The Semantic Battlespace Infosphere: A Knowledge Infrastructure for Improved Coalition Inter-Operability

Operational effectiveness in coalition environments is based on the need for interoperability at a variety of levels. While interoperability concerns are most easily thought of in terms of technology, this paper emphasizes the importance of consensual interpretations of the semantic significance of exchanged information. In this paper we outline some of the challenges to effective modes of information exchange in coalition operational contexts. We also discuss potential approaches to these challenges in the context of a semantically-enabled technological framework for information exploitation $the semantic battlespace infosphere (SBI). Relevant aspects of this framework are introduced and some of the socio-technical challenges that are likely to be encountered are discussed.