21 - 24 January, 2013
QEII Conference Centre, Westminster, London

The Defense Intelligence & GIS Software Conference & Exhibition

NEW Middle East & North Africa Focus Day - Programmes & Project Updates - January 26th, 2012

 

Middle East & North Africa Focus Day
8:00 Coffee and Registration
Coffee and Registration
8:15 Chair's Opening Remarks
Colonel Neil Thompson OMM CD (retired), Managing Director, WCGroup
Recent events have once again focused attention on the Middle East and North Africa region. As global threats continue to increase, and national security remains of paramount importance to the MENA region’s governments, having access to accurate, real-time, geographically-referenced intelligence has never been more important. There have been large-scale technological advances in many of the MENA countries’ Geospatial intelligence and GIS organizations. These have included: the monitoring of natural resources, climate change, responding to natural disasters, national security and border protection, urban planning, law enforcement and emergency services. During the MENA focus day the following will be developed as themes:
  • How to ensure that all decision makers have the same accurate and timely data
  • Highlight some of the leading edge uses of GIS and Geospatial Intelligence in the MENA area
  • How space based remote sensing can be used for national security and maritime monitoring
  • Recent trends in the use of GIS for police forces
  • Improved understanding of national GIS programs in the region
Neil Thompson

Colonel Neil Thompson OMM CD (retired)
Managing Director, WCGroup

Neil Thompson had a long and distinguished career in the Canadian Forces with more than 30 years in various command and staff positions in the defence, civilian and international intelligence communities. These included a secondment to the Government of Canada Privy Council Office and a Branch Chief on the International Military Staff at NATO Headquarters. He was the first Commanding Officer of th [read more]
8:30 Geospatial Intelligence Growth in Government, Academic and Military Sectors - An International Perspective
Robert B Murrett, Deputy Director, Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism (INSCT) Professor, Public Administration and International Affairs Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs Syracuse University
Mr Murrett will be presenting his insights into why the importance of geospatial intelligence, in all its dimensions, continues to be vitally important given the complex international security situation. He will focus on:
  • Shifting worldwide security missions
  • Complex, accelerating technology
  • Growing public sector budget pressure
  • Raised environmental expectations
  • Globalization, and transnational shifts altering growth in government, military and academic sectors 
  • Economic, environmental and political realities
  • Visualization, and the continued importance of geospatial analysis
  • Mapping - in all of its dimensions
  • Leadership, and enabling the most informed choices
speaker_default

Robert B Murrett
Deputy Director, Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism (INSCT) Professor, Public Administration and International Affairs Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs Syracuse University

Robert B. Murrett is also a staff member at the RAND Corporation, and the Institute for Defence Analyses. He was a career intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy, serving in assignments throughout the Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East through his thirty-four years of duty, retiring in the grade of Vice Admiral. His duty stations included service as Operational Inte [read more]

9:00 The Importance Of A Coordinated And Harmonised Geospatial Intelligence And GIS Across The Arab MENA Region
Dr. Omer Al-Eman, Adviser, Arab Science & Technology Foundation
Dr. Al-Emam will provide a broad overview of the current Geospatial Intelligence issues from the MENA region, provide an overview of the Arab Science and Technology Foundation and, finally, will provide an update on the advances in space technology, in particular the development of compact low cost SAR satellites. The following are the major themes of his presentation:
  • Arab Science and Technology Foundation is a grass root entity, established by the scientific community
  • Network of 11,000 Arab scientists, engineers and technology entrepreneurs and cooperates with more than 400 international entities
  • Fully independent, has no official tie with any local, regional, or international entity. Yet, continues to exist without direct governmental sponsorship
  • Ability to develop and manage centres of excellence and virtual incubators
  • SAR constellation systems offer a new strategy based on multi-national cooperation to maximise coverage and revisit achieving almost near real time security monitoring
  • Almost continuous monitoring from space opens the door for using SAR as an effective security monitoring tool
Omer Al-Eman

