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UAV and their sensors are only part of the
Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) "big picture".
Completing that concerns processing, storing and retrieving the data
into actionable intelligence. Utilizing modern commercial off the
shelf (COTS) technology, sensor data can be rapidly processed.
Correlated to geographical grid, and merged with live and stored
images, imagery and spatial information including EO, SAR, MTI maps,
SIGINT and ESM can be fused and presented over common map display,
showing a detailed and accurate multi-dimensional situational picture.
The use of ISR products is not limited to intelligence analysts, but
can also be used by warfighters in the field, using tactical computer
terminals and PDAs. Prior to delivery products are trimmed, wrapped,
and compressed to adapt to narrow-band wireless communications.
Presently, "stovepipe" systems are employed
to provide intelligence. These include various airborne and ground
based sensors, such as Global Hawk and Predator UAVs, Joint STARS
ground surveillance systems and various ELINT/COMINT assets. Each
system is operated separately, utilizing specific sensors, airborne
and ground based processing and exploitation systems. The refined
intelligence is shared at a higher level, where it supports
operational planning and ongoing operations.
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