A key issue for such an integrated approach is information modeling. Today’s simulation systems are based on special purpose data models based on the needs of the respective critical infrastructure. These models look different for power grids, for telecommunication systems, and for logistic simulators (and for other CIs). In order to manage and simulate dependent CIs an integrated model is needed allowing the integration of the different special purpose models. These integrated models have to be run on simulators which enable the simulation of complex system behaviors in dependent CIs. Different scenarios can be simulated as sequences of events and actions within one CI or crossing the borders between them.
Such federated simulations provide a new integrated component of visual analytics. Not just data but comprehensive simulations of complex system behaviors can be used as basis for complex but highly adapted analytical investigations and special purpose presentations to human decision makers. Novel visual analytics systems to be developed within the proposed collaboration will tightly integrate CI simulation and analysis with advanced visual interfaces to support effective decision making by the human.