From the fog of war to the blizzard of information: Big data and defence
As the military and security worlds become increasingly reliant on smart ICT systems for campaign planning and communications, a problem is beginning to become apparent: how best to handle the data that is gathered. Modern operations rely on communications to enable commanders in the field to reach back to the firm base for both technical and political guidance, and to reach forward to unit commanders. Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPASs) pass continuous video feeds back to HQ for analysis. At the same time modern fifth generation aircraft such as the F35 transmit large amounts of information about its engineering and sensors performance. Welcome to the world of Big Data, writes Nick Watts.
