Different Considerations for a PAI COP

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
  • ADS-B Data: Real-time tracking of aircraft using Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast information.

  • AIS Data: Monitoring maritime vessel movements through the Automatic Identification System.

  • WebSDR and Radio Frequencies: Incorporate data from online software-defined radios and platforms like websdr.org, KrakenSDR, and ArtemisSDR.

  • Social Media Geotagged Data: Ingest geotagged posts from platforms like Twitter (X) and other social media, focusing on tagged events and incidents.

  • Commercial Telemetry Data: Include adtech and commercial telemetry for additional context.

  • NOTAMs and Weather Data: Integrate Notices to Airmen and meteorological information for comprehensive situational awareness.

  • MAXAR Imagery: Access to satellite imagery for real-time and historical analysis.

Spatial and Temporal Filtering
  • User-Defined Geographic Regions: Ability to focus on specific areas of interest.

  • Activity-Based Filters: Tailor the display based on types of activities or events.

  • Historical Data Pulls: Capability to retrieve and analyze past data for trend analysis.

Alerting Mechanisms
  • Customizable Alerts: Set criteria for automated notifications (e.g., specific aircraft entering a zone).

  • Visual and Auditory Signals: Screen flashes or sounds when alerts are triggered.

  • Automated Reporting: Generate textual reports to communication platforms like mIRC or ChatSurfer.

User Interface
  • Layered Mapping: Utilize foundational and modular geospatial data layers, emphasizing demographics and infrastructure.

  • Tailorable Icons and Symbols: Comply with MIL-STD-2525 for standardized symbology.

  • Accessibility: Ensure the platform is accessible without specialized network requirements, possibly through a web-based interface.

Benefits

  • Enhances real-time decision-making for commanders and operations centers.

  • Provides a unified view of multiple data sources for better situational awareness.

  • 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
  • User-Generated Inputs: Allow manual data entry from researchers conducting OSINT.

  • Integration with OSINT Tools: Connect with platforms like Shodan (internet-connected devices), Wigle (wireless network mapping), and ACLED (Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project).

  • Crowdsourced Information: Incorporate findings from a network of analysts and open-source contributors.

Collaboration Tools
  • Shared Workspaces: Enable teams to work together in real-time on specific tasks or investigations.

  • Communication Channels: Built-in chat and discussion forums for analysts to share insights.

  • Version Control: Track changes and updates to shared data and analyses.

Analytical Capabilities
  • Trend Analysis: Tools for identifying patterns over time from aggregated data.

  • Anomaly Detection: Highlight unusual activities or data points that warrant further investigation.

  • Custom Queries and Filters: Allow analysts to define specific search parameters and save them for repeated use.

Visualization
  • Interactive Maps: Display data geographically with options to layer different data types.

  • Dashboards and Reports: Generate visual summaries of key findings and metrics.

  • Exportable Graphics: Ability to share visualizations externally for reporting purposes.

Security and Access Control
  • User Permissions: Define roles and access levels to protect sensitive research.

  • Data Sharing Agreements: Ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards for open-source data use.

Benefits

  • Promotes collaboration among dispersed research teams.

  • Reduces duplication of effort and information fratricide.

  • 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
  • Plug-and-Play Data Modules: Users can add or remove data sources as needed, such as ADS-B, AIS, social media feeds, etc.

  • User-Defined Inputs: Empower users to input specific data relevant to their mission or operational context.

User Experience
  • Tailorable Interface: Customize the layout, themes, and displayed information according to user preferences.

  • Spatial-Temporal Controls: Adjust time frames and geographic focus areas dynamically.

  • Multi-Level Operations: Switch between tactical, operational, and strategic views seamlessly.

Integration with Existing Systems
  • Compatibility with TAK Servers: Utilize existing infrastructure like Team Awareness Kit (TAK) servers for data sharing.

  • Interoperability with Military Standards: Adhere to MIL-STD-2525 for symbols and mapping to ensure consistency with other military systems.

Enhanced Analytics
  • Automated Workflows: Set up rules for data processing, such as automatic tagging or categorization.

  • Predictive Analysis: Incorporate machine learning to anticipate potential events based on historical data.

  • Alerts and Notifications: Customizable thresholds for triggering alerts on specific activities or data changes.

Collaboration and Sharing
  • Shared Data States: Ability to save and share specific views or configurations with other users.

  • Leaderboard or Recognition System: Optional feature to encourage contributions from researchers (gamification).

Accessibility
  • Cross-Platform Availability: Access the COP from various devices, including desktops, tablets, and mobile phones.

  • Offline Capabilities: Download data for use in environments with limited connectivity.

Benefits

  • Offers flexibility to meet diverse operational requirements.

  • Empowers users to focus on relevant data, reducing information overload.

  • Enhances interoperability and collaboration across units and agencies.