Multi-source data fusion in NATO coalition operations (a Canadian Army perspective on ISTAR)

Interoperability is crucial between data fusion systems of different nations and services. Coalition operations in Bosnia, and in Kosovo, have demonstrated the critical need for NATO systems to be able to share data. Joint and combined operations where nations work together as an integrated force have required the emergence of common messaging systems and imagery files to deal with the deluge of sensor data derived from these area of operations. A NATO Open System Environment, based on IEEE POSIX, is also evolving to allow increased interoperability of software components along the lines of the US Defence Information Infrastructure/Common Operating Environment (DII/COE). What is lacking is a comprehensive set of algorithms to allow the semi-automatic and automatic fusion of the profusion of data streams of all types inundating the tactical commander. This paper describes the search for a common architecture to allow Canadian troops to take full advantage of the data available within a NATO coalition with the goal of creating a multi-source data fusion centre to support the tactical commander. The structure that knits this sensor to commander web together is termed, in the Canadian context, the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) architecture.