Visual Intelligence System, Reconnaissance

"It's simple: If you see green, squad up. If you see red, shoot."

- Urk, Bungie.net.

The Visual Intelligence System, Reconnaissance, abbreviated to VISR, is an integrated data management system incorporated into the helmets of Orbital Drop Shock Troopers, able to perform a number of functions. It can link into UEG, CAA and UNSC infrastructure systems at the local, national, and global levels, administered on a need/rating basis, allowing the user to store and review up to 610MB of audio files, as well as street navigational data, receive real-time mission data, and other important functions. It also includes low-light vision enhancement systems (ODST BIOS A29.817941B.01), raising the brightness of the surrounding area on the user's Heads-Up-Display. It also highlights different objects and AI with different colors. "Friendly" combatants are highlighted in green, "enemy" combatants are highlighted in red, usable weapons and vehicles are highlighted in blue, other objects are highlighted in yellow and points of interest are highlighted in bright yellow. Users can also access a database that displays a map of the area and various points of interest on that map.

Trivia

 * The VISR Mode outlines and highlights objects similar to the way the sniper rifle in Halo 3 outlines objects when you look at the scope.
 * The VISR map display also marks hostile units in and around the player's location, possibly thanks to Vergil. This may be hinted at during one of the audio logs ingame, where Sadie suggests to Dr. Endesha that he reprogram Vergil to identify Covenant troop types, which he agrees to do.
 * It's never specified how the VISR mode works in Firefight if the character's helmet has been removed or with Johnson, who has no helmet, though it is likely connected to the standard issue neural implant, rather than the helmet itself. Bungie on the other hand stepped in and answered the question in a few simple words. "Its a -Blam!- video game. Moving on."
 * When using a scope, activating the VISR will create a very small zoom effect.
 * When VISR is activated, various symbols which are otherwise invisible are highlighted on walls around New Mombasa. They appear to be Covenant or Forerunner symbols, or are possibly used by the Superintendent, though no explanation has been given as to their purpose.