What is the term for the process of combining data from multiple sensors to improve situational awareness?

The term that best describes the process of combining data from multiple sensors to enhance situational awareness is "sensor fusion." This process involves the integration of various data types obtained from multiple sensing instruments to produce more comprehensive information compared to what can be derived from individual sensors. Sensor fusion helps to improve accuracy, reliability, and the overall understanding of a given environment or situation, which is particularly beneficial in fields such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, and surveillance systems.

While terms like "data fusion" and "data integration" might suggest similar processes of combining data, they are broader concepts that may not specifically refer to the use of sensors. "Multimodal analysis" also refers to the examination of data from different modes or sources but is not limited to the context of sensors. Thus, "sensor fusion" is the most precise term for the process described in the question, as it directly emphasizes the integration of information from multiple sensor sources.