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Abstract
The concept of common operational pictures (COPs) is explored through the application of social network analysis (SNA) and agent-based modelling to a generic search and rescue (SAR) scenario. Comparing the command structure that might arise from standard operating procedures with the sort of structure that might arise from examining information-in-common, using SNA, shows how one structure could be more amenable to ‘command’ with the other being more amenable to ‘control’ – which is potentially more suited to complex multi-agency operations. An agent-based model is developed to examine the impact of information sharing with different forms of COPs. It is shown that networks using common relevant operational pictures (which provide subsets of relevant information to groups of agents based on shared function) could result in better sharing of information and a more resilient structure than networks that use a COP.
Practitioner Summary: SNA and agent-based modelling are used to compare different forms of COPs for maritime SAR operations. Different forms of COP change the communications structures in the socio-technical systems in which they operate, which has implications for future design and development of a COP.
Acknowledgement
This work from the Human Factors Integration Defence Technology Centre was part-funded by the Human Sciences Domain of the UK Ministry of Defence Scientific Research Programme.
Notes
1. In this context, the word ‘Joint’ refers to activity involving more than one military service and could be taken as analogous to ‘Common’ in this study, which refers to the activity involving more than one organisation.
2. The paper is necessarily built on our experiences of the UK search and rescue operations. However, discussions with colleagues from other countries suggest that the overall approach does not differ markedly between the UK and other countries.
3. Other agencies involved in SAR include the Fire and Rescue Service, the Ambulance Service, Mountain Rescue for England and Wales, Mountain Rescue Committee of Scotland, Association of Lowland SAR, Northern Ireland Mountain, Cave and Cliff Rescue Coordination Committee, British Cave Rescue Council, Royal Lifesaving Society, Masters of Vessels at Sea, Lighthouse and Pilotage Authorities, Lloyds of London, Beach Lifeguard Units, Offshore Oil and Gas Companies, Foreign SAR Authorities, National Coastwatch Institution, Sky Watch Civil Air Patrol.
4. For this analysis, the model combined and modified ‘Network Import’ (Wilensky 2006) and ‘Diffusion on a Directed Network’ (Wilensky 2008, http://ccl.northwestern.edu/netlogo).