Spatial Decision Support System for Border Security
(pdf file of powerpoint presentation - 1738 kb)

Researchers from San Diego State University (SDSU) are teaming with agents and technologists with the San Diego sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, state and local enforcement and resource agencies, and remote sensing technology companies to develop a spatial decision support system (SDSS) for allocating and deploying resources to secure the U.S. borders against the passage of smugglers of weapons, undocumented people, and illicit substances. The research is being conducted through a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) project, the only homeland security applications project recently selected for the NASA Research, Education and Applications Solutions Network (REASoN) program. The presentation will show that the SDSS is essentially a smart command and control center that is supported by state-of-the-art imaging and mapping technologies. NASA developed technologies for sensing and processing images captured on aircraft and satellites enable monitoring of features such as trail networks, tunnels, holding structures, and contraband staging areas in the border enforcement zone. Such imagery and integrated surveying and mapping technologies also enable border security agents to record locations and provide geographic context for interdictions of smugglers and undocumented immigrants. Satellite images will support efforts to predict potential landing sites for smuggler aircraft and to assess foot and vehicular trafficability along our borders. Mobile communication equipment, web-based geographic information systems (GIS), spatial models, and remote hand-held computers with global positioning systems (GPS) are being integrated to link directly to the SDSS, thereby facilitating resource allocations and enforcement actions for securing the international borders of the U.S. This technology integration will also enable the USBP to assess weather-related risks to agents and undocumented immigrants, environmental degradation, and fire risk, and to prepare to mobilize for natural and bio-terrorist hazards. The SDSS will serve as a prototype for the other 20 USBS sectors.

Funding Agency:

National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Code Y, Office of Earth Observations Research, Education and Applications Solutions Network (REASoN) Program