KEY STRATEGIC ISSUES LIST 2012-2013 (original) (raw)

A GIS Approach to Estimation of Building Population for Micro-spatial Analysis

Transactions in Gis, 2009

Population data used in GIS analyses is generally assumed to be homogeneous and planar (i.e. census tracts, townships or prefectures) due to the public unavailability of building population data. However, information on building population is required for micro-spatial analysis for improved disaster management and emergency preparedness, public facility management for urban planning, consumer and retail market analysis, environment and public health programs and other demographic studies. This article discusses a GIS approach using the Areametric and Volumetric methods for estimating building population based on census tracts and building footprint datasets. The estimated results were evaluated using actual building population data by visual, statistical and spatial means, and validated for use in micro-spatial analysis. We have also implemented a standalone GIS tool (known as ‘PopShape GIS’) for generating new building footprint with population attribute information based on user-defined criteria.

TECHNICAL EXPLOITATION IN THE GRAY ZONE: EMPOWERING NATO SOF FOR STRATEGIC EFFECT

TECHNICAL EXPLOITATION IN THE GRAY ZONE: EMPOWERING NATO SOF FOR STRATEGIC EFFECT, 2019

Russian hybrid warfare has become the principle threat to NATO over the last decade. From the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea, Russia has exercised its will across Europe; inciting tensions while limiting its activities to below the Article 5 threshold, an armed attack on one is an attack on all. The balance of power favors those who embrace inevitable technological advancement while enduring the discomfort presented by its evolution. Hybrid warfare creates complex problems requiring an unconventional mindset and while NATO Special Operations (NSOF) inherently possess this trait and are rightly-suited to contribute to NATO’s counter-hybrid strategy, little research examines how NSOF tactical activities can deliver strategic effects through the exploitation of technology. This capstone collates expansive research on Russian gray zone activities of hybrid warfare, NATO’s cyber deterrence and counter hybrid threat strategy, and NSOF’s doctrine and capabilities, to present a focused area for capability enhancement of Special Operations Forces (SOF). NSOF’s embrace of Technical Exploitation Operations (TEO) facilitated evidence-based operations in Afghanistan with great success and subsequently led to the establishment of TEO programs in Alliance nations. However, sub-disciplines like biometrics have received preference over data-rich sources like digital media, cellular phones, and other more complex exploitation forms. An appreciation of the value of digital artifacts and their ability to illuminate hybrid warfare and gray zone activities, intent, and attribution is necessary to accurately position NSOF in NATO’s cybersecurity and hybrid warfare framework. Keywords: Cybersecurity, Dr. Christopher Riddell, hybrid warfare, gray zone activities, drone forensics.