UMBC ebiquity
ontology for the intelligence community
Columbia MD
November 30, 2006 - December 1, 2006
The increasing volume, variety and velocity of intelligence analysis in the post 9/11 era requires new approaches to information system design that enable greater flexibility, precision, timeliness and automation of analysis to maximize valuable human resources in responding to fast-evolving threats. Ontology-based technology as applied in areas such as bioinformatics has demonstrated the possibility of gains along all these dimensions. The time is right to take ontology seriously also in other spheres.
Recent years have seen a steep rise in the use of ontology-based technology for intelligence information processing applications. But the news from the ontology front is not all positive. Even among those promoting ontology-based technology, there is little shared understanding of how to develop high quality ontologies and of their potential applications.
This workshop will bring together experts on ontology-based technology with particular experience in the problems facing the intelligence community. The first day will feature interactive sessions covering foundational issues and key application domains for which ontology-based technology is particularly suited. The second day will feature presentations by technology leaders from within the intelligence community, who will report on the successes and challenges of the application of ontology in deployed applications.