Representation Environment for Translated Network Analyses (RETNA)

Driven by immediate homeland security concerns, much recent research has focused on formal predictive methodologies. The effectiveness and even the appropriateness of these methodologies continue to be hotly debated. Analyses focused at the organizational or mid-range level of group activity offer an alternative approach with potential for significant near term return. Social network analysis is a mature research area which has already proven useful in mid-range analyses. Measures of centrality (betweenness, closeness, etc.) are key products of social network analysis, with clear applicability to threat anticipation. A substantial number of measures are already available, but the relative utility of any particular measure for any given task is seldom obvious to the non-specialist. CHI Systems, Inc. will develop a Representation Environment for Translation of Network Analyses (RETNA). RETNA will provide task-appropriate translations of network measures into behavioral attributes. Ultimately, the resulting environment will allow analysts to simultaneously visualize networks and individual behavioral metadata and, in turn, relate those visualizations to the analyst’s current situational awareness through temporal and geographical context. Leveraging existing network analysis software, RETNA will provide an environment in which analysts will be able to efficiently integrate translated network metrics into the larger analysis process.