How Spatial Analysis used in Mine Action

Spatial analysis in mine action is an important method of analyzing geospatial data to gain a unique perspective on the relationship between contamination and the surrounding environment as well as the progress and status of clearance/land release. This will range from the measuring of the distance between a hazard and a feature of interest (such as medical facilities, infrastructure and land use types) to monitoring the progression of clearance.

Typically in mine action spatial analysis is used to gain the following information:

  • The relationship of a hazard to key features of interest
  • Information on how the relationship of the surrounding environment on a hazard
  • Understanding spatial relationships and multi-temporal trends of clearance activities
  • Measure/monitor rate of clearance
  • General visualization of contamination (example: heat mapping)

The main types of spatial analysis used are:

  • Queries
  • Measurements
  • Descriptive summaries
  • Geo-spatial relationships

There are a variety of geospatial tools that can be used for spatial analysis, each GIS software has their own unique set of tools and workflows. Consult your team for tools and workflows that are currently used. For inspiration on spatial analysis techniques see Spatial Analysis and view the links provided.

For more information visit the following links for additional reading on the topic:
Mapping Mine Hazard
Application of density analysis for landmine risk mapping
Spatial assessment of social vulnerability in the context of landmines and explosive remnants of war in Battambang province, Cambodia