Data Fusion Has Arrived

Oct 2008 , Sponsored by ESRI

Data fusion centers - where data is taken from disparate sources and fused into one complete picture - are a relatively new tool for law enforcement, emergency management and homeland security.

These high-tech facilities allow federal, state and local public safety agencies to work side by side, collecting and sharing data from a wide variety of sources. Comprehensive analysis of that data results in actionable intelligence that leads to safer communities. Homeland security, disaster preparedness and day-to-day crime-fighting are all stronger when a fusion center is at work.

Dynamic mapping capabilities are crucial to fusion centers. ESRI provides the geographic information system (GIS) tools needed to equip fusion centers with the best possible methods of displaying and analyzing data. The power of GIS technology is undeniable; those who use it in the fusion centers swear by it. And the success stories are growing as the centers rapidly come of age.

But fusion centers aren't all the same. One might focus harder on immigration or customs because of its proximity to a national border; another might pay more attention to hurricane preparedness. Some take an "all-crimes" approach. Others focus on "all hazards," preparing equally for all criminal, terrorist or natural threats.

Regardless of their specialty, fusion centers facilitate data sharing and collaboration among agencies. The centers often involve all levels of government working together in the same space, to leverage what everyone has to offer. This can include the fire department, local police, state police, FBI, Department of Homeland security, Coast Guard and numerous others. This collaborative approach maximizes resources to a greater extent than ever before.

Speed and Power
Experts say it's important to recognize the difference between a basic map with colored dots, and the vastly superior benefits of a true GIS. A fusion center collects an immense amount of information from all possible sources - and analyzes it thoroughly. That analysis is vital to success.

GIS software is the glue that holds it all together. Powerful GIS technology brings data from numerous sources and presents it on maps, making it easily accessible and understandable. The map puts everyone on the same page instantly, so collaboration and communication occur most efficiently. In public safety, that's critical.

A GIS supports the complex workflow within a fusion center. It aids interoperability among technologies. And it enables better analysis. GIS software gives officials immediate access to reliable information and complete, real-time situational awareness. GIS technology leads to better decisions. It's a crucial part of the best possible response to any incident.

A fusion center's data analysts can identify patterns, trends and relationships no one could have seen before. That's a big enabler for public safety agencies. GIS software and other tools let analysts continually look at updated information; new data leads to investigation, which leads to more new data that is fed back into the system. The technology allows data to be constantly re-evaluated.

With limited budgets in the public sector, data fusion centers make sense. Combining resources maximizes their value, and it's more efficient and cost-effective. And as agencies begin to work together in fusion centers on a daily basis, they become better prepared to cooperate and coordinate during major emergencies.

Effective data fusion centers require the right tools. ESRI and its partners create powerful applications to meet any center's specific needs. It's all about enabling homeland security, law enforcement and other public safety agencies to best fulfill their missions - maintaining public safety at the highest level possible.

Multi-Faceted results
Data fusion center depends on GIS technology for criminal investigations, emergencies, huge public events and much more.