Visual Analytics for Command, Control, and Interoperability Environments

VACCINE’s Purdue University has spent the past several months working with the U.S. Coast Guard to apply visual analytics to multiple risk-related projects.  Most significant of these projects was a detailed model allowing a thorough assessment of all Coast Guard search and rescue (SAR) cases in the Great Lakes.  In the Coast Guard Search and Rescue Visual Analytics (CgSARVA) project, VACCINE presents a risk analysis system that enables the interactive visualization, analysis, and assessment of SAR missions completed by each Coast Guard station. 

The system enables the interactive analysis of trends, patterns, anomalies, and distribution of cases and associated stories.  Additionally, this assessment tool enables the determination of potential increase or decrease in risk with a reallocation of a resource, as well as known increases or decreases in the response time.  The CgSARVA system features include

• Linked calendar and line graph views for analyzing data patterns and distributions
• Interactive filter controls for assessing case distribution loads and locations
• Density estimation for hotspot generation
• Linked time slider controls for interactive temporal animation and exploration
• Interactive statistical summary tools for report generation

The CgSARVA technology is a vital component for analyzing risk assessment as Coast Guard staffing levels fluctuate due to budget changes, retiring volunteers, and other factors.  This system provides Coast Guard managers and analysts with a suite of tools for analyzing the distribution of previous SAR cases and a methodology for understanding the risk, efficiencies, and benefits involved with reallocation or reduction of resources. 

U.S. Coast Guard Deputy Commander of the Atlantic Area, J.A. Watson, stated, “Our recent collaborations confirm our contention that VACCINE is the right DHS Center of Excellence to assist us in future projects that incorporate risk analysis and visual analytics within the maritime domain.”  Through the CgSARVA project, VACCINE will enable the Coast Guard to optimize their search and rescue operations for the Great Lakes area.