IMSMA Background InformationIMSMA was developed by the Geneva Centre in order to provide a standardized software tool to support the data collection, storage, reporting and mapping tasks associated with a wide variety of Mine Action activities. The system is intended for use by headquarters units and operators in the field in countries affected by mines, UXO or other ERW. Current users of the system include national governments, international organizations, NGOs, peace keeping forces and others. IMSMA provides a variety of functions designed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the information management support required to conduct successful field survey, data collection, clearance and other Mine Action and ERW activities. Core funding for the development of the system, user training and field support is provided as part of the Swiss contribution to the Geneva Centre. This generous gift allows the Centre to distribute the system and provide field support services at no charge to its users. IMSMA DistributionThe distribution of IMSMA is managed on a country or location basis through agreements with national authorities or in the absence of a national authority the recognized legitimate authority in the area that will use the system. This is done in order to ensure that the Centre is able to properly plan for and assist with the maintenance and support the system requires. Centralized distribution of IMSMA helps to ensure that the data collected and stored in the database is properly preserved and protected for the benefit of the people in the countries where it is used. The Geneva Centre strongly encourages the widest possible distribution of the IMSMA system in each of its operating locations for use by government agencies, international organizations, NGOs and field operators engaged in Mine Action or other humanitarian activities involving mines and other ERW. The system is currently installed and supporting operations in a variety of headquarters and field environments with national governments, UN agencies, international peace keeping forces, at national and international training centres, with NGOs and others. Obtaining IMSMANational authorities or organizations filling this role for a specific areas or region interested in obtaining IMSMA should contact the Geneva Centre directly. Other organizations interested in learning more about how to obtain IMSMA for use in support of operations in a mine affected country should contact the national or other authority responsible for Mine Action in the country or location where the proposed use would take place. The GICHD works directly with national authorities whenever possible to set up and administer national distribution points to manage and record system installations and to provide support and services to the system in each of its 51 primary operating locations. The Centre works in close coordination with these partners to help them extend IMSMA support services to all of the regional and local installations supported in each country or area. Working through local authorities ensures that the distribution of IMSMA in each location provides users with access to the most up to date data, maps and software available in their specific work location. The list of locally available products and services available through these local distribution points often includes user training, data collection and reporting forms and other services and products in local languages along with local maps, imagery and data. Restrictions On the Use of IMSMAThere are some restrictions on the use and distribution of IMSMA. The software does contain certain components based on commercially available technology of US origin. Distribution of these components is subject to US laws governing technology exports and licensing. Requests received by IMSMA’s local distribution partners or the Geneva Centre for the distribution or use of the IMSMA software will need to demonstrate compliance with these international export controls before installation of the software can begin. Distribution or use of the system may also be restricted in the case of projects conducted on a purely commercial basis or in conjunction with for profit ventures. This restriction is the result of the Centre’s use of public funds in the development and testing of the system. Finally, potential users and current users of the system should be aware that IMSMA is a licensed, trademarked and copyrighted product of the GICHD and is not freeware or shareware. The software license agreement is distributed with each copy of the software. Installation or use of the software constitutes acceptance of the license agreement. Copies of the system not obtained from the Geneva Centre or through one of its distribution partners will not be supported by the GICHD and are a violation of international copyright. For further information on IMSMA, please contactAlan ARNOLD, Program Manager Mine Action Information Systems AddressGeneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining |
