From open source communications to knowledge

Alun Preece; Colin Roberts; David Rogers; Will Webberley; Martin Innes; Dave Braines

doi:10.1117/12.2224533

12 May 2016 From open source communications to knowledge

Alun Preece, Colin Roberts, David Rogers, Will Webberley, Martin Innes, Dave Braines

Proceedings Volume 9851, Next-Generation Analyst IV; 98510K (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2224533
Event: SPIE Defense + Security, 2016, Baltimore, MD, United States

Abstract

Rapid processing and exploitation of open source information, including social media sources, in order to shorten decision-making cycles, has emerged as an important issue in intelligence analysis in recent years. Through a series of case studies and natural experiments, focussed primarily upon policing and counter-terrorism scenarios, we have developed an approach to information foraging and framing to inform decision making, drawing upon open source intelligence, in particular Twitter, due to its real-time focus and frequent use as a carrier for links to other media. Our work uses a combination of natural language (NL) and controlled natural language (CNL) processing to support information collection from human sensors, linking and schematising of collected information, and the framing of situational pictures. We illustrate the approach through a series of vignettes, highlighting (1) how relatively lightweight and reusable knowledge models (schemas) can rapidly be developed to add context to collected social media data, (2) how information from open sources can be combined with reports from trusted observers, for corroboration or to identify con icting information; and (3) how the approach supports users operating at or near the tactical edge, to rapidly task information collection and inform decision-making. The approach is supported by bespoke software tools for social media analytics and knowledge management.

Citation Download Citation

Alun Preece, Colin Roberts, David Rogers, Will Webberley, Martin Innes, and Dave Braines "From open source communications to knowledge", Proc. SPIE 9851, Next-Generation Analyst IV, 98510K (12 May 2016); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2224533

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