C-SIGMA envisions linking together existing and planned space system capabilities in a worldwide network to provide maritime situational awareness to provide global security, safety, environmental protection, resource conservation, disaster mitigation and recovery.

Background:
In the 21st century, the cyber world has expanded exponentially but unnoticed by many, since 2004 and increasing steadily since then, there has been an on-going revolution in space-based Earth observation systems and, led by space-based AIS, their utility over the world's waterways has increased dramatically. These capabilities not only support safety and security at sea but can also significantly assist in economic and environmental stewardship and resource protection, as well as disaster mitigation and recovery. The contributions of space-based Earth observation systems to maritime awareness is of growing interest to the worlds naval and law enforcement forces, as well as to environmental preservationists, governmental transport, commerce, maritime, environmental protection, and disaster preparedness ministries, in addition to shipbrokers, and others with an interest in the marine domain, its environment, and the protection its resources.

Space systems are especially suited in areas with shared international interests such as the Arctic, or in pirate-infested waters, and in areas known to support smuggling or resource theft of all types.
There is a virtual tidal wave of new space-systems with earth observations capabilities being planned and built. The time is now to take advantage of these significant opportunities that are on the horizon and rapidly bearing down on the world, as this tide of technology rises. Catch the wave! Seize the moment!

System Description
There are six elements that must be integrated for effective results. (Four in space, two on the ground.)
Two of the four different satellites types employ imaging sensors : 1. Synthetic aperture radar satellites (SARsats) 2. Electro-optical (EO) imaging satellites
The other two satellite types are based on communications systems: 3. Individual transponders sending short formatted status reports to communications satellites 4. Automatic Identification System (AIS), an automated short message system designed for collision avoidance and traffic control in congested waters but is now also used globally as a primary ship identification and tracking system. It is the key component of this concept.
5. The ground infrastructure, (terminals), software tools and licenses to allow users of the system to determine which spacecraft to task when to obtain the desired results, and to so act.
6. The software tools to correlate, fuse and analyze the information generated by the space systems, including S-AIS track data, the basis for all analysis, along with all other pertinent data residents in all reachable data sources such as port, financial, shipping and broker records.

One globally-focused centre could provide all the needed services, but regional centres might be more effective initially. This is a global solution for a problem. Since April 2005 what is now C-SIGMA1 has held 11 highly successful international conferences. These conferences have been attended by all of the major Earth observation and AIS satellite builders and operators, and most if not all, of the builders of dynamic data analysis software, focused on Earth observation. Users of this data from all corners of the globe have also participated.