Overview: Target Manager

In this chapter, you will get to know how to create, search, and manage targets to organize your target library effectively.

Accessing Target Manager

In this section, you will get to know how to access the target manager module.

To access the target manager module, do the following:

1. Login to the platform.

2. Click the Data module and then click the Target Manager sub-module.

The Target Manager page is displayed.

Understanding Target & Area of Interest (AOI)

In military intelligence workflows, analysts typically begin with an Area of Interest (AOI) to grasp the big picture. Once the big picture is completely grasped, then the analysts identify and monitor Targets or Point of Interests (POIs) within that area to enable actionable targeting, surveillance, or protection.

Target or Point of Interest (POI) refers to a single, strategically critical dot on the map—even if mobile, like an aircraft carrier. On the other hand, AOI represents a box or region drawn on the map to understand everything happening within it.

Feature	Target	Area of Interest (AOI)
Definition	A specific, precise location or asset of strategic significance.	A broader geographic region identified for analysis or monitoring.
Spatial Scale	Single coordinate or very small feature (e.g., building, node, vehicle, vessel).	Large geographic extent (for example, city, region, maritime zone, operational theater).
Examples	Military base Airfield Communication node Radar site Aircraft carrier Armored column	Border zone Conflict region Entire city Maritime choke-point Supply routes
Purpose	Focused on monitoring, securing, or targeting one specific asset or node.	Encompasses all relevant features, activities, and terrain in a region.
Use in Planning	Target identification Asset protection Precise strikes Tracking high-value mobile assets	Operational planning Situational awareness Area surveillance Route planning
Intelligence Tasks	Imagery capture of a single site or vessel Collecting signals intelligence (SIGINT) to intercept and analyze enemy communications Tracking moving assets like ships or convoys	Broad area reconnaissance Pattern-of-life analysis Threat mapping Force disposition analysis
Resolution Requirements	High-resolution, pinpoint accuracy.	Can use medium to low resolution over large areas.
Data Sources	Drone imagery Satellite spot collection Ground-based sensors Ship tracking systems	Wide-area satellite imagery Aerial reconnaissance Multiple unit reports Maritime surveillance radars
Operational Impact	Enables precision targeting or protection of critical nodes and assets.	Supports broader operational decisions and resource allocation.

When Should You Use Target vs. Area of Interest?

An Area of Interest (AOI) is where you look and analyze to understand the environment, monitor activity, and identify threats or opportunities, while a Target is the who, what, or where you act on once identified within that area.

These concepts work together: you define an AOI to focus your intelligence collection and build situational awareness, then identify and prioritize specific targets within it for monitoring, engagement, or protection.

• Use “Target” when:

  • You have identified a specific asset or location that you intend to engage, neutralize, monitor, or protect.
  • Precision and accuracy are critical.
  • Example: Planning a missile strike on an enemy air-defense system.

• Use “Area of Interest” when:

  • You need to understand the operational environment broadly.
  • You are analyzing movements, terrain, threats, and opportunities in a region.
  • Example: Monitoring an entire border region for cross-border incursions.