Military Symbologies: An Overview and Select Annotated Bibliography

This report discusses critical symbology issues and areas of symbology research considered to merit additional inquiry. Variables that could impact symbol effectiveness are categorized and discussed as personnel (e.g., soldier experience), operational (e.g., combat stress), and technological (e.g., display type) influences. Three themes emerged from this review. First, across all agencies, operations, and systems, there is a recognized need for improved symbologies in order to maintain or enhance efficiency under increasingly difficult operational conditions. Second, there is a general, if ill-defined, call for some degree of symbology standardization. Third, one or more aspects of a traditional systems approach to design are frequently considered crucial elements of the operational system for which a symbol set is being developed. Finally, two actions appear essential in charting an efficient and meaningful course for symbology research. First, an assessment must be made of the current status of all symbology research programs regarding mission, approaches, problems, and plans. Second, a mechanism must be created to assure the continued exchange of up-to-date information among members of the symbology research community.