Dr. Omer Al-Eman
Adviser, Arab Science & Technology Foundation

Dr. Omar Al-Emam has twenty five years’ experience working in Space technology related activities. He has a UK PhD in Space Born Electronics and Instrumentation, a UK MSc in Digital Systems, and a UK a Sc Hons degree in Communications and Electronic Engineering. He is a member of the IET. In addition to his full time job at Astrium Satellites in the UK where he works as a Space Technology Speciali [read more]
9:30 Networking Morning Coffee
Networking Morning Coffee
10:00 The importance of establishing a dynamic Geo Int Database to provide GIS support to deployed operations
Babis Paraschou, Chief Geospatial Officer, NATO Deployment Corps, Greece
Using practical examples from the NRF, this presentation will address the issues of interoperability and sharing of GIS data with non-specialized users. This will set the scene for the panel discussion.
10:30 Panel Discussion: Achieving True Interoperability - Integrating All National Databases and Procedures to Give Full GIS Support to Policy Makers and In Operations
John Knight, Principal, Royal School of Military, UK MOD
Babis Paraschou, Chief Geospatial Officer, NATO Deployment Corps, Greece
Steven Ramage, Executive Director, Marketing and Communications, Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC)
Dr. Omer Al-Eman, Adviser, Arab Science & Technology Foundation
Dr. Ali Al-Dosari, Secretary General , Saudi Geographer Society

The integration of multi databases is vital for all geospatial domains. Many nations are working to develop high-quality, integrated, geospatial databases from a variety of civil survey, military GIS, police and emergency services. The resulting databases can be used to create a resource that supports applications in a variety of areas including: municipal services, tax collection, homeland security, census and first responders. Several countries of the MENA region are world leaders in this area. This has included the first use of the “reverse 911” program, use of GIS for national census work and other areas. This panel will discuss some of the challenges of developing these data bases.

  •  The challenge of different legal systems
  •  Different formats and software
  • Challenge of different cultures between different government departments
  • Lack of resources to integrate databases
  • Which software applications can be used most effectively
  • Leadership to share and allow data to be collected once and used many times
  • The vital role of standards, which ones to use?
speaker_default

John Knight
Principal, Royal School of Military, UK MOD

After graduating from London University in 1973 John Knight was responsible for the computation of the British Antarctic Survey control network. He then spent two years lecturing in Geodesy at Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria before taking up a post at North East London Polytechnic. In 1986 he was seconded to the Ordnance Survey to carry out research and write applications software for the adjus [read more]
speaker_default

Steven Ramage
Executive Director, Marketing and Communications, Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC)

Steven Ramage is Executive Director, Marketing and Communications at the Open Geospatial Consortium. Steven is responsible for the planning and execution of a broad range of marketing, communications and education program activities. These are to raise awareness and increase application of OGC standards by technology providers and users worldwide. His activities include encouraging membership part [read more]
Omer Al-Eman

Dr. Omer Al-Eman
Adviser, Arab Science & Technology Foundation

Dr. Omar Al-Emam has twenty five years’ experience working in Space technology related activities. He has a UK PhD in Space Born Electronics and Instrumentation, a UK MSc in Digital Systems, and a UK a Sc Hons degree in Communications and Electronic Engineering. He is a member of the IET. In addition to his full time job at Astrium Satellites in the UK where he works as a Space Technology Speciali [read more]
10980_006 Ali AldosariNEW

Dr. Ali Al-Dosari
Secretary General , Saudi Geographer Society

11:00 Developing A Strategy For Using GIS In Saudi Arabia: Case Studies; GIS Modelling In Public Health Including RVF Disease In Saudi Arabia And Using GIS And Remote Sensing For Change Detection In Agriculture
Dr. Ali Al-Dosari, Secretary General , Saudi Geographer Society
Developing A Strategy For Using GIS In Saudi Arabia: Case Studies; GIS Modelling In Public Health Including RVF Disease In Saudi Arabia And Using GIS And Remote Sensing For Change Detection In Agriculture
10980_006 Ali AldosariNEW

Dr. Ali Al-Dosari
Secretary General , Saudi Geographer Society

11:30 How to Apply Effective Open Source GEOINT Strategies, in the Middle East and North Africa Region –A New Approach
Jim R Hill, Director, Geospatial Intelligence Directorate, Marine Corps Intelligence Activity, USA
How to Apply Effective Open Source GEOINT Strategies, in the Middle East and North Africa Region –A New Approach
10980_006 New Jim Hill

Jim R Hill
Director, Geospatial Intelligence Directorate, Marine Corps Intelligence Activity, USA

Jim is the Director of the Geospatial Intelligence Directorate (GID), Marine Corps Intelligence Activity (MCIA) located in Quantico, VA. He manages a staff of 100 professionals providing GEOINT support to the Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, Operational Marine Forces, and the Intelligence Community. Jim provides strategic direction, technical mentorship, resource management, and is re [read more]
12:00 The Integration of Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) with GIS. How 3D Photorealistic Models of Sites in Saudi Arabia using TLS Can be Imported and Analyzed in ArcGIS
Dr Mohammed Alfarhan, Professor at the Oil & Gas Research Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology
The Integration of Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) with GIS. How 3D Photorealistic Models of Sites in Saudi Arabia using TLS Can be Imported and Analyzed in ArcGIS
10980_006 Mohammed Alfarhan

