Headline-based visualization to prioritize events

Abstract

Command and control systems seldom, if ever, make the big picture immediately apparent. These information systems are often a collection of specialized tools for analysts and planners but miss the opportunity to consolidate the message. Thus many of those who may be involved in responses may be unaware of the evolving situation. This issue will likely worsen for multi-domain operations centers that must deal with a wider array of issues. This paper will cover software called C Portal that provides scoring methodologies and human-computer interface concepts that provide high-level situation awareness and assists in prioritizing responses. The scoring is based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process that sums up weighted criteria. For the purposes of C Portal, the highest level criteria includes threat impact, urgency and uncertainty. C Portal's visualization leverages treemapping technology and the time-proven concept of newspaper headlines to call attention to the highest priorities. The uncluttered visualization and logical navigation could be suitable for smartphone-sized displays, wall displays for large groups, or anything in between. A preliminary version of C Portal was transitioned to the National Space Defense Center as part of a Joint Emergent Operational Need and benefited from iterative operator engagements.