EMDYN overcomes key barriers to accurate intelligence analysis

Facing a rising tide of challenges ranging from war and conflict to international terrorism and organised crime, the global security landscape is growing in complexity. Specialists in intelligence data fusion, EMDYN has identified four key issues confronting organisations responding to these challenges.

Writen by

Tim Van Renterghem

4:50
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SYSTEM PROBLEMS

The defence industry is plugged into an array of systems that do not necessarily integrate with one another. There is the danger of information overload given the exponential growth in digital data and technical advancements in sensors. Organisations may also lack the means to bring together intelligence sources into a single application. Finally, current systems are frequently over complicated and built for the programmer rather than the end client.

  • Lack of integration – Integration is key to the provision of accurate, timely intelligence. Running too many different systems naturally inhibits the efficiency and accuracy of the required analysis.
  • Information overload – In this scenario the more data being fed in, the more likely it is that important details are missed or data that may prove to be less relevant is given too much weight. This leads potentially to flawed conclusions.
  • No single application – Unless intelligence data can be fed into a single application there is the risk of fragmented or incomplete analysis. Employing multiple systems to process different data sources weakens the context and creates blind spots.
  • Over complication – Existing systems have often been created to serve the needs of the programmer or data scientist and may be serving individual specialisms. This creates silos and prevents aggregation across intelligence domains.

The key to overcoming these problems is to employ a system built to embrace multi-source intelligence data; one which gives simultaneous access to multiple big data layers and provides data fusion and smart questioning at scale and at speed. Geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) fusion software is now a decisive tool in the defence industry, used to integrate, analyse and visualise multi-source geographic and spatial information to support military operations and national security objectives.

THE ROLE OF INTELLIGENCE FUSION

GEOINT fusion software addresses these problems with a host of applications in the defence sector:

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS

Battlespace visualisation – GEOINT fusion software enables military personnel to picture the battlespace in real-time, integrating data from satellites, drones and ground sensors. This helps commanders understand the terrain, enemy positions and patterns of movement.

Common operational picture (COP) – it provides a unified view of the battlefield, combining multiple data sources to give decision-makers a comprehensive view of the operational environment.

MISSION PLANNING AND EXECUTION

Targeting – the software is used to identify and verify targets by integrating imagery, signals intelligence (SIGINT) and other data types, ensuring precise targeting and reducing collateral damage.

ROUTE PLANNING

Safe routes – GEOINT fusion software assists in planning safe and efficient routes for troop movements, supply convoys and aircraft by analysing terrain, enemy positions and potential threats.

INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS AND THREAT ASSESSMENT

Pattern analysis – by fusing data from multiple sensors, the software can identify patterns in enemy movements or activities, helping analysts predict future actions or identify emerging threats.

Threat monitoring – continuous monitoring of areas of interest via GEOINT helps to detect changes or anomalies, such as the construction of military installations or the movement of hostile forces.

FORCE PROTECTION

Surveillance and reconnaissance – it supports surveillance operations by integrating live feeds from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), satellites and ground-based sensors to monitor threats to military forces.

Base defence – it assists in securing military bases by mapping potential threat zones and integrating real-time data to monitor and respond to threats.

DISASTER RESPONSE AND HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE

Damage assessment – following a conflict or disaster, the software can quickly assess damage to infrastructure and help prioritise recovery efforts.

Humanitarian aid – it can be employed to map affected areas, plan aid delivery routes and coordinate efforts with non-military organisations during humanitarian missions.

TRAINING AND SIMULATION

Virtual training – GEOINT fusion data can be used to create realistic simulations for training military personnel, helping them practice in environments that closely resemble real-world conditions.

Wargaming – it supports wargaming and scenario planning by providing detailed geographic and environmental data, facilitating more realistic and effective training exercises.

CYBER AND ELECTRONIC WARFARE

Signal analysis – the software can integrate geospatial data with electronic signals intelligence (ELINT) to identify the location and characteristics of enemy communication and radar systems.

Cyber operations support – it helps in mapping and understanding the physical infrastructure of cyberspace, such as the location of data centres or communication nodes, which is crucial for cyber operations.

BORDER SECURITY AND COUNTER-TERRORISM

Border surveillance – GEOINT fusion is used to monitor and secure borders by integrating data from ground sensors, surveillance towers and UAVs to detect and track illegal crossings or smuggling activities.

Counter-terrorism operations – it supports counter-terrorism efforts by providing detailed maps and real-time intelligence on terrorist movements, safe houses and operational bases.

RESOURCE ALLOCATION AND LOGISTICS

Resource allocation – the software aids the efficient allocation of resources by providing commanders with detailed information on terrain, infrastructure and enemy activities.

Supply chain management – it helps optimise the logistics chain by analysing routes, supply depots, and transportation networks, ensuring timely delivery of supplies to troops.

STRATEGIC DECISION MAKING

Policy and strategy development – High-level decision-makers use GEOINT fusion software to understand global security environments, assess geopolitical risks and develop long-term defence strategies.

Diplomatic and Military Planning – the software provides valuable insights into potential conflict zones, helping in the planning of diplomatic initiatives or military interventions.

How EMDYN Platform provides the solution

EMDYN Platform is the go-to geospatial intelligence fusion software, offering an integrated solution to systemic shortcomings. Our bespoke Platform draws together location intelligence data from an array of sources in a single application to provide unparalleled insights into situations, events or patterns of movement explained EMDYN CEO Tim Van Renterghem.

It can ingest virtually limitless multiple large data sources and overlay the data as complementary levels of context in an intelligence investigation. EMDYN Platform can handle queries filtering trillions of data points and visualising millions of outputs simultaneously, making the analyst workflow incredibly fast and intuitive. It allows secure collaboration across departments and information exchange with internal or even external users to provide a fast, efficient response to new intelligence.

EMDYN Platform can be securely hosted at EMDYN’s data centre or in-house to the client’s preference and is specifically designed to be easily integrated with clients’ own data. It comes with an integrated toolkit with a full case management system, detailed record management to map personnel and hardware links plus an executive summary dashboard. In summary, EMDYN Platform is a versatile tool that enhances the defence industry's ability to collect, process, analyse and act upon geospatial data; an indispensable aid for modern military operations and national security efforts.

Discover more about EMDYN Platform here.