An ontology-based integrated approach to situation awareness for high-level information fusion in C4ISR

Abstract

Sharing of situation awareness is considered a fundamental capability for C4ISR systems, including decision support systems. However, the current evolution of information and communication technology stress this need even further, because of the fast changing environment and the need to perceive, analyse and understand a huge amount of data. The adoption of adequate tools and technologies to increase proper situation awareness is required. The SAW-CORE Ontology formalizes the knowledge associated to situation awareness enabling operators to increase good decision-making and good performance. On the other hand, the JC3IEDM is a data model aimed at providing interoperability among heterogeneous C2 systems. In this context, this paper presents the integration of the SAW-CORE Ontology and the JC3IEDM OWL Ontology using mappings in order to provide high-level information fusion for situation awareness in C4ISR systems. This allows us to approach C4ISR situation awareness with reasoning capabilities from an ontological perspective in military missions. For this purpose, SAW-CORE constructs are integrated into the JC3IEDM ontological constructs. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.