Data Fusion and Data Sharing

Challenges associated with integrating disparate data sources, better known as data fusion, include

• Creating relationships between different data schemas
• Access to and orchestration of various static and dynamic data
• Presentation of the data in an actionable or understandable format

GIS supports data fusion by providing the ability to access and integrate disparate data sources based on their spatial reference. This capability provides the user with a view of the information based on time and geospatial reference. The geospatial reference adds to the understanding of the data by providing not only location but also objects and other physical features affected or influenced by the integrated data. Analysis can be performed to better understand risk/threat density, exposure trends, and vulnerabilities or to determine whether occurrences are isolated or part of a much larger imminent threat. The fusion of time-sensitive dynamic data with geographic data provides the user with a much more intuitive and complete picture that can be quickly acted on.

Many state and local agencies use GIS in their data fusion centers and are finding value in the way data is integrated and presented geographically. Intelligence data collected in the field, through electronic surveillance systems, or via personal observations or obtained through local records management system interfaces can be analyzed and visualized in the context of a map to identify potential problem areas. The output of the risk analysis can be more effectively shared with law enforcement officers in the field for strategic planning or tactical response.

GIS provides a cognitive ability to visualize information in a geographic context, making it quickly understood, actionable, and readily shareable. GIS supports data fusion by

• Providing an interface for the collection, processing, and display of data
• Creating actionable information from disparate data in various formats and different locations
• Providing the capability to rapidly share information and situational awareness with those responsible to act on it

Solution

• Server GIS