Analysis and visualisation of surveillance coverage by scan mapping

This paper introduces scan mapping for analysing and visualising surveillance coverage, a technique that provides insight into the collective performance of a surveillance force against a region of responsibility over time. The technique departs from existing methods by its study of operations as conducted, rather than of abstract predictions, and for its study of quality of coverage as distinct from target detection and response. Scan mapping is built on the modelling of surveillance assets through swaths, geographic regions monitored over intervals of time. The swaths are projected in space to generate a scan history, from which dwell, revisit, and latency can be derived. These constructs are amenable to both quantitative, statistical analysis and qualitative, map-based visualisation. The underlying swath modelling factors out the technological details of individual surveillance assets, and brings out the way that multiple assets complement each other. The outputs can be compared with benchmarks for reporting on effectiveness, can be used to guide the design of operations, and can provide the baseline for correction of observations. The Defence Science and Technology Organisation has used scan mapping in operations analysis support to Australia's Northern Command, has suggested it for support to decision-making on equipment acquisition, and has proposed it for integration into Australia's Joint Command Support System to boost situation awareness. Scan mapping is software intensive and requires good operational data, and thus draws on ongoing advances in scientific software and Knowledge Management.