Vapour SensingThe fundamental properties of the key chemical constituents entering the soil around landmines have largely been established. The soil transport processes have been linked to weather cycles and incorporated into computational simulation models. This information now needs to be compiled to identify key research needs, wich will complete the production of the vapour sensing guidelines. A first synthesis is available in the GICHD-edited book Mine Detection Dogs: training, operations and odour detection . These guidelines may eventually become part of the IMAS series. It is also important to have field-data such as mine dog performance linked to weather, soil and mine type information; and soil and/or vapour residue measurements linked to mine dog performance. This will validate the soil science, and identify key issues that need definition to establish appropriate guidelines. Through a better understanding of mine leakage, odour movement in soils, environmental factors and weather effects, it should be possible to develop guidelines for optimising the use of mine detection dogs. Such guidelines will outline measurable indicators such as:
Environmental factorsThe Norwegian People's Aid (NPA) has compiled a CD for the GICHD with historic references on environmental factors. The CD is a database with more that 300 articles and summaries. Some unpublished or "grey literature" reports that are not readily available have been included in full. The full reference is provided for published articles and summaries are included for most. |
