A FULLY NETWORKED C4I VISUALIZATION SYSTEM

Current MARFOR C41 information systems are designed for high level commanders sometimes situated a significant distance from the actual conflict. Yet in order to succeed, over-the-horizon amphibious assault strategies require coordinated dissemination of information down the chain of command and across the varying platforms comprising the joint forces information systems. This proposal seeks to explore C4I systems that are integrated, interoperable and deliver a greater depth of situational awareness information down to marines in the field. As the pace of "War of the Future,, quickens, getting information on and off the battlefield and relaying it to all levels of command in a standardized form is paramount. Expressing data as graphical metaphors in an interactive, immersive 3-D environment creates a medium for simplifying large amounts of alphanumeric information, allowing marines to analyze and act on data more quickly and effectively. The objectives of this project are to develop a standardized visual grammar and a robust, networked communications system to support MARFOR C4I which provides both top level and field commanders with the ability to meld the diverse information flows from joint forces needed to coordinate future amphibious warfare. The Principal Investigator will address MARFOR's top level need for innovative information management and processing, develop real-time communication and network technologies and develop visualization technologies.