Grave mapping in support of the search for missing persons in conflict contexts

Congram, Derek; Kenyhercz, Michael W.; Green, Arthur G.

doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.07.021

Cited by 25 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…Space-time data variables allow big data syntheses needed to understand what happened in the Bico do Papagaio and predictively guide search and identification processes (Congram, Kenyhercz and Green, 2017). Approaching this data through remote sensing can provide unique views on the region's spatial and temporal dynamics (Herold, Goldstein and Clarke, 2003;Verhagen, 2018).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Necropolitical changes and repressive strategies on an Amazonian capitalistic frontier: Xambioá town, Tocantins, Brazil

Souza¹

2021

Brasiliana

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This paper analyzes material changes undergone by the town of Xambioá, Tocantins State, Northern Brazil in a time of State terrorism. It argues that such changes were the product of the necropolitical approach materialized by a repressive system implemented and guided by the Brazilian Dictatorship along the lines of doctrines of national security. It focuses on the interaction between the town and the actions of repression undertaken against an Amazonian armed movement, the 1970s Araguaia Guerrilla, by which the Communist Party of Brazil aimed to bring down the military through a massive peasant uprising. For this urban archaeology of State terrorism, this work uses remote sensing, spatial syntax, and urban morphology, unveiling the material ruptures and terrorscapes that made up a new ontology established in the Bico do Papagaio region to instil fear, in order to control and silence residents.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Necropolitical changes and repressive strategies on an Amazonian capitalistic frontier: Xambioá town, Tocantins, Brazil

Souza¹

2021

Brasiliana

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“…Experts in the field of humanitarian forensics are also thinking spatially, applying geo-statistical models for grave site locations and missing persons searches [4]. Regression techniques that utilize location as a critical variable are being applied to predictive landmine risk mapping and provide validated locations to prioritize demining operations [5].…”

Section: Background: Geospatial Tools In the Humanitarian Spacementioning

confidence: 99%

Beyond mapping: a case for geospatial analytics in humanitarian health

Greenough

Nelson

2019

Confl Health

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The humanitarian sector is increasingly adopting geospatial data to support operations. However, the utilization of these data in the humanitarian health arena is predominantly in thematic map format, thereby limiting the full insight and utility of geospatial information.Geospatial analytics, in contrast, including pattern analysis, interpolation, and predictive modeling, have tremendous potential within the field of humanitarian health. This paper explores a variety of historical and contemporary geospatial applications in the public health and humanitarian fields and argues for greater integration of geospatial analysis into humanitarian health research and programming. From remote sensing to create sampling frames, to spatial interpolation for environmental exposure analysis, and multi-objective optimization algorithms for humanitarian logistics, spatial analysis has transformed epistemological paradigms, research methods and programming landscapes across diverse disciplines.The field of humanitarian health, which is inextricably bounded by geography and resource limitations, should leverage the unique capacities of spatial methods and strategically integrate geospatial analytics into research and programming not only to fortify the academic legitimacy and professionalization of the field but also to improve operational efficiency and mitigation strategies.

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“…However, GIS is underused in searches, encompassing that of military, humanitarian (e.g., war crimes), and environmental land surveys, which do not necessarily end in a court of law as a result. This is due to its technological infancy, inherent complexity, and potential for bias [9,10]. Despite the limited practical application of GIS in forensic science, it is commonly used to analyze spatial information, for example, constructing topographical studies, including rivers and roads with user input data [11–14].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Probability or suitability mapping is another tool that can be used within GIS. Probability mapping identifies the likelihood of areas by calculating the weighted influence of each layer involved with the analysis [10,[30][31][32]. This can reduce the areas for search and rescue teams to handle.…”

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confidence: 99%

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Application of viewshed analysis and probability mapping for search area determination based on the Moors murders on Saddleworth Moor, the United Kingdom

Lockwood

Masters

2021

Journal of Forensic Sciences

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Geographical Information System (GIS) is underutilized within the forensic discipline, especially concerning the discovery of clandestine graves. GIS, viewshed analysis, and probability maps are being introduced into desk-based research both for archaeology and forensic purposes. This study aims to investigate how useful GIS can be to narrow down large search areas when locating clandestine graves. Combining GIS, viewshed analysis, and probability maps allows for the exploration of potential areas of concealment and diggability on Saddleworth Moor to find the remaining missing Moors victim, Keith Bennett. Methods included viewshed analysis consisting of what is visible and not visible from a certain location while the probability map registers the likelihood of penetrability across the Moors landscape. Using two GIS software programs, QGIS and ArcGIS Pro, maps were constructed examining the A635 on Saddleworth Moor and the potential location of Keith Bennett. This takes into consideration the geology, terrain, water networks, and road systems. Analysis of the GIS maps demonstrated that two possible areas were likely to be able to conceal Keith Bennett's body. It then aids to identify areas for further investigation. This study also indicates that GIS data analysis has the potential to aid in criminal and civil investigations and helps narrow down search areas to manageable sizes. Not only does it aid in cold case criminal investigations but it can also be utilized within everyday desk-based research on recent investigations.

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Grave mapping in support of the search for missing persons in conflict contexts

Cited by 25 publications

References 16 publications

Necropolitical changes and repressive strategies on an Amazonian capitalistic frontier: Xambioá town, Tocantins, Brazil

Necropolitical changes and repressive strategies on an Amazonian capitalistic frontier: Xambioá town, Tocantins, Brazil

Beyond mapping: a case for geospatial analytics in humanitarian health

Application of viewshed analysis and probability mapping for search area determination based on the Moors murders on Saddleworth Moor, the United Kingdom

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