The four main categories and example subcategories (non-exhaustive) are:

1. Theory and representation: probability theory, Bayesian inference, stochastic processes, fuzzy sets, Dempster–Shafer theory and belief functions.

2. Algorithms for target tracking, localization, situational awareness, intent/behaviour/swarm modeling, decision making, data mining, data analytics, sensor/resource management, compressed sensing, pattern analysis, machine learning, deep learning, artificial intelligence, sonar/radar/video tracking, image fusion, data association, distributed fusion, and sensor registration.

3. Modeling, simulation and evaluation, considering a wide range from target and sensor modeling to fusion/tracking performance evaluation, and simulation tools.

4. Applications of information fusion such as sensor networks, navigation and guidance, aerospace, robotics, imaging, autonomy, computer and homeland security, defense and intelligence, operations research, business intelligence, environmental monitoring, medical care, intelligent transportation, economics and finance, Internet of Things, smart cities, and big data.