Issue link: https://securitytechnologyexecutive.epubxp.com/i/618378
24 SECURITY TECHNOLOGY EXECUTIVE • November/December 2015 www.SecurityInfoWatch.com Force tracking, trucking data from TWIC and the Clean Truck Program, RFID information when it becomes available and various open source information for traffic, weather and gen- eral news agencies. This information automatically displays itself and removes its associated identifier from the grid when it is no longer significant for system display. This provides an operator the best vir- tual picture of what is occurring in the Port at any given time. Methodology The Virtual Port platform was developed in phases. The Virtual Port Working Group con- sisting of various stakeholders within the port region identified capabilities that were devel- oped and incorporated into the operational capability (IOC) of Virtual Port. The Virtual Port system utilizes a map-centric situational awareness application to provide a user friend- ly screen to reach the various capability mod- ules and data. It is simple to use and navigates through rich layers of information. The simplic- ity of design and web based development allows it to be accessed and utilized on mobile tablet devices (e.g. iPad). The platform continues to evolve in its development, providing the oppor- tunity to include additional layers of data to optimize visualization of the Port. 2015 SECURITY INNOVATION AWARDS About the Author: Randy D. Parsons is the Director of Security for the Port of Long Beach. SECURITY INNOVATION AWARD G O L D W I N N E R Protecting the port complex is vital to the national economic and security interests. The Port's security teams and its partners are committed to protecting this national asset and the surrounding community. Conclusion Virtual Port addresses operational needs, domain awareness, security protection issues and critical infra-structure status throughout the port com- plex. Although GIS is an established application with widespread use, it has not been utilized as an interactive dash board for Maritime Domain Awareness. Virtual Port combines over 50 data sources to give a layered picture of traffic, ship movements, events occurring in the port, etc. which leads to a comprehensive picture of what is taking place throughout the port complex. Virtual Port reduces and in some cases elimi- nates the human element to update the data which serves its users. Through a multitude of automated vetted sources, Virtual Port displays the most current up-to-date status of operations in the Port complex without a large number of individuals manually loading the information into the system. The information is widespread from vessel movements and ownership issues, to vehicle traffic, to environmental concerns and for daily operational issues. Virtual Port is fully operational and being uti- lized by the Joint Command & Control Center on a daily basis. It is used by over 14 regional stake- holders, and receives over 300 updates to the system daily. It is a true picture of the port. ■