Knowledge Extraction for Prediction and Visualization of Terrorist Networks (PVTN)

This proposal is to develop a system for Knowledge Extraction for Prediction and Visualization of Terrorist Networks (PVTN). The PVTN system will provide tools to discover, extract and display trends in the evolution of terrorist networks as an aid to the tactical decision maker. We propose a three-pronged strategy to assist tactical decision makers in extracting critical concepts and understanding the temporal dynamics of terrorist behavior patterns and organizations: The first feature involves a multi-dimensional animated visualization of the terrorist network which will emphasize visually the temporal elements in terrorist behaviors, interactions, and organizational dynamics. The second feature involves consensus analysis of databases to identify emergent sub-networks and sub-groups and thus to target the emergence and diffusion of new concepts for terrorist activities. The third feature involves leveraging the economy of relations to predict the future state of the terrorist network and thus to predict shifts in terrorist organizations. We also propose to integrate the PVTN tools with a comprehensive decision analysis system in order to: create an end-to-end support system for superior tactical decisions, and provide practical working software framework and proven user interface for rapidly placing the PVTN tools in the hand of tactical decision makers.