Brainstorming Ideas for a Common Operating Picture (COP) in OSINT/OSR
Each of these options addresses different aspects and priorities discussed in the conversation. Whether the focus is on real-time situational awareness, collaborative research, or customizable operational support, the proposed COPs aim to leverage open-source data effectively while meeting the users’ needs.
Option 1: Real-Time Situational Awareness and Force Protection COP
Purpose
Provide real-time situational awareness and enhance force protection by aggregating and visualizing open-source data relevant to operational environments.
Key Features
Data Integration
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ADS-B Data: Real-time tracking of aircraft using Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast information.
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AIS Data: Monitoring maritime vessel movements through the Automatic Identification System.
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WebSDR and Radio Frequencies: Incorporate data from online software-defined radios and platforms like websdr.org, KrakenSDR, and ArtemisSDR.
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Social Media Geotagged Data: Ingest geotagged posts from platforms like Twitter (X) and other social media, focusing on tagged events and incidents.
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Commercial Telemetry Data: Include adtech and commercial telemetry for additional context.
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NOTAMs and Weather Data: Integrate Notices to Airmen and meteorological information for comprehensive situational awareness.
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MAXAR Imagery: Access to satellite imagery for real-time and historical analysis.
Spatial and Temporal Filtering
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User-Defined Geographic Regions: Ability to focus on specific areas of interest.
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Activity-Based Filters: Tailor the display based on types of activities or events.
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Historical Data Pulls: Capability to retrieve and analyze past data for trend analysis.
Alerting Mechanisms
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Customizable Alerts: Set criteria for automated notifications (e.g., specific aircraft entering a zone).
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Visual and Auditory Signals: Screen flashes or sounds when alerts are triggered.
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Automated Reporting: Generate textual reports to communication platforms like mIRC or ChatSurfer.
User Interface
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Layered Mapping: Utilize foundational and modular geospatial data layers, emphasizing demographics and infrastructure.
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Tailorable Icons and Symbols: Comply with MIL-STD-2525 for standardized symbology.
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Accessibility: Ensure the platform is accessible without specialized network requirements, possibly through a web-based interface.
Benefits
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Enhances real-time decision-making for commanders and operations centers.
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Provides a unified view of multiple data sources for better situational awareness.
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Supports both tactical and operational levels of operation.
Option 2: Collaborative OSINT Research and Analysis COP
Purpose
Facilitate collaboration among researchers and analysts by providing a shared platform to collect, analyze, and disseminate open-source intelligence.
Key Features
Data Ingestion
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User-Generated Inputs: Allow manual data entry from researchers conducting OSINT.
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Integration with OSINT Tools: Connect with platforms like Shodan (internet-connected devices), Wigle (wireless network mapping), and ACLED (Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project).
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Crowdsourced Information: Incorporate findings from a network of analysts and open-source contributors.
Collaboration Tools
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Shared Workspaces: Enable teams to work together in real-time on specific tasks or investigations.
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Communication Channels: Built-in chat and discussion forums for analysts to share insights.
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Version Control: Track changes and updates to shared data and analyses.
Analytical Capabilities
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Trend Analysis: Tools for identifying patterns over time from aggregated data.
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Anomaly Detection: Highlight unusual activities or data points that warrant further investigation.
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Custom Queries and Filters: Allow analysts to define specific search parameters and save them for repeated use.
Visualization
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Interactive Maps: Display data geographically with options to layer different data types.
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Dashboards and Reports: Generate visual summaries of key findings and metrics.
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Exportable Graphics: Ability to share visualizations externally for reporting purposes.
Security and Access Control
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User Permissions: Define roles and access levels to protect sensitive research.
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Data Sharing Agreements: Ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards for open-source data use.
Benefits
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Promotes collaboration among dispersed research teams.
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Reduces duplication of effort and information fratricide.
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Enhances the collective intelligence through shared insights and data.
Option 3: Customizable and Modular COP for Diverse Operational Needs
Purpose
Offer a flexible COP platform that can be tailored to various mission requirements, from tactical to strategic levels, accommodating both combat and non-combat scenarios.
Key Features
Modular Architecture
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Plug-and-Play Data Modules: Users can add or remove data sources as needed, such as ADS-B, AIS, social media feeds, etc.
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User-Defined Inputs: Empower users to input specific data relevant to their mission or operational context.
User Experience
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Tailorable Interface: Customize the layout, themes, and displayed information according to user preferences.
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Spatial-Temporal Controls: Adjust time frames and geographic focus areas dynamically.
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Multi-Level Operations: Switch between tactical, operational, and strategic views seamlessly.
Integration with Existing Systems
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Compatibility with TAK Servers: Utilize existing infrastructure like Team Awareness Kit (TAK) servers for data sharing.
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Interoperability with Military Standards: Adhere to MIL-STD-2525 for symbols and mapping to ensure consistency with other military systems.
Enhanced Analytics
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Automated Workflows: Set up rules for data processing, such as automatic tagging or categorization.
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Predictive Analysis: Incorporate machine learning to anticipate potential events based on historical data.
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Alerts and Notifications: Customizable thresholds for triggering alerts on specific activities or data changes.
Collaboration and Sharing
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Shared Data States: Ability to save and share specific views or configurations with other users.
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Leaderboard or Recognition System: Optional feature to encourage contributions from researchers (gamification).
Accessibility
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Cross-Platform Availability: Access the COP from various devices, including desktops, tablets, and mobile phones.
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Offline Capabilities: Download data for use in environments with limited connectivity.
Benefits
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Offers flexibility to meet diverse operational requirements.
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Empowers users to focus on relevant data, reducing information overload.
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Enhances interoperability and collaboration across units and agencies.