Dr Mohammed Alfarhan
Professor at the Oil & Gas Research Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology

Mohammed S. Alfarhan is currently an assistant research pro¬fessor in King Abdulaziz City for Sciences and Technology (KACST), Oil & Gas Research Institute. He joined KACST, in 1997. His research has emphasized the development of the use of LiDAR and close-range digital photog-raphy and photogrammetry for building 3D photorealistic virtual models of geology and manmade features and [read more]
12:30 Networking Lunch
Networking Lunch
13:30 Leveraging full motion video and multiple sources of intelligence to deliver situational understanding
Jim Dolan, Senior VP Strategic Initiatives, Textron Systems
With the proliferation of UAVs flying a wide array of sensors, US and coalition forces have greatly enhanced their capabilities to support dynamic intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. With these increased capabilities come new challenges, not the least of which is the intelligence analyst's ability to effectively analyze objects or activities observed on motion imagery and provide timely, value-added geospatial intelligence information to military operators, weapons systems and decision makers. This presentation will provide an overview of some of the unique challenges confronting analysts exploiting UAV-collected data and provide observations and recommendations regarding analyst training, ground system information technology solutions and emerging data standards. James P. Dolan is the Senior Vice President for the Strategic Initiatives Group within Textron Systems Corporation
10980_006 Jim Dolan

Jim Dolan
Senior VP Strategic Initiatives, Textron Systems

Textron Systems Corporation has been providing innovative solutions to the defense, homeland security and aerospace communities for more than 50 years. Known for its unmanned aircraft systems, advanced marine craft, armored vehicles, intelligent battlefield and surveillance systems, intelligence software solutions, precision smart weapons, piston engines, test and training systems, and total life [read more]
14:00 Latest State-Of-The Art Strategies for Using GEOINT in Policing
Captain Sean Malinowski, Commanding Officer, Foothill Patrol Division, Los Angeles Police Department
Latest State-Of-The Art Strategies for Using GEOINT in Policing
MalinowskiFinal

Captain Sean Malinowski
Commanding Officer, Foothill Patrol Division, Los Angeles Police Department

Captain Malinowski is the Commanding Officer of Foothill Patrol Division. Foothill Area is located along the foothills in the East San Fernando Valley to the North of Hollywood. Malinowski also serves as the principal investigator (PI) on the National Institute of Justice funded “Los Angeles Predictive Policing Planning Project” and for the Bureau of Justice Assistance funded “Smart Policing Initi [read more]
14:30 Networking Afternoon Coffee
Networking Afternoon Coffee
15:00 How the Collaboration in Space for International Global Maritime Awareness (C-SIGMA) Program can be effective in the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Gulf to improve Maritime Security
Guy Thomas, Science and Technology Advisor, Maritime Domain Awareness, U.S. Coast Guard
Since the 9/11 attack on the United States, many national and international organizations have addressed how to protect their maritime assets individually and collectively. Recent events, such as the sea-borne attack on Mumbai and the growing realization that piracy plagues several areas of the world, have reiterated the need for heightened maritime vigilance. There’s also a growing realization that misuse of the oceans can lead to significant environmental damage and loss of natural resources.

The potential contributions of space-based Earth observation systems to global maritime awareness are of growing interest to the world’s naval forces. Mr Thomas conceived, secured funding for, and helped design space-based AIS and is now working with NATO and others to implement the “Collaboration in Space for International Global Maritime Awareness (C-SIGMA)” concept. In his presentation, he will develop the concept of C-SIGMa and relate how it improves maritime security to Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Gulf. This theme will include:

Increasing maritime security using earth observation satellites Enabling safety efforts Guarding natural resources Monitoring of the fishing, energy and natural resource industries Progress is being made, more needs to be done International collaboration is the only effective way ahead
10080_006 Guy Thomas

Guy Thomas
Science and Technology Advisor, Maritime Domain Awareness, U.S. Coast Guard

