|
Components of the data collection kit
This IMSMA handheld field data collection kit allows IMSMA users to complete IMSMA V3 technical survey and minefield survey forms electronically. The data collected using the handheld can be transferred directly into the IMSMA data base. The data collection kit includes a pair of laser range finding binoculars which can be used to define minefield or hazardous area perimeter points located up to 1000 meters away from the system's GPS or the surveyor’s current position. This means that it is possible to map the perimeter of a suspected or known hazardous area, without endangering the surveyor’s life. Current limitations and awaited improvementsBased on the SWEDEC developed EOD IS-Survey system the IMSMA handheld toolkit incorporates support for the use of IMSMA V3 Technical Survey and Minefield data collection forms. Using the system users can directly map minefields, including technical survey reference points, Landmarks, Benchmarks and minefield perimeters. The current system does not support recording the coordinates of single points (UXO spots for example) or lines. The new version of IMSMA 40, linked to a more powerful EOD IS-Survey tool will have these capacities and also the ability to record information not limited to technical survey data. These capacities will arrive linked to the ability to design and transfer any data collection form created with IMSMA V4 to the handheld device. This updated and improved data collection tool is currently scheduled to begin preliminary field testing in mid-2006. Current deploymentsThe handheld survey tool has been in use in Chile since March of 2004. Deployments of the system have also been successfully completed in Albania and in a joint programme in support of the mine action activities in Ecuador and Peru. The deployment and training in each of these locations consisted of a combined 2 week technical and field training programme. Upon completion of this 2 week deployment period local mine action program staff members were able to integrate the system into their data collection activities as shown in the following photos. Data collection activities are still being performed using the system in Ecuador and Chile. As part of the field testing for the system a team from the GICHD was deployed to Guinea-Bissau to support a small data collection project. The project captured complete IMSMA technical survey and minefield reports for 35 separate areas in a one week period. The project included the development of map coordinate data and the completion of updates tothe IMSMA data set based on the data collected. ContactJean-Paul Rychener, GICHD regional coordinator, Jp.rychener(at)gichd.org
ArticleThe Accuracy of Measuring Perimeter Poiunts: Use of GPS vs. Bearing and Distance Article by Berger, Dunbar (2006) PDF 420KB |
