Integrating multimedia information for joint theater command and control

The modern command center must support force-level data fusion (the integration and display of information from a range of sources) to meet the needs of contingency operations. The effectiveness of the information use depends upon improving the integration of information processing capabilities with the cognitively-demanding team planning and decision making tasks of the joint force senior command. The leveraging factors in information technology for command support are the ability to present the commander with the right information at the right time with the right level of detail. This paper investigates the "Data Wall" information presentation concept and its associated interface technologies with respect to their potential contributions to the critical requirements associated with joint theater command and control (C/sup 2/) decision making. The paper further highlights the pivotal technological issues and emphasizes the importance of context-specific research to support successful design and development to meet the operational requirements of C/sup 2/ decision making.