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This work represents the realization of Network-Centric goals of interoperability, information management, systems integration and cohesive battlespace visualization using networked computer technology. The application of structured data methodologies using the Extensible Markup Language (XML) allows organizations and systems to exchange and process battlespace information cooperatively. The practical application of this technology is demonstrated. Governance of information systems using structured data and the rejection of proprietary, application specific solutions is a leadership responsibility that is defined as Data Control. XML is presented as a leadership control measure that can be used to achieve Network-Centricity on the battlefield. The fundamental principles of XML application development are presented in the context of warfighting. Exemplars address a cross-section of battlespace applications. The visualization of the physical battlefield is demonstrated with network delivered 3D terrain views. Geodesy and position reporting is addressed using an XML defined data structure to enforce interoperability. An XML expression of the Battlespace Generic Hub is applied to joint and multilateral interoperability and information exchange. An approach to the effective employment of multiple different, but cooperative, autonomous systems in the battlespace uses XML to define parameters that determine artificial intelligence multi agent behavior and environmental factors. This thesis combines a critical analysis of the priorities of Network-Centricity and interoperability with practical and functional exemplars that demonstrate the efficacy of extensible architectures. The pragmatic approach is directed at the warfighter, and leadership challenges are identified.

A common problem between Military applications and operators is the consistent and meaningful exchange of data. Currently, several models and simulations exist for the purposes of training and analyzing military data. Due to the absence of an agreed-upon standard with which to represent unit data, much is lost during interchange and applications are not maximized. This thesis is a step towards a solution. Extensible Markup Language (XML) technology has been widely accepted as a standard for representing information in such a way that it is self-documenting, self-validating and platform independent. By using the Command and Control Information Exchange Data Model (C2IEDM), formerly known as Generic Hub, and XML it is possible to develop a representation of unit data that is extensible and broadly useable by tactical systems and human operators alike. This thesis approaches the problem exploring the Model Driven Architecture (MDA) and the Extensible Modeling Simulation Framework (XMSF) as possible overarching architectural concepts for a global solution. The C2IEDM is used as the core data interchange model for this research and applies XML technologies, schema and the Extensible Stylesheet Language for Transformations (XSLT) to derive a formatted data representation that is acceptable within the Flexible Asymmetric Simulation Technologies (FAST) Toolbox. The transformation example serves as template for other simulation programs to follow for interchange through the common base model. This thesis shows that by using a common data representation like C2IEDM coupled with the power of XML and XSLT, unit information can be transformed and interchanged between applications. In order to accomplish this, an extensive analysis is done on recently performed and ongoing research as well as the development of exemplars to show how the proposed process is completed. The result of this work is a transformation of unit data extracted from an example C2IEDM instance file that is compliant with the schema for an actual unit order of battle tool used for modeling and simulation.

This work represents the realization of Network-Centric goals of interoperability, information management, systems integration and cohesive battlespace visualization using networked computer technology. The application of structured data methodologies using the E xtensible Markup Language (XML) allows organizations and systems to exchange and process battlespace information cooperatively. The practical application of this technology is demonstrated. Governance of information systems using structured data and the rejection of proprietary, application specific solutions is a leadership responsibility that is defined as Data Control. XML is presented as a leadership control measure that can be used to achieve Network-Centricity on the battlefield. The fundamental principles of XML application development are presented in the context of warfighting. Exemplars address a cross-section of battlespace applications. The visualization of the physical battlefield is demonstrated with network delivered 3D terrain views. Geodesy and position reporting is addressed using an XML defined data structure to enforce interoperability. An XML expression of the Battlespace Generic Hub is applied to joint and multilateral interoperability and information exchange. An approach to the effective employment of multiple different, but cooperative, autonomous systems in the battlespace uses XML to define parameters that determine artificial intelligence multi-agent behavior and environmental factors. This thesis combines a critical analysis of the priorities of Network- Centricity and interoperability with practical and functional exemplars that demonstrate the efficacy of extensible architectures. The pragmatic approach is directed at the warfighter, and leadership challenges are identified.

A common problem between Military applications and operators is the consistent and meaningful exchange of data. Currently, several models and simulations exist for the purposes of training and analyzing military data. Due to the absence of an agreed-upon standard with which to represent unit data, much is lost during interchange and applications are not maximized. This thesis is a step towards a solution. Extensible Markup Language (XML) technology has been widely accepted as a standard for representing information in such a way that it is self-documenting, self-validating and platform independent. By using the Command and Control Information Exchange Data Model (C2IEDM), formerly known as Generic Hub, and XML it is possible to develop a representation of unit data that is extensible and broadly useable by tactical systems and human operators alike. This thesis approaches the problem exploring the Model Driven Architecture (MDA) and the Extensible Modeling Simulation Framework (XMSF) as possible overarching architectural concepts for a global solution. The C2IEDM is used as the core data interchange model for this research and applies XML technologies, schema and the Extensible Stylesheet Language for Transformations (XSLT) to derive a formatted data representation that is acceptable within the Flexible Asymmetric Simulation Technologies (FAST) Toolbox. The transformation example serves as template for other simulation programs to follow for interchange through the common base model. This thesis shows that by using a common data representation like C2IEDM coupled with the power of XML and XSLT, unit information can be transformed and interchanged between applications. In order to accomplish this, an extensive analysis is done on recently performed and ongoing research as well as the development of exemplars to show how the proposed process is completed.