Multi-sensor data acquisition, tracking, fusion and intelligent decision aids in the NATO Maritime Situational Awareness Initiative: countering underwater intruders

Abstract

The objective of the NATO Maritime

Situational Awareness initiative is to effectively understand anything that could affect the security, safety, economy or environment of the Alliance in the global maritime environment and to provide a more

effective contribution to the maritime picture. Information delivered by airborne and

spaceborne sensors, coastal and maritime radars and Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders is collected and

analyzed. Ships can be automatically

detected in open sea areas from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) pictures of commercial satellites provided in near real time. In some conditions, ship speed and

heading can be obtained and ship preclassification achieved. Statistical analysis of AIS messages and radar/SAR tracking coupled with AIS fusion provide the appropriate input to further automated anomaly detection tools. Intelligent decision

aids further reduce the false alarm rate, contribute to a better maritime picture and support the decision making process for following investigation or action.