3-42. An effective way to communicate relevant information is the common operational picture—a single display of relevant information within a commander’s area of interest tailored to the user’s requirements and based on common data and information shared by more than one command (ADRP 6-0). The common operational picture (COP) integrates many digital information systems to display relevant information. Initially, commanders and staffs analyze their mission using operational and mission variables. They begin to develop the COP. Commanders determine their information requirements, and additional information is collected based on those requirements. Commanders and staffs continue to refer to and refine the COP as the situation evolves. They use the COP as a tool for developing knowledge and understanding. Commanders and staffs are obligated to share their understanding of the COP to subordinate and higher commands to facilitate synchronized operations and parallel understanding.