Visual Intelligence System, Reconnaissance

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

— ^[1]

The Visual Intelligence System, Reconnaissance (VISR, pronounced "visor") is a proprietary integrated data management system used by UNSC personnel. It is incorporated into the helmets of Orbital Drop Shock Troopers and MJOLNIR GEN2, the latter of which features Version 4.0 of the suite.^[2]^[3]

Overview

VISR provides tactical data in real time as it is broadcast. It can link into UEG, CAA, and UNSC infrastructure systems at the local, national, and global network levels, administered on a need or rating basis. The version of VISR issued to ODSTs near the end of the Human-Covenant War allows the user to store and review up to 610MB of content relevant to the current or all mission objectives.

Among other functions, VISR also provides navigational data and highlights various points of interest in the operational area. As of ODST BIOS update A29.817941B.01 it also features light enhancement systems, raising the brightness of the surrounding area on the user's heads-up display during low-light operations. VISR's low-light vision enhancement also links with the user's neural interface to provide Friend or Foe designation by searching for IFF transponders on friendly or enemy personnel. Enemy and friendly personnel and matériel are highlighted with different colors. Friendly combatants are highlighted in green whereas enemy combatants are highlighted in red. Usable weapons, vehicles, and medical kits are highlighted in blue; other objects and structures are highlighted in orange; beacons and data terminals are highlighted in yellow.^[4]

VISR's core technology was originally developed for the MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor^[5] and was field tested by Spartan-III Headhunters.^[6] Unlike the visual interface system developed for the Spartans, the ODST VISR requires no neural interface.^[5] With the introduction of MJOLNIR [GEN2], the VISR 4.0 suite is now utilized by Spartan-IVs. This version is more similar to previous incarnations of the MJOLNIR heads-up display than the one used by ODSTs, and the new BIOS firmware allows a modification to the suite with the Z-5080 Promethean vision module. As of 2558 the highest version number is 4.09, though several customized types are available to operators within the Spartan branch's Specialization wings.^[3]

VISR database

The NAV parameter on the integrated VISR data management suite

The VISR database holds pertinent and relative information concerning battle to provide a distinct tactical advantage to the wearer. The database encompasses three main parameters situated in a carousel formation:

Navigation (NAV) - As an ODST lacks a motion trackers in his HUD, the NAV component in the VISR database provides a far more dynamic integration of mapping systems than featured by a standard motion tracker. It is very similar to the TACMAP in all MJOLNIR suits. The NAV tab is possibly the most useful feature in the VISR database suite because it provides a complete bird's-eye view of the current area in a interactive schematic grid; more importantly, the NAV parameter also shows the enemy forces in their entirety within the proximity of the highlighted area. This property of the database makes it very useful for tactical situations where planning is a key element. One downside to the enemy position interface is that the NAV function does not identify enemies individually (such as by rank or species) -- they are all represented with the same red diamond. However, one may still discern which types of Covenant infantry are in the vicinity by the marker's relative movement speed. Additionally, the NAV function only previews enemy locations within the vicinity of the VISR operator. User-set NAV markers may be displayed using this feature. The compass is synced with this parameter of the VISR database, as waypoints and beacons show up as integrated icons within the direction in relation to their location.

Intelligence (INTEL) - This parameter is a comprehensive listing of the current mission objectives. On the right-hand side, a picture depicting the user is shown along with a symbol denoting rank, as well as the name of the operator. Another useful feature of this component is to set a marker to the current objective location along with a brief description of what the objective entails. Both the description and marker are broadcast upon the user's HUD. Beacons generally represent current objectives.

Communications (COM) - This component is rather simplistic in its design and function.

There are other elements within the VISR database include the following:^[7]

Compass (integral with all factors regarding location, designation, and direction)
Key locations (pre-placed beacons for mission objectives)
Map legend (shown for all map elements)
Grenade inventory (integrated with HUD)
VISR database tabs (in carousel formation)
Weapons and ammunition (integrated with HUD)
Waypoint list
Interactive local map

Trivia

When VISR is activated, Huragok writings are highlighted on walls around New Mombasa. They appear to be Covenant or Forerunner symbols. They commonly appear around dead Sangheili.
The navigational database system in the VISR is similar to the TACMAP in both SPI and MJOLNIR armor systems.
Anything using active camouflage (specifically, Brute Stalkers) will be highlighted in orange by the VISR. This means that the system identifies cloaked objects as scenery.