Sensor-data fusion is the process wherein CBR-sensor and meteorological observations are combined with output from meteorological and transport-and-diffusion models. This technology, employed by STAR, allows the calculation of the location and other properties of sources of plumes of chemical, biological and radiological material observed in the atmosphere.
Such real-time source characterization allows models to calculate the future path of the plume of hazardous material, and it allows emergency responders to eliminate the source, and possibly apprehend those responsible if it is an intentional release. Similar STAR technologies allow the calculation of threat zones, which represent areas from which releases of hazardous material could impact a high-value target under the current wind conditions.