Multiple sensor credit apportionment

Abstract

Methods to individually allocate credit to multiple sensors assist Army decision makers during Objective Force development and integration. Sensor credit apportionment supports a knowledge-based common operating picture by providing a means to assess and compare the variety of automated and human sources that contribute to the common operating picture (U.S. Army White Paper, 2001). This thesis develops and assesses such a method. The method determines the contribution of individual sensors (person or platform that provides specific target information) to successful commander decision making. The method utilizes data fusion, decision analysis, and information quality to credit each sensor according to the benefit they provide a commander. A stochastic simulation provides the means to generate an environment in which to test and compare sensor performance, and to assess the credit apportionment method.