Persistent ISR: the social network analysis connection

Elizabeth K. Bowman

doi:10.1117/12.923021

24 May 2012 Persistent ISR: the social network analysis connection

Elizabeth K. Bowman

Proceedings Volume 8389, Ground/Air Multisensor Interoperability, Integration, and Networking for Persistent ISR III; 83891F (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.923021
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2012, Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Abstract

Persistent surveillance provides decision makers with unprecedented access to multisource data collected from humans and sensor assets around the globe, yet these data exist in the physical world and provide few overt clues to meaning behind actions. In this paper we explore the recent growth in online social networking and ask the questions: 1) can these sites provide value-added information to compliment physical sensing and 2) what are the mechanisms by which these data could inform situational awareness and decision making? In seeking these answers we consider the range of options provided by Social Network Analysis (SNA), and focus especially on the dynamic nature of these networks. In our discussion we focus on the wave of reform experienced by the North African nations in early 2011 known as the Arab Spring. Demonstrators made widespread use of social networking applications to coordinate, document, and publish material to aid their cause. Unlike members of covert social networks who hide their activity and associations, these demonstrators openly posted multimedia information to coordinate activity and stimulate global support. In this paper we provide a review of SNA approaches and consider how one might track network adaptations by capturing temporal and conceptual trends. We identify opportunities and challenges for merging SNA with physical sensor output, and conclude by addressing future challenges in the persistent ISR domain with respect to SNA.

Citation Download Citation

Elizabeth K. Bowman "Persistent ISR: the social network analysis connection", Proc. SPIE 8389, Ground/Air Multisensor Interoperability, Integration, and Networking for Persistent ISR III, 83891F (24 May 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.923021

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