Enhanced Maritime Domain Awareness through Web-based Configurable Software

Maritime domain awareness (MDA) of vessel traffic in a large operational area requires automated tools for watchstanders and analysts. Additionally, the users must be able to tailor the tools to keep pace with changing operational needs. Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Laboratories has fielded web accessible software that enables operators to configure and manage intelligent agents that monitor live maritime data feeds to detect user prescribed conditions and analyze historic data. The tools are compliant with interoperability standards and realized in a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA), allowing external applications to invoke the analytic capabilities provided by the underlying intelligent agents. The software has been incorporated into daily operations at Commander, Naval Forces Europe/ Commander, Sixth Fleet (CNE-C6F) and NATO Component Command Maritime (CCMAR) in Naples, Italy where operators are now able to transform an overwhelming amount of data into meaningful, actionable knowledge, resulting in improved situation awareness and successful maritime intercept operations. This paper will describe the novel capabilities of the software and how it supports MDA activities in a web-based environment. The paper includes an overview of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) program that funded the development of the software and how the program applied technological innovation to user requirements to create an operational product.