Concept Map Value Propagation for Tactical Intelligence
Abstract
Command and control analysts increasingly apply traditionally unassociated concepts to situation understanding. Techniques are needed to tailor knowledge acquisition resource allocation according to probable value of information, both inferring an answer to a question using knowledge at hand and quickening intelligence efforts to fill in gaps. Concept Maps (Cmaps) are a form of meaningful diagram that represents concepts as nodes, linked by specified relationships. This paper discusses research into methods for negotiating and updating Cmaps by accounting for both nodal data and links. Cmaps provide the flexibility to represent at a meaningful level contemporary tactical knowledge not lending itself to conventional data structures. In some senses Cmapping generalizes the notion of an inference network, a set of propositions organized with rules directing information propagation and combining antecedents to update consequents. We are attempting to develop a mathematical system for organized navigation of a Cmap, driven by expected variability in the value of a datum and cost to get a new value. We use the CmapTools software developed with DoD support at the Institute of Human and Machine Cognition as a structural basis for creating and assessing tactical Cmaps. The paper sets forth Cmap construction, analytical philosophy, and methodology development.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA481481
Entities
People
- Eric Heilman
- Richard Kaste
- Robert M. Hoffman
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory