Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB 
Intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance in civil and military environments often require the collaboration of different organizations and/or domains and thus the usage of different systems and services. In multinational operations, data exchange must be possible between different nations with different access rights. Security and data protection regulations must be observed. The integration of data provided by sensor, exploitation and analysis systems into a common operational picture is often difficult due to incompatibilities of interfaces, data formats and information models. To solve this problem, a concept for the appropriate distribution of data was developed, specified and implemented. A Coalition Shared Data (CSD) server is used for the storage, dissemination and allocation of Joint ISR products such as images, videos or exploitation reports.
Task
- Store and disseminate military intelligence data as required in accordance with the Intel Cycle (AJP 2.1) and Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (JISR) process (AJP 2.7)
- Ensure interoperability of heterogeneous systems through use of accepted military standards
- Connection to command, sensor, exploitation, and analysis systems
- Providing data according to user and security requirements
Solution
Sensor and exploitation systems store relevant files and associated metadata in standardized formats (STANAGs) on a shared CSD server. The data is automatically distributed to other CSD servers in the network in a bandwidth-saving and demand-oriented manner. Exploitation, analysis and tasking systems retrieve data, enabling improved situational awareness. The CSD server's access mechanisms, data model, and interfaces are based on STANAG 4559, AEDP-17, which also enables optimal coupling with tasking (AEDP-19) and streaming (AEDP-18) services that implement other aspects of STANAG 4559. The interoperable architecture thus enables information analysis by the most appropriate system.
Fraunhofer IOSB's CSD PLUS Server software is suitable for integration into an operationally used overall system according to specific IT security and performance requirements.
Optionally, data exchange can also be realized between differently classified security domains by connecting the system to a certified security gateway.
In addition to connecting to the CSD server with own applications implementing the standard interface, the web-based CSD client ISAAC of Fraunhofer IOSB can be used for geo-referenced display, query and storage of CSD data. Furthermore, additional client libraries of Fraunhofer IOSB are available for system integration.