Spatially-enabled Database System for security operations

Emphasis on security planning for UN personnel and facilities has increased since the killing of UN personnel in Iraq in August 2003, adopting military applications where appropriate. Such security plans require the mapping of UN facilities and residences of staff, detailing assembly points and possible evacuation routes in the event of emergencies. In collaboration with the Security and Safety Section, the Geoinformation Systems Section is currently developing a spatially enabled database system for security applications in Addis Ababa and elsewhere in Ethiopia. When completed, the final product will be a spatial database with appropriate interface showing the locations of residences of staff members, important landmarks, circulation and navigation routes and other designated locations of security and safety value. A prototype was developed with capabilities of generating a route map showing the shortest or most convenient to the place of interest, including directional route descriptions. A field survey was conducted to collect location of landmarks and others important facilities in Addis Ababa cities.