An Evaluation Methodology for Fusion Processes Based on Information Needs

Abstract

Fusion is a part of a larger Department of Defense (DoD) context — command, control, communication, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR). C4ISR capabilities are enablers for the even larger context of information superiority. A key question that is asked at decision-making levels of the DoD is how C4ISR supports the military commander in the efficient execution of military operations. The question is germane at budget levels where, for example, C4ISR competes with weapons platforms for funding. The Joint C4ISR Decision Support Center (DSC)* in DoD has performed numerous studies to determine the value of C4ISR in general and for fusion in particular. The DSC view is that value does not refer to measures of the technical merits of alternative ISR approaches; it refers instead to the value of C4ISR to support military command and control (C2). Increasingly, the C2 process has become a near-real-time decision based on perceived information. Obviously better ISR improves the data and information, but can it do so in a timely manner with high confidence? And what is the value of that information? Fusion of information across several intelligence disciplines in the DoD context plays an essential role in producing the knowledge provided by C4ISR systems. The problem addressed by the DSC is to attempt to quantify this statement by directly evaluating the value of fusion in the satisfaction of “information needs,” as defined by the DoD community. This chapter gives an overview of the methodology used to perform this type of evaluation.1