ATP 2-33.4, page 65

Core Army Analytic Techniques 18 August 2014 ATP 2-33.4 5-11 ACTIVITIES MATRIX 5-37. An activities matrix is used to determine connections between an individual and organizations, events, locations, or activities (excluding other individuals). Facts 5-38. The activities matrix is a rectangular array of personalities compared against activities, locations, events, or other appropriate information. The kind and quantity of data that is available to the analyst determines the number of rows and columns and their content. The analyst may tailor the matrix to fit the needs of the problem at hand or may add to it as the problem expands in scope. 5-39. The activities matrix normally is constructed with personalities arranged in a vertical listing on the side of the matrix with events, activities, organizations, addresses, or any other common denominator arranged along the bottom or top of the matrix. The activities matrix is critical for the study of a group’s internal and external activities, external ties and linkages, and even modus operandi. The Method 5-40. Creating the activities matrix involves four steps:  Step 1. Construct a rectangular matrix with multiple columns and rows in a table. This may be done using software analysis tools, a spreadsheet, or by hand.  Step 2. Extract entities and the information about their relationships from imagery, SIGINT intercepts, message traffic, or whatever other source available to the analyst. The analyst should not limit information sources, so long as they provide valid and pertinent information.  Step 3. Place names of individuals and organizations along one side; one individual or organization corresponds to a single row. Personalities must be listed in exactly the same order in the association matrix and the activities matrix to ensure that all possible associations are correctly identified. Place activities, locations, buildings, and facilities along the top or bottom; one place, activity, location, building, or facility corresponds to a single column.  Step 4. Analyze the entities and associations in the matrix. Place a solid circle in boxes where entities in columns and rows meet that have an association. Circles are colored in solidly for known associations and left un-colored for suspected associations. Note. Analysts may add additional symbols and/or colors to an activities matrix to clarify relationships between entities. For example, the analyst could use half-colored circles to denote a greater probability of association (using subjective probability; see chapter 3). Figure 5-4 on page 5-12 is an example of an activities matrix. 5-41. Similar to the association matrix, confirmed or “strong” associations between individuals and non- personal entities are shown with a solid circle or dot, while suspected or “weak” associations are illustrated by an open circle. Using matrices, the analyst can pinpoint the optimal targets for further intelligence collection, identify key personalities within an organization, and considerably increase the analyst’s understanding of an organization and its structure. Matrices can be used to present briefings, evidence, or to store information in a concise and understandable manner within a database. Matrices do not replace standard reporting procedures or standard database files. Note. It is possible, and sometimes productive, to use one matrix for all associations, personal and non-personal; this is done routinely using automated systems. However, when an analytical problem includes more than approximately fifty entities (persons and other things), experience has shown the use of one manual matrix to be cumbersome and difficult to comprehend and manage.