Development of the adaptable, GIS-based, multi-threat detection system

Abstract

Battelle developed the Adaptable, Geographic Information System (GIS) based, Multi-threat, Detection System (AGMDS) to provide a portable, exterior, full threat spectrum detection system for special events, operations that require a quickly deployable area surveillance system, and mobile applications such as convoys, patrols, or covert operations. The AGMDS increases the user's situational awareness by detecting potential threats and attacks and communicating wirelessly through a mesh network with a central control station that consolidates the data on a unified map display. Development of the AGMDS was part of Project Ancile that Battelle performed for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). The goal of the project was to develop cost-effective, integrated solutions for protection against the full range of terrorist threats — i.e. physical; cyber; and chemical biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) threats. This document describes the AGMDS development process, beginning with the technology gap assessment which identified the need for the system development; continuing through requirements analysis, system design and trade studies, integration and test; and culminating in a demonstration at the U.S. Naval Academy. The first phase of Project Ancile was to define technology gaps in active military facilities. Battelle visited three active installations and assessed their current security systems against the full threat spectrum. The gaps identified during the assessment were documented as needs for a potential system. Battelle developed conceptual systems to fill these needs and performed a trade study to determine which system should be developed and demonstrated. The AGMDS was selected as it addresses the majority of the technology gaps identified and had the lowest relative cost and risk associated with development. The AGMDS is modular and portable, consisting of five subsystems: detector subsystem, vehicle subsystem, personnel subsystem, relay subsystem, and a control subsystem. The current configuration includes: • High resolution video surveillance with 180° field of view • Personnel physiology monitoring of heart and breathing rates and position • Concealed object detection using thermal imaging • Chemical detection, biological detection and identification and radiation detection. The detector and vehicle subsystems house the CBRE sensors as well as video and communications equipment. The personnel subsystem provides blue force tracking and physiological monitoring, and the relay subsystems allow expanded network coverage. Together, the subsystems create a network of networks. Each detector and vehicle station houses a local network of sensors. The stations communicate with the control station via an ad-hoc, self-organizing, wireless mesh network; enabling display of sensor locations and alarms on a site map; as well as monitoring of video surveillance data.