GMTI Forensics Analysis Tools

Black River Systems Co., Inc. has developed an innovative approach to traffic flow normalcy modeling of that operates on GMTI tracks and utilizes aspects of macroscopic and mesoscopic modeling. The algorithms do not require long term tracks or even pure tracks. Flow based conservation of mass utilizes the Navier-Stokes continuity equations and we apply them using cellular automata. The application of Quadtree decomposition partitions the problem to a size that can be solved efficiently. Their innovations can support direct exploitation that also includes sensor scheduling and tasking, as well as target mobility predictions to aid in tracking. Another use in tracking is to influence the track state update with the traffic flow models which advances tracking from autonomous filtering to the flow based tracking. An example of their application to the GMTI forensics problem would be forward or backward time propagation through the state-transition matrices given an event location and time. The product would be an estimate of probable locations of origin or destination that may lead to suspect locations for IED bomb makers, emplacers, or triggermen. Transition opportunities include the integration of exogenous data influences like traffic flow to support improved sensor tasking efficiency, all ground tracker efforts, and can help us integrate terrain, urban considerations, weather and other influences. Workstations such as DCGS and MTIX would benefit from the enhanced analysis capability derived from the cellular automata estimate in which we can find new lines-of-communications or sources and sinks, and even anticipate new events.