Geospatial Information and Technologies for International Safeguards Verification

Abstract

International safeguards verification is based on the analysis of a large variety of information from different sources including state-declared information, inspection data, open source and third-party information. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are used for the management and analysis of spatial information, such as satellite imagery and site maps declared under the Additional Protocol. They can also be utilized for the management of non-spatial safeguards information which often relates to a specific site, facility or location. Mobile geospatial technologies can facilitate on-site inspector tools such as positioning and navigation; locationbased information retrieval; location-tagging of information for efficient postinspection analysis; and Augmented Reality (AR) applications. These capabilities can put the inspector in a more pro-active and investigative role and can further integrate safeguards activities in the field and at headquarters. This chapter discusses the current and possible future use of geospatial information and technologies for safeguards analysis at the inspectorates' headquarters and illustrates the potential of mobile geospatial tools for on-site inspections.