Maintaining information flow in fast-moving operations
Guest blog by Richard Goodman, EMEA defence lead at Hexagon #DefTechWeek
Underpinning defence operations decisions with AI and data fusion is part of digital transformation. This includes advances in automation of geographic data, including cataloguing, analysis, delivery, visualisation and exploitation leveraging commercial data and software. Use case examples include GBAD (ground-based air defence) and CUAS (counter-unmanned aerial systems), which provide data from multiple sensors to decision-makers. There are obvious current conflicts dominating the news where GBAD and CUAS are the headlines.
Data discovery and shareability
In any solution, the receipt and cataloguing of data needs to rapidly enable users and systems to have knowledge of what data is available and its suitability for use. Without this, the value of the data is lost and decision-makers may be lack crucial information. Metadata captured automatically, or populated as part of manual workflows, should include known fields to permit the easy discovery and interpretation of the data. Attributes such as source, date, shareability and quality of the data will help assure users to trust the data. With NATO’s move to need to share, rather than need to know and the overall move to Multi Domain Operations (MDO), data discovery and shareability are more important than ever.
Data analysis and delivery
Once discovered, data needs to be analysed, allowing information to be extracted and knowledge to be derived by users. Through automatic analysis of data, using machine learning, AI and processing workflows, information is delivered to users. Whether AI is used on the edge or at the headquarters after receiving data, it should not restrict subsequent data analysis. Having captured analysis workflows digitally, users can first run analytics on demand as well as be assured the analysis is repeatable and without user bias.
For successful delivery of data and information, users need to receive it in the correct format at the time of relevance. Through automation of dissemination and ease of retrieval, with standard products and standard delivery services, multiple end user clients can consume the information feed. Rather than distributing products on demand, as with the need-to-know concept, sharing standard services and products by the need-to-share concept means one producer can serve many consumers, even with differing access permissions.
Data visualisation
After all the work to receive, analyse and share, the delivery of information is often via visualisation, as after all, “a picture paints a thousand words.” However, a 3D view of real-time data along with analytics depicts many thousands of sentences. Utilising advances in browser technology, the modern command control (C2) or COP delivers timely information to commanders, with full assurance of the data validity. Simulated predictions, such as of routing vehicles and historical data of troop movements, can be included for a more all-domain view.
Visualisation techniques are crucial components of modern defence C2 solutions, particularly for GBAD and CUAS. These technologies provide military decision-makers with enhanced situational awareness and the ability to process complex spatial data rapidly.
For CUAS operations, geospatial analysis and visualisation tools are essential for tracking and identifying small, fast-moving targets. These systems can integrate data from multiple sensors, such as radar, video, audio and AI classification. Moreover, these technologies support rapid decision-making by allowing users to perform spatial analysis, such as calculating weapon ranges, identifying optimal sensor placement and predicting potential impact zones.
Hexagon’s capabilities
Through customer participation in exercises such as CWIX, TIE and REPMUS, and active deployments, Hexagon’s commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software is being employed in real-time systems for CUAS and GBAD, as well as C2 and autonomous vehicles. Inaccurate coordinate transformations or ambiguous visualisations pose significant risks in modern defence C2 solutions, particularly for GBAD and CUAS systems. These issues can lead to severe consequences in military operations, so using tested and secure software is important. Using COTS software, with its regular testing, validation and user feedback, helps ensure that C2 systems provide accurate, easily interpretable information to support critical decision-making in defence operations.
With adherence to open standards for data, catalogues, web services, etc, Hexagon’s technology is widely used in defence organisations around the globe. www.hexagon.com/go/sig/hxgndefence
Defence Programme activities
The Defence programme works to help the UK’s defence technology sector align itself with the MOD. techUK members are able to navigate and better understand the UK Defence sector to successfully align their own investment and resources to take advantage of business opportunities. Visit the programme page here.
Upcoming events
Latest news and insights
Learn more and get involved
Defence updates
Sign-up to get the latest updates and opportunities from our Defence programme.
Meet the team
Fred Sugden
Associate Director, Defence and National Security, techUK
Fred is responsible for techUK's activities across the Defence and National Security sectors, working to provide members with access to key stakeholders across the Defence and National Security community. Before taking on the role of Associate Director for Defence and National Security, Fred joined techUK in 2018, working as the Programme Head for Defence at techUK, leading the organisation's engagement with the Ministry of Defence. Before joining techUK, he worked at ADS, the national trade association representing Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space companies in the UK.
Fred is responsible for techUK’s market engagement and policy development activities across the Defence and National Security sectors, working closely with various organisations within the Ministry of Defence, and across the wider National Security and Intelligence community. Fred works closely with many techUK member companies that have an interest in these sectors, and is responsible for the activities of techUK's senior Defence & Security Board. Working closely with techUK's Programme Head for Cyber Security, Fred oversees a broad range of activities for techUK members.
Outside of work, Fred's interests include football (a Watford FC fan) and skiing.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 07985 234 170
Read lessmore
Raya Tsolova
Senior Programme Manager, techUK
Raya Tsolova is a Programme Manager at techUK.
Prior to joining techUK, Raya worked in Business Development for an expert network firm within the institutional investment space. Before this Raya spent a year in industry working for a tech start-up in London as part of their Growth team which included the formation and development of a 'Let's Talk Tech' podcast and involvement in London Tech Week.
Raya has a degree in Politics and International Relations (Bsc Hons) from the University of Bath where she focused primarily on national security and counter-terrorism policies, centreing research on female-led terrorism and specific approaches to justice there.
Outside of work, Raya's interests include baking, spin classes and true-crime Netflix shows!
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 07712630603
Read lessmore
Jeremy Wimble
Programme Manager, Defence, techUK
Jeremy manages techUK's defence programme, helping the UK's defence technology sector align itself with the Ministry of Defence - including Defence Digital, DE&S, innovation units and Frontline Commands - through a broad range of activities including private briefings and early market engagement events. It also supports the MOD as it procures new digital technologies.
Prior to joining techUK, from 2016-2024 Jeremy was International Security Programme Manager at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) coordinating research and impact activities for funders including the FCDO and US Department of Defense, as well as business development and strategy.
Jeremy has a MA in International Relations from the University of Birmingham and a BA (Hons) in Politics & Social Policy from Swansea University.
- Email:
- [email protected]
Read lessmore
Tracy Modha
Team Assistant - Markets, techUK
Tracy supports several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Cyber Security, Defence, Health and Social Care, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.
Authors
Richard Goodman
EMEA defence lead , Hexagon
