Visualization Methods and Tools for Human, Social, Cultural, and Behavioral Models

Modern warfare takes many forms. A common requirement across this spectrum of conflict is the need to understand and predict combatant and non-combatant goals and actions. OSD directs and oversees the Human Social Culture Behavior Modeling (HSCB) program to develop reliable, validated forecasting/predictive models of human behavior based on social and cultural factors. Unfortunately, many of these models are incomplete, immature, or not integrated. To make the many HSCB models available to today & #144;s warfighters more useful and effective, they must be presented in an easy-to-use and understandable way. PSE proposes to develop a single visualization or small set of related visualizations that emphasize the fusion and interrelation of the many stand-alone HSCB models. The proposed research will (a) evaluate and identify current visualization methods that provide insight/utility to the user community, (b) identify existing HSCB models for potential integration opportunities, and (c) develop recommendations for new visualizations to improve planning and decision-making. Pacific Science & Engineering Group (PSE) is uniquely qualified to complete the proposed work by virtue of its previous experience in HCI design and visualization work, its ongoing R & D in support of improved understanding, military planning, and decision making, and its highly skilled and experienced staff.