisions. This project consisted of two components: (1) crash tests using a sled and (2) numerical simulations of impacts. Four dynamic sled tests were conducted using a 50th percentile, male, Hybrid III dummy positioned on a rigid seat. Frontal impact tests were performed at a 40 km/h change in velocity (*v) and 20 g deceleration. The test configurations were as follows: (a) Base; (no helmet or additional equipment); (b) ECH; and, (c) ECH and NVG. Condition (c) was carried out twice, to determine repeatability. The sled test protocols were reconstructed precisely with the numerical simulation package MADYMO and the simulations were shown to correlate well with the experimental results. Using this validated model, four parametric studies were undertaken to assess the influence of counterweights, seat cushion, seatbelt pre-tensioner, and the vehicle's *v and acceleration on injury risks. The study found that neck loads were within acceptable limits, with the exception of the neck extension moment, which was exceeded for all NVG conditions. Based on the parametric studies, no major improvements were observed in the neck extension moments with the use of counterweights or a seat cushion. In contrast the use of a seatbelt pre-tensioner was observed to decrease greatly this neck injury risk in certain scenarios. The study also identified that a *v of 15 km/h and peak acceleration of up to 14 g were required to keep the neck extension moment below the prescribed injury criteria. However, the high neck extension moment values may have been partially attributable to the stiff Hybrid III neck. This study identified a possible injury mechanism for soldiers using the ECH and NVG system during specific impact scenarios. The method applied in this project was designed to be repeatable.

The requirement to operate vehicles in low light and/or night environments whilst wearing night vision goggle (NVG) systems has become increasingly common during military operations. There is very limited research investigating injury risks associated with these systems during ground vehicle collisions. This study examined the injury risks associated with wearing the Australian Defence Force - Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH) and NVG system, in frontal vehicle collisions. This project consisted of two components: (1) crash tests using a sled and (2) numerical simulations of impacts. Four dynamic sled tests were conducted using a 50th percentile, male, Hybrid III dummy positioned on a rigid seat. Frontal impact tests were performed at a 40 km/h change in velocity (*v) and 20 g deceleration. The test configurations were as follows: (a) Base; (no helmet or additional equipment); (b) ECH; and, (c) ECH and NVG. Condition (c) was carried out twice, to determine repeatability. The sled test protocols were reconstructed precisely with the numerical simulation package MADYMO and the simulations were shown to correlate well with the experimental results. Using this validated model, four parametric studies were undertaken to assess the influence of counterweights, seat cushion, seatbelt pre-tensioner, and the vehicle's *v and acceleration on injury risks. The study found that neck loads were within acceptable limits, with the exception of the neck extension moment, which was exceeded for all NVG conditions. Based on the parametric studies, no major improvements were observed in the neck extension moments with the use of counterweights or a seat cushion. In contrast the use of a seatbelt pre-tensioner was observed to decrease greatly this neck injury risk in certain scenarios. The study also identified that a *v of 15 km/h and peak acceleration of up to 14 g were required to keep the neck extension moment below the prescribed injury criteria. However, the high neck extension moment values may have been partially attributable to the stiff Hybrid III neck. This study identified a possible injury mechanism for soldiers using the ECH and NVG system during specific impact scenarios. The method applied in this project was designed to be repeatable.

Night vision goggles (NVGs) are optical devices used to enhance human vision at low light conditions such as nighttime. The image seen through the goggles is brightened but with the consequence of introduced visual limitations and illusions. Because of this, fighter pilots need to undergo proper training with such equipment before operating with them in real-life. An NVG simulation within a Mixed Reality (MR) flight simulator can in theory be used to build the skills needed and directly translate them into real life. In this thesis, an NVG effect was added to a video see-through camera feed(VST) such that a whole NVG simulation could be experienced in an MR flight simulator. Furthermore, a method to seamlessly integrate the VST into the nocturnal virtual world was proposed. By conducting a semi structured interview with an NVG expert, the experienced realism, presence, and training value of the implemented effects were measured. A thematic analysis of the gathered interview data provided insight into the most important themes regarding NVG simulations within an MR flight simulator. / <p>Examensarbetet är utfört vid Institutionen för teknik och naturvetenskap (ITN) vid Tekniska fakulteten, Linköpings universitet</p>

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