Automated Toxicity Hazard Assessment Decision-aiding System (ATHADS)

A key stage in military planning is the intelligence preparation of the battlespace (IPB). IPB is a continuous process that defines the battlespace environment and its effects and determines and evaluates likely enemy actions. Typically, characterizationof the battlespace and its effects has focused on performing terrain and spatial analysis (delineation of areas of operation and interest, avenues of approach, cover and concealment, etc.), determining effects of weather on military operations (e.g. onmobility), and use of demographic information (population, cultural effects) to guide rules of engagement. However, a critical need exists to integrate the potential effects hazardous chemicals and material may have on mission plans. The presence ofindustrial toxic chemicals and materials can have a dramatic impact on mission success and is seen as a key impediment to force protection. Here we propose an Automated Toxicity Hazard Assessment Decision-aiding System (ATHADS) to support enhanced missionplanning. Our approach leverages three synergistic technologies: intelligent agent-based information retrieval of toxicology data; a rule-based mechanism for event and alert generation based on retrieved information; and a Bayesian belief network approachto environmental hazard assessment and prediction. We see considerable potential for this approach in enhancing mission planning systems for operational forces.