IMSMA Mobile

Components of IMSMA Mobile

1. Bluetooth GPS
2. Bluetooth Laser or vector range finder binoculars (optional)
3. Pocket PC
4. IMSMA System

IMSMA Mobile is a data collection and verification tool that expands to the field IMSMA functionalities. IMSMA Mobile capacities have been extended beyond strict technical survey data collection. These new improved capacities are linked to the ability to design and transfer any data collection form created with IMSMA to the handheld device. It allows IMSMA users to complete field report templates electronically including quick and accurate caption of geographic coordinate with the use of Bluetooth GPS devices. The data collected using IMSMA Mobile can be transferred directly into the IMSMA System.

On the same basis, also by simple transfer any data or report previously entered into the IMSMA System can be verified and validated in the field with IMSMA Mobile. This handheld tool provides an easy to use container for maps and data needed to support field work.

IMSMA Mobile can also be used with a pair of laser range finding binoculars which can help 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 including technical survey reference points, Landmarks, Benchmarks and other points.

Current Deployments

Currently IMSMA Mobile has been deployed and fully tested in Chile in 2007. The deployment and training in this location consisted of a combined 2 week technical and field training programme. Upon completion of this 2 week deployment period local mine action programme staff members integrated the system into their data collection activities.

Previous Deployments

Chile holds a history in the testing, deployment and use of the handheld survey tool where it first started in March of 2004. Other deployments were also successfully completed in Albania and in a joint programme in support of the mine action activities in Ecuador and Peru. 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 also previously 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 to the IMSMA data set based on the data collected.