Aspects of sensor data fusion in interoperable ISR systems of systems for wide-area ground surveillance

Within the context of C4ISTAR information "systems of systems", we discuss sensor data fusion aspects that are aiming at the generation of higher-level information according to the JDL model of data fusion. In particular, two issues are addressed: (1) Tracking-derived Situation Elements: Standard target tracking applications gain information related to 'Level 1 Fusion' according to the well-established terminology of the JDL model. Kinematic data of this type, however, are by no means the only information to be derived from target tracks. In many cases, reliable and quantitative higher level information according to the JDL terminology can be obtained. (2) Anomaly Detection in Tracking Data Bases: Anomaly detection can be regarded as a process of information fusion that aims at focusing the attention of human decision makers or decision making systems on particular events that are "irregular" or may cause harm and thus require special actions.