Application framework for reactive information propagation and planning for lifelike exercises

1. An application framework for computer-implemented development of custom software applications comprising:

a computer device having at least one non-transitory data storage medium and at least one processor operatively connected thereto, the at least one processor executing functions programmed into the following modules and sub-modules:

a scenario and maneuvering module configured for geospatial and visual planning, design, preparation, execution, monitoring, tracking, evaluation and analysis of multiple-spectrum training and operational scenarios, events and maneuvers;

a census and demographics module configured for organizing and analyzing people and their relationships to one another and organizations;

a data management module configured for managing the flow, security access and exchange of data within the application framework;

an integrated data model module configured for the effect of changes in data across the application framework; and

a navigation and presentation module configured for displaying information from the integrated data model module in a plurality of views and providing navigation by a user between the plurality of views;

wherein the application framework is configured to support at least one type of extension point, the at least one type of extension point being a method-chain extension point enabling building of at least one complex task chain, wherein the task in the chain runs on a specific process thread, wherein the specific process thread is assigned to a piece of software code,

wherein when a data change occurs the application framework begins a sequence of actions to both persist that change and propagate it as required, the sequence of actions comprising firing an event to notify the application framework that a data change is occurring,

wherein multiple data concepts are treated as a single concept type, allowing data to be propagated through the application framework with no changes to the core framework, and

wherein a concept is any data type and associated meta-data that is managed by the application to meet the needs of a customized module or sub-module.

2. The application framework of claim 1 , wherein the modules are configured for assembly into the application framework utilizing object-oriented techniques.

3. The application framework of claim 1 , wherein the scenario and maneuvering module comprises:

a geospatial information system sub-module configured for spatial analysis and for creating cartographically appealing maps;

a flowchart sub-module configured for creating cause and effect flowcharts;

a Gantt chart sub-module configured for managing time driven events; and

a resource management sub-module configured for allocating personnel and equipment to predefined scenario events.

4. The application framework of claim 3 , wherein the sub-modules are configured for assembly into the application framework utilizing object-oriented techniques.

5. The application framework of claim 3 , wherein the application framework is designed as a plug-in architecture, and wherein the sub-modules comprise component plug-ins receivable within receptacles connected to a core logic of the application framework.

6. The application framework of claim 5 , wherein a hierarchy of plug-ins are created, each plug-in being able to extend to the at least one type of extension point.

7. The application framework of claim 6 , wherein each plug-in extends to the at least one type of extension point from the at least one plug-in that it directly depends upon.

8. The application framework of claim 1 , wherein the census and demographics module comprises:

a genogram sub-module configured for creating and maintaining family relationships and performing link analysis;

a social network sub-module configured for creating and maintaining social relationships and performing link analysis;

an organizational chart sub-module configured for organization of relationships and performing link analysis;

a cognitive modeling sub-module configured for cognitive attribute modeling and analysis; and

a demographics sub-module configured for population characteristic analysis.

9. The application framework of claim 8 , wherein the sub-modules are configured for assembly into the application framework utilizing object-oriented techniques.

10. The application framework of claim 8 , wherein the application framework is designed as a plug-in architecture, and wherein the sub-modules comprise component plug-ins receivable within receptacles connected to a core logic of the application framework.

11. The application framework of claim 1 , wherein the data management module comprises:

a workflow sub-module configured for routing and approval of actions and work products;

an external system interface sub-module configured for communications with external systems;

a multimedia sub-module configured for managing multimedia content; and

a custom user exports sub-module configured for exporting work product in a plurality of formats.

12. The application framework of claim 11 , wherein the sub-modules are configured for assembly into the application framework utilizing object-oriented techniques.

13. The application framework of claim 11 , wherein the application framework is designed as a plug-in architecture, and wherein the sub-modules comprise component plug-ins receivable within receptacles connected to a core logic of the application framework.

14. The application framework of claim 1 , wherein the integrated data model module comprises:

an events sub-module configured for propagating data changes and other events through the application framework;

a manager classes sub-module configured as the central interface to shared data and/or functionality; and

a database sub-module configured for persistent, high-capacity shared data storage.

15. The application framework of claim 14 , wherein the sub-modules are configured for assembly into the application framework utilizing object-oriented techniques.

16. The application framework of claim 14 , wherein the application framework is designed as a plug-in architecture, and wherein the sub-modules comprise component plug-ins receivable within receptacles connected to a core logic of the application framework.

17. The application framework of claim 1 , wherein the navigation and presentation module comprises:

a panel presentation sub-module configured for user interface customization;

a hyperlinking sub-module configured for data mining and linking; and

a real-time updates sub-module configured to allow changes to data in one module or sub-module to extend to other modules and sub-modules in the application framework.

18. The application framework of claim 17 , wherein the sub-modules are configured for assembly into the application framework utilizing object-oriented techniques.

19. The application framework of claim 17 , wherein the application framework is designed as a plug-in architecture, and wherein the sub-modules comprise component plug-ins receivable within receptacles connected to a core logic of the application framework.

20. The application framework of claim 1 , wherein the integrated data model module is a collection of loosely coupled data structures accompanied by system logic to manage a ripple effect of changes in data across the application framework.