Information display: the weak link for NCW

The Global Information Grid (GIG) enables the dissemination of real-time data from any sensor/source as well as the distribution of that data immediately to recipients across the globe, resulting in better, faster, and more accurate decisions, reduced operational risk, and a more competitive war-fighting advantage. As a major component of Network Centric Warfare (NCW), the GIG seeks to provide the integrated information infrastructure necessary to connect the robust data streams from ConstellationNet, FORCENet, and LandWarNet to allow Joint Forces to move beyond Situational Awareness and into Situational Understanding. NCW will provide the Joint Forces a common situational understanding, a common operating picture, and any and all information necessary for rapid decision-making. However, with the exception of the 1994 introduction of the Military Standard 2525 "Common Warfighting Symbology," there has been no notable improvement in our ability to display information for accurate and rapid understanding. In fact, one of the notable problems associated with NCW is how to process the massive amount of newly integrated data being thrown at the warfighter: a significant human-machine interface challenge. The solution; a graphical language called GIFIC (Graphical Interface for Information Cognition) that can display thousands of data points simultaneously. Coupled with the new generation COP displays, GIFIC provides for the tremendous amounts of information-display required for effective NCW battlespace awareness requirements, offering instant insight into joint operations, tactical situations, and targeting necessities. GIFIC provides the next level of information-display necessary for a successful NCW, resulting in agile, high-performance, and highly competitive warfighters.