The information given to the SM is in the form of a set of tracks from a sensor fusion process. The sensor fusion process combines information from a number of sensors and combines any information that applies to objects in the situation being looked at. When information from different sensors is combined, the resulting tracks are called fused tracks. A process known as situation assessment will provide a list of priorities regarding the importance of the tracks. Feedback will be received from the sensors as to their current status i.e. functioning, damaged, under the manual control of the pilot etc.
Prior information is an important factor in all decision making stratergies.