Soil passability analysis in the open terrain

Abstract

In this article, the issue of soil passability classification is discussed, using field measurements and soil spatial databases. The most detailed cartographic studies available in Poland were used: a soil-agricultural map at scale 1: 25 000. Maps concerning the passability of soils were developed by conducting field measurements with specialized equipment – an electronic cone penetrometer and the type of combat vehicle with the number of its passes in the analysed area. For this purpose, two indicators were used: the Cone Index and the Vehicle Cone Index. The passability of soils was classified into three classes of passability (GO, SLOW-GO and NO-GO TERRAIN). The obtained maps were analysed, which showed very good conditions of passability in the study area. Nevertheless, this condition significantly changes with the increase in the number of passes by the analysed combat vehicles. The article shows that it is possible to use the existing database of soils in Poland and the results of penetrometric measurements to develop maps of passability, taking into consideration soil conditions. The developed maps may provide geospatial support in planning military operations and crisis management.