61 GIS is essential for defense and security, providing a shared mapbased operational view that enhances situational awareness and collaboration among military units. In Germany, for instance, networked soldiers utilize GIS tools to integrate various warfighting systems, allowing for real-time sharing of tactical information and reducing radio communication noise. This integration supports a "team of teams" approach, where digital maps enhance coordination. Additionally, GIS technology is used in demining operations, where drones and GIS software help detect and map minefields, making the process safer and more efficient. GIS technology enhances operational planning, navigation, and combat effectiveness in defense and security contexts. Germany’s networked soldiers gained a significant advancement in military operational efficiency through the adoption of GIS tools. These tools enable the development of both 2D and 3D mapping applications that are accessible online and offline, providing a unified map-based view of the battlefield. The replacement of traditional paper maps with digital versions allows soldiers to instantly sketch and share tactical plans directly on their tablet computers, reducing the need for extensive radio