Using Mobile Geographic Information Systems to Improve Operational Efficiency, Data Reliability, and Access in Mine Action

Authors

Paul Rittenhouse, James Madison University (JMU)Follow
Lindsay Aldrich, Center for International Stabilization and Recovery at JMU (CISR)Follow

Abstract

The inherently complex field of mine action, with its many political, financial, and physical considerations, is also a spatial, data-driven field; and as a result, geographic information systems (GIS) stand to play a major role. Spatial data can help address questions such as: Where are the hazardous areas and what has been cleared or cancelled? Where have teams already surveyed? Where should they go next? How many square meters have been cleared? Due to the complexities surrounding assigning tasks and prioritization, standard operating procedures (SOP), quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) and database design, GIS often gets limited to high-level planning, database cataloging, and end-of-task analysis and reporting. With the improvement of mobile technologies and locationbased services, GIS is poised to play a bigger role in the dayto-day operations of landmine and unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance.

Recommended Citation

Rittenhouse, Paul and Aldrich, Lindsay (2017) "Using Mobile Geographic Information Systems to Improve Operational Efficiency, Data Reliability, and Access in Mine Action," The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction: Vol. 21 : Iss. 2 , Article 5.
Available at: https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/cisr-journal/vol21/iss2/5