Wide Area Integrated Maritime Surveillance: An Updated Architecture with Data Fusion Z. Ding, G. Kannappan Raytheon Canada Ltd. K. Benameur Defence Research and Development Canada T. Kirubarajan McMaster University, Canada M. Farooq Royal Military College, Canada Abstract - An architecture has been proposed for an integrated maritime surveillance (IMS) system to support Canada’s defense efforts in a network-centric or information-centric surveillance of the Canadian coasts, where many sensors, for example, HF radar, surface search radar, Automatic Dependent Surveillance (ADS) and imaging radar are used to gather information about the targets of interest. Typically, a realistic IMS system is a distributed one where the information processing is carried out in a number of locations and at different levels (e.g., local IMS, regional IMS or national surveillance center). This paper will discuss IMS, propose an architecture for an IMS system and give some specifications for the proposed IMS system. The paper will describe the implemented data fusion engine. Desirable features are also given in the paper. Keywords: IMS, data fusion, high frequency surface wave radar, target tracking, architecture 1. Integrated Maritime Surveillance Protection of a nation’s sovereignty and effective management of the development and exploitation of natural resources within the 200 nautical mile (nm) Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) place new demands on the organizations traditionally tasked with maritime surveillance and enforcement [1, 2, 3] . As a general principle, the level of surveillance that is required at any given time depends on the perceived threat. The ideal surveillance system must be capable of normal, day-to-day operation for the lowest possible cost yet have the resources to respond decisively and economically when required. The provision of enhanced levels of surveillance will play a key role in the recovery of Canada’s East coast fishing industry devastated by over fishing and a 1992 government imposed moratorium banning fishing. Likewise, most other maritime nations face comparable requirements in ensuring that their future economic development and the protection of offshore natural resources are not prejudiced. The successful management of inshore and offshore fisheries, exploitation of oil and natural gas resources, undersea mining, tourism, and similar ventures, not forgetting environmental protection and disaster management, will ultimately depend on achieving significant improvements in the effectiveness of surveillance infrastructures world wide. Furthermore, such improvements must be achievable without significant increases in