Information management continues to play a key role in mine action. It provides managers and operations staff with support for a wide variety of analysis and decision support tasks. In support of these activities, the Mine Action Information Systems Section at the GICHD has developed the Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) and fielded it in a large number of mine-affected countries.

IMSMA is a software-based data management tool designed for mine action centres and operating agencies. It combines a relational database with a geographic information system. The IMSMA software is used by almost all mine action programmes worldwide, and by a number of armed forces for the purpose of training. It is a tool designed to improve operational management by recording identified threats, as well as ongoing and completed work at field level.

IMSMA training modules aims to assist programmes by integrating information management into their daily operations, with an emphasis on sustainable use of IMSMA in the field. To achieve this, the training focuses on the specific needs of individual programmes and staff members.

The Mine Action Information System section conducts multiple training modules. Notably, there are two modules that staff involved in operational activities in mine action programmes are required to participate in prior to IMSMA (Version 4) being installed in their programme. These are outlined in the following page, however for most current information and information on all other training modules, please visit the Training pages of the Information Management section.

In order to ensure that operational IMSMA installations are provided with training on a timely basis, participation in IMSMA training is by invitation only. In addition, participation is normally restricted to staff who currently work with the system or who will work with the system in the near future.

Invitations are extended by the IMSMA training team based on the result of close coordination with national mine action authorities, and a detailed process of staff identification and needs assessment.
More information about the selection process

Contact

Jean-Paul RYCHENER, acting IMSMA Project Manager, jp.rychener(at)gichd.org