Data Communication and Data Fusion in Rapid Environmental Assessment: State of the Art

Abstract : The mission of the SACLANT Undersea Research Centre (SACLANTCEN), based in La Spezia. Italy, is to conduct research in support of NATO's maritime operational requirements, Considerable efforts are being made to identify and counter the threats related to underwater warfare. SACLANTCEN performs operations research and analysis, research and development in the field of Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW), Mine Counter Measures (MCM) and Military Oceanography (MILOC). Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) is one of the five thrust areas of SACLANTCEN's Scientific Programme of Work (SPOW). The goal of the Centre's REA program is to research methods for providing warfighters and planners with tactical relevant information in a tactical relevant timeframe. This document concentrates on the technological aspects of data processing, fusion and transmission, illustrating the evolution of the techniques adopted and their innovative impact on MILOC activities.