ITSC Capabilities

Big Data Mining and Analytics 

ITSC is developing the cyber infrastructure to address the challenges of Big Data Analytics and Knowledge Discovery, including search, access, curation, storage, analysis, visualization, and sharing, with an emphasis on developing tools and technologies to exploit and simplify the computational environment and use data more efficiently and effectively. ITSC researchers have been at the forefront of applying data mining and other knowledge discovery technologies to various domains for many years. The Algorithm Development and Mining (ADaM) system, an underlying component in several data analytic systems, was developed by ITSC to mine large data sets for anomaly detection and feature extraction.

Cybersecurity

Technologies for cybersecurity are being researched and developed to gain a deeper understanding of cyberspace for application across multi-domain cyberinfrastructures. ITSC is working to develop game-changing technologies for moving targets with sustainable, trustworthy systems that limit the exposure to vulnerabilities and increase resilience, including data analytics, situational understanding, adaptive processing, and provenance for information software and hardware. Researchers are developing tools and techniques for assessing the security of software and systems, including automated testing and vulnerability scanning tools. Machine learning and other artificial intelligence techniques are also being applied in ITSC research to develop new threat detection and response methods.

Geospatial Technologies

Within the center is well-established expertise in processing image data from many different sources and formats. ITSC scientists have worked closely with external organizations to produce tools and algorithms for processing raw imagery and creating higher-level data products. Pattern recognition and neural network capabilities developed for many data types have been integrated into the center's data mining system, allowing researchers to analyze large volumes of data more efficiently. The ITSC team has been actively engaged in conducting state-of-the-art geospatial technology research focused on the following areas:

  • Geospatial data storage, management, and distribution
  • Cybersecurity for geospatial data
  • Geospatial data cloud processing
  • Imagery applications from unmanned aerial systems
  • Geospatial-enabled databases
  • Geospatial data integration with modeling and simulation software
  • Web mapping services and visualization tools

Disasters and Hazards: Assessment and Preparation

The Information Technology and Systems Center at UAH has contributed to situational awareness and disaster resilience by developing a cloud-based analytic framework for enhancing precipitation datasets. By using deep learning models such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), ITSC researchers can improve the identification of convective scale precipitation features and rain-rate estimates in areas lacking ground-based weather radars. The enhanced spatial resolution rain rate products merged with other precipitation datasets will be used to improve operational hydrologic forecasting, with the most significant positive impacts expected in areas lacking ground-based radar precipitation data. This work supports NOAA's Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology (CIROH).

High-Performance Computing

High-performance computing (HPC) allows ITSC researchers to process and analyze large datasets, simulate physical phenomena, and model complex systems beyond the capacity of traditional computing resources. Our computer scientists working on algorithm optimization help improve the efficiency and performance of HPC systems, allowing researchers to perform more complex simulations and analyses in less time. This efficiency is particularly important in our research programs featuring climate modeling, electric grid analysis, and large-scale data analysis.

Wargaming and Simulations

Wargaming, used for simulation and modeling of large systems, training, and strategic and tactical planning, provides needed insight into system interactions and human activities. Using artificial intelligence to simulate potential scenarios allows our customers to analyze and plan for potential conflicts and can identify resources that are needed to adjust the desired outcomes. Machine learning algorithms that create adaptive adversaries can create a more dynamic and responsive game by allowing the training program to learn the players' strategies and tactics, improving the simulations' accuracy and realism. ITSC develops war games deployed for defense training, modeling, and simulation. 

Data Center Operations

ITSC is a recognized leader in data information management. The Global Hydrometerology Resource Center (GHRC) is a NASA Earth Science Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC) jointly managed by ITSC and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. This center provides historical and current Earth Science data, information, and products from satellite, airborne, and surface-based instruments. Within the center, ITSC research conducts all aspects of data and information management applications, from ingest and archival to processing and quality control and from provenance, configuration management, and documentation to data distribution and user satisfaction.