Remote Sensing in the War Against Terrorism
- Paper number
IAC-05-E6.5.06
- Author
Prof. Carl Q. Christol, United States
- Year
2005
- Abstract
In the era of international terrorism with its roots deeply imbedded in many countries the structures of normalcy and safety have been challenged. In highly mobile societies with the constant movement of peoples and resources it has become necessary to protect against the sudden and hidden forays of terrorists while engaging in widespread harms. Imagine, for a minute, the convergence of hundreds of thousands of vacationers, or sports enthusiasts, or religionists upon a city in pursuing their special interests. Consider the huge expenses involved in facilitating such voyages and protecting the well- being of the travelers. To facilitate these goals the providers of countless goods, services, housing, transportation, and other needed facilities require protection. Protective costs can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. Terrorists' destruction would cost even more. One way to assure and protect all valid goals is to use remote sensing for peaceful purposes. By surveillance and the rendering of advice and warnings, if necessary, a higher degree of normalcy and stability can be assured. In the United States such peaceful protection is offered by private enterprise and by governmental agencies. Since remote sensing is a hybrid activity those institutions which have supported military activities can facilitate the success of large private assemblages. In the United States one governmental agency, which bas been increasingly engaged in the protection of individuals is the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NPA). This paper will provide examples of recent beneficial achievements.
- Abstract document