Mr Guy Thomas has been involved in Science and Technology for 25+ years, including the latter part of a 23 year Navy career where he directed the Pacific Fleet introduction of the NAVY EP-3E’s automated mission system, and then, globally, the USAF's Rivet Joint Block III, the first fully computerized collection system, becoming, in the process, the first person in history to be authorized to wear [read more]
15:30 Advances In Space Technology Including The Development Of Compact Low Cost SAR Satellites And How They Can Applied To Security Monitoring In The MENA Region
Dr. Omer Al-Eman, Adviser, Arab Science & Technology Foundation
Advances In Space Technology Including The Development Of Compact Low Cost SAR Satellites And How They Can Applied To Security Monitoring In The MENA Region
Omer Al-Eman

Dr. Omer Al-Eman
Adviser, Arab Science & Technology Foundation

Dr. Omar Al-Emam has twenty five years’ experience working in Space technology related activities. He has a UK PhD in Space Born Electronics and Instrumentation, a UK MSc in Digital Systems, and a UK a Sc Hons degree in Communications and Electronic Engineering. He is a member of the IET. In addition to his full time job at Astrium Satellites in the UK where he works as a Space Technology Speciali [read more]
16:00 Operational application of Geospatial information in counter-piracy operations, as currently employed during NATO’s Operation Ocean Shield
LCdr Susan Long-Poucher, Head of NATO Shipping Centre, Royal Canadian Navy
Operational application of Geospatial information in counter-piracy operations, as currently employed during NATO’s Operation Ocean Shield
speaker_default_2

LCdr Susan Long-Poucher
Head of NATO Shipping Centre, Royal Canadian Navy

LCdr Susan Long-Poucher is a Naval Reserve Intelligence Officer, currently deployed to the NATO Shipping Centre in NATO’s Northwood Headquarters, in support of Counter-Piracy operations. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Shipping Centre; managing the information flow between NATO and the merchant shipping industry, and overseeing various initiatives to reduce the risk of pira [read more]
16:30 Panel Discussion: How Can Remote Sensing Systems And Geo Int Be A Game Changer To Ensure Gulf Of Aden And The Arabian Gulf Security
Robert B Murrett, Deputy Director, Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism (INSCT) Professor, Public Administration and International Affairs Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs Syracuse University
Dr. Ali Al-Dosari, Secretary General , Saudi Geographer Society
Guy Thomas, Science and Technology Advisor, Maritime Domain Awareness, U.S. Coast Guard
Captain (N) Osborne, Director, Geospatial Intelligence, Canadian Forces
LCdr Susan Long-Poucher, Head of NATO Shipping Centre, Royal Canadian Navy
Panel Discussion: How Can Remote Sensing Systems And Geo Int Be A Game Changer To Ensure Gulf Of Aden And The Arabian Gulf Security
speaker_default

Robert B Murrett
Deputy Director, Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism (INSCT) Professor, Public Administration and International Affairs Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs Syracuse University

Robert B. Murrett is also a staff member at the RAND Corporation, and the Institute for Defence Analyses. He was a career intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy, serving in assignments throughout the Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East through his thirty-four years of duty, retiring in the grade of Vice Admiral. His duty stations included service as Operational Inte [read more]

10980_006 Ali AldosariNEW

Dr. Ali Al-Dosari
Secretary General , Saudi Geographer Society

10080_006 Guy Thomas

Guy Thomas
Science and Technology Advisor, Maritime Domain Awareness, U.S. Coast Guard

Mr Guy Thomas has been involved in Science and Technology for 25+ years, including the latter part of a 23 year Navy career where he directed the Pacific Fleet introduction of the NAVY EP-3E’s automated mission system, and then, globally, the USAF's Rivet Joint Block III, the first fully computerized collection system, becoming, in the process, the first person in history to be authorized to wear [read more]
10980_006 Capt Osborne

Captain (N) Osborne
Director, Geospatial Intelligence, Canadian Forces

Captain (N) Osborne participated in naval operations during the Cold War off the coast of Norway, the North Atlantic and in the Caribbean. His operational intelligence experience includes serving as Flag Lieutenant and Intelligence advisor to the commander of NATO’s Standing Naval Force Atlantic including Operation Allied Force in 1999; the Intelligence advisor to the commander of Canada’s Joint T [read more]
speaker_default_2

LCdr Susan Long-Poucher
Head of NATO Shipping Centre, Royal Canadian Navy

LCdr Susan Long-Poucher is a Naval Reserve Intelligence Officer, currently deployed to the NATO Shipping Centre in NATO’s Northwood Headquarters, in support of Counter-Piracy operations. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Shipping Centre; managing the information flow between NATO and the merchant shipping industry, and overseeing various initiatives to reduce the risk of pira [read more]
17:30 End of Focus Day
End of Focus Day
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