Data Fusion Centers Transforming Public Safety Information into Actionable Knowledge
Defining Geospatial Data Fusion Homeland security relies on fusion the ability to capture and analyze data from multiple sources to effectively detect, deter, and respond to natural and man-made threats. Because every potential threat and hazard starts with a location, GIS technology is essential to the data fusion process. Fusion centers facilitate the collection, analysis, and dissemination of crime, terrorism, and hazard-related data. A fusion center is defined as a collaborative effort of two or more agencies that provide analytic capabilities, resources, and expertise. Enterprise GIS provides you with the platform and framework to collect, integrate, analyze, and disseminate data turning your data into actionable knowledge. Arizona State Counter-Terrorism Analysis Incident Data Crime Data Satellite Imagery Critical Infrastructure Hazard Data SARS Analytic Models GIS benefits data fusion centers by providing Interoperability with existing systems and technology Instant access to spatial and tabular data Improved collaboration and communication across intelligence, command, control, and response teams Increased ability to analyze and respond to events as they unfold by using a single, common view of operations Improved situational awareness for intelligence analysts and decision makers Geospatial Data Fusion
Applying GIS Technology to Data Fusion Transforming Public Safety Information into Actionable Knowledge Geographic information system (GIS) technology provides the capability to analyze and visualize data from disparate sources through a common reference point geography. Whether you are a fusion center director, analyst, investigator, or first responder, you need information to quickly gain awareness and understanding of events across multiple jurisdictions. GIS provides the tools to collect, integrate, analyze, and disseminate information quickly and easily. The use of geographic information systems by fusion centers provides a foundation to integrate all types of data for easy analysis and dissemination. ESRI s ArcGIS Server technology, combined with an easy-to-use ArcGIS Explorer globe, enables data fusion analysts to identify and communicate threats or risks in a secure manner across local, state, and federal agencies. At the Massachusetts Commonwealth Fusion Center, ArcGIS integrated with workflow, link analysis, and collaboration tools provides the geographic advantage with real-time transactions to identify threats and distribute information across agencies. The United States Postal Service uses GIS for situational awareness of suspected criminal activity. Using analytic tools, money laundering activity is detected. The Strathclyde Police in Scotland applied GIS in the follow-up investigation to the attempted Glasgow airport bombing of June 30, 2007. The police use GIS to efficiently conduct their search, looking for additional evidence captured on surveillance cameras.
GIS for Threat Identification and Prevention More than a map display or visualization tool, ArcGIS software is the foundation for geoprocessing and analyzing data. ArcGIS Explorer is a 3D globe optimized with the analytic capabilities of ArcGIS. It provides accurate and secure imagery and data access. Foundational Data Fused with Dynamic Data Fusing dynamic data such as real-time 911 incident data, weather, and sensor detections with foundational data, such as infrastructure and streets, into a geographic model helps identify potential threats and assets at risk. Analysis and Decision Making ArcGIS provides a rich set of tools to distill large volumes of data into information, improving situational awareness and decision making. Common operating picture incorporating live data feeds of traffic conditions in a metropolitan area. ArcGIS Explorer illustrates information collected in the field identifying damage residences and includes the terrain profile and site specific photos. GIS for Data Fusion Personnel Data Fusion Center Analyst Improved capability to identify patterns, trends, and relationships Ability to create repeatable and shareable information and models Easy-to-use, proven set of templates and tools Data Fusion Center Director Increases capability to rapidly process and disseminate information Provides a platform to rapidly integrate new/additional information Improves a data fusion center s ability to provide an all-hazards approach to prevention and collaboration Senior Government Officials Eliminate data silos and reduce costs in maintaining multiple information systems. Reuse information and services across systems and jurisdictions. Leverage GIS data already collected and maintained throughout the state or local communities.
The Role of GIS in a Data Fusion Center Data and information on its own can appear to be independent or disconnected. ArcGIS brings data, people, and organizations together using an enterprise platform with a proven track record of success. Data Collection Using GIS across the enterprise supports the aggregation of data from multiple sources into a commonly referenced data model based on geography. The ArcGIS platform provides a flexible information architecture, including Web services and desktop, browser, and mobile support, to ensure no data is left out. Integration, Analysis, and Modeling A flexible information exchange platform, ArcGIS rapidly integrates information across centralized and remote operating environments. It provides powerful geospatial analysis and modeling for all types of hazards, threats, and crimes. Dissemination and Knowledge Capture ArcGIS Explorer increases the capability to rapidly process and disseminate information. ArcGIS supports interoperability with other systems using open standards, allowing analysts to quickly share information with other public safety systems. Data Analysis Data Dissemination GIS provides rich tools to distill large volumes of data and information into meaningful and actionable knowledge. Rapidly process, access, share, and disseminate actionable knowledge when and where it is needed. Data Integration Data Collection Interoperate and integrate with other systems by fusing disparate information by its common reference geography. Collect data, information, and feedback and rapidly share updated information on a flexible exchange platform.
ArcGIS : The Complete Enterprise GIS Whether you need to perform spatial analysis, manage large amounts of spatial data, or produce cartographically appealing maps to aid in decision making, ESRI s ArcGIS software allows you to use one common platform to meet all your GIS needs. And because ArcGIS is built using technology standards, it will integrate well with your existing systems. Desktop GIS ArcGIS Desktop ArcGIS Engine ArcGIS Explorer Server GIS ArcGIS Server ArcGIS Server Extensions ArcGIS is a complete system for authoring, serving, and using geographic information. It is an integrated collection of GIS software products for building and deploying a complete GIS wherever it is needed on desktops or servers or in custom applications; on the Web; or in the field. Learn more about GIS for Data Fusion Centers at www.esri.com/publicsafety. Data ArcGIS SM Online Services ArcGIS Data Appliance Community TM Data ESRI Data & Maps ArcGIS Mobile GIS ArcGIS Mobile ArcPad ESRI Regional Offices Olympia 360-754-4727 St. Louis 636-949-6620 Minneapolis 651-454-0600 Philadelphia 610-644-3374 Boston 978-777-4543 ESRI 380 New York Street Redlands, California 92373-8100 USA Phone: 909-793-2853 Fax: 909-793-5953 E-mail: info@esri.com California 909-793-2853 ext. 1-1906 Washington, D.C. 703-506-9515 Charlotte 704-541-9810 For More Information 1-800-GIS-XPRT (1-800-447-9778) www.esri.com Locate an ESRI value-added reseller near you at www.esri.com/resellers Denver 303-449-7779 Outside the United States, contact your local ESRI distributor. For the number of your distributor, call ESRI at 909-793-2853, ext. 1-1235, or visit our Web site at www.esri.com/distributors San Antonio 210-499-1044 No. GS-35F-5086H 113352 XXX12M10/08ed Copyright 2008 ESRI. All rights reserved. ESRI, the ESRI globe logo, ArcGIS, ArcMap, ArcEditor, ArcPad, Community, The Geographic Advantage, @esri.com, and www.esri.com are trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of ESRI in the United States, the European Community, or certain other jurisdictions. Other companies and products mentioned herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective trademark owners. Printed in USA