DSTO

A Proposed Reference Model A Proposed Reference Model Framework for Applying Framework for Applying

Computer-Based Visualisation in Computer-Based Visualisation in C3IC3I

TTCPTTCP C3I Group C3I Group

AGVisAGVis

Dr Rudi Vernik (DSTO Australia)

DSTO

OutlineOutlineOutlineOutline

Introduction/Acknowledgments Set Context for C3I Highlight Problems Needs for Reference Models (RMs) RM-Vis(C3I) Framework (Overview) Example - Asset Visualisation Tool Use of RM-Vis(C3I) Issues and Directions Questions (Discussion)

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C3I ContextC3I ContextC3I ContextC3I Context Wide application of

visualisation in C3I

Visualisation is needed to describe a wide variety of aspects for a broad set of roles processes activities/functions/tasks.

What are some of the problems and issues associated with visualisation in the C3I domain?

C3I Visualisation ContextC3I Visualisation Context

CapabilityDevelopmentOperations

Logistics

Training

Personnel/Administration

Intelligence

Plans

Communications

Visualisation Solution

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Problems and IssuesProblems and IssuesProblems and IssuesProblems and Issues Limited understanding of what visualisation tools are available and

how they might be applied within a particular context of use. Poor understanding of the characteristics of particular visualisation

approaches. No guidelines of where Off-The-Shelf (OTS) approaches might be

applied. Limited understanding of where research and development should be

directed. No basis for the evaluation of approaches and tools. No basis for measuring the effectiveness of the visualisation solution

within a context of use. No basis for sharing of tools, components, ideas etc.

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RM-VisRM-VisRM-VisRM-Vis Several classifications/taxonomies

Example 1 – Schneiderman (tech Report 1996, Institute for Systems Research ISTR)

Example 2 - Robertson & De Ferari (Scientific Visualisation 1994) Example 3 - Ed Huai-sin Chi (Thesis 1999, classification based on

interaction ) Problem in that they focus on the characteristics of an visualisation approach

ie., from a tool approach, but do not consider the context of use. DefinitionDefinition

RM-Vis is a proposed Reference Model Framework for the development of Visualisation Reference Models which focus on the application of visualisation solutions within particular domain contexts eg, RM-Vis(C3I), RM-Vis(SE), RM-Vis(SW) etc.

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RMVis Framework (Overview)RMVis Framework (Overview)RMVis Framework (Overview)RMVis Framework (Overview)

People Assets Geography Environment Process

Viewpoint

Viewpoint

Viewpoint

Attributes Element

Link/Relationship

Element

Logistics

Planning

Situation Awareness

Capability Development

Force Deployment

ViewsWHO, WHERE, WHY

WHAT

HOW

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Enterprise Model Role-Function Models Process-Function-Task

Models

Domain ContextDomain ContextDomain ContextDomain Context The Domain Context is a model representing where particular visualisation

solutions will be applied. A domain context can be generated from existing enterprise models and tailored for

the particular application of the reference model (RM) The Domain Context can be tailored for particular needs eg,

based on roles and functions based on enterprise model

May becharacterised by

CapabilityDevelopmentOperations

Logistics

Training

Personnel/Administration

Intelligence

Plans

Communications

WhoWhereWhy

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People Assets Geography Environment Process

Type (F/A18, F1-11)Tail NumberMission (Scarmble, CAP, Interchange/Engage, RTB, Airborne, Killed)Flight SizeFuel RemainingCallsign

Fighter Aircraft

IDNameRankAvailability

Pilot

TypeWhen GivenWhere GivenWho Gave ItWhy GivenTo Whom GivenOrder AcknowledgeWhen Order Acknowledged

Order

TypeFuel Load CapacityFuel left

Refueling Aircraft

Type

Weapon System

Descriptive AspectsDescriptive AspectsDescriptive AspectsDescriptive Aspects Defines “WHAT” may be described within a particular

domain context A Descriptive Aspect (DA) is a model of what needs to be

described. A DA may be defined in terms of the attributes used to

describe the element and various relationships between elements and/or their attributes.

WHAT

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Visualisation ApproachVisualisation ApproachVisualisation ApproachVisualisation Approach

Defines “HOWHOW” a viewpoint will be mapped into an visualisation solution.

What are the characteristics for a Visualisation Approach? Visual Representation: refers to the techniques used in

transforming data-sets into visual forms. Enhancement: refers to the techniques used to enhance the

effectiveness of visual information. Interaction: refers to the techniques which allow a user or agent to

customise/tailor visual information to specific needs. Deployment: refers to those features which allow for the

provision/application of cost effective visualisation solutions.

How

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Visualisation ApproachVisualisation ApproachVisualisation ApproachVisualisation Approach

Graph

Chart

Scatter Plot

Glyph

Tree

Network

Point-Set

Dis

tort

i on

Imm

ers i

on

Tra

n spa

ren c

y

Ove

r lay

ZoomFocusPan

Selection

Info

rmat

ion

Acc

ess

Inte

llige

nt u

ser s

uppo

rt

How

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EffectivenessEffectivenessEffectivenessEffectiveness Effectiveness is considered in terms of the application of a

specific visualisation approach within a particular domain context and for a particular viewpoint.

Effectiveness criteria which may be considered include:

Understanding Communication Legibility (Scale) Meaningfulness Conciseness Completeness Precision

Flexibility Accuracy Consistency Customisation Adaptation Integration Accessibility

Cost Training Usability Reliability Interoperability Maintainability

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EffectivenessEffectivenessEffectivenessEffectiveness

Domain ContextWho, Where, Why

Descriptive AspectsWhat

Visualisation ApproachHow

Effectiveness

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Use of RM-Vis(C3I)Use of RM-Vis(C3I)Use of RM-Vis(C3I)Use of RM-Vis(C3I) Applications of RMVis

Mapping of Visualisation Tools to Area of Application Characterisation of Visualisation Tool Capabilities Characterisation of Comprehensive Visualisation Solutions Evaluation of Tools (within context of use) Identification of Common Approaches Identification of Research Opportunities

Visualisation Techniques/Approaches Effectiveness Criteria Classifications/Taxonomies New Tools (Comprehensive Solutions with a focus on Context of Use) Modelling Approaches Agents/Component-Based Support Tools

Specification of Component-Based Solutions

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RM-Vis ToolsRM-Vis ToolsRM-Vis ToolsRM-Vis Tools

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InVision Views of G-VisInVision Views of G-VisInVision Views of G-VisInVision Views of G-Vis

DSTO

DSTO

QuestionsQuestionsQuestionsQuestionsQuestions

Ideas

Recommendations

Issues

Concerns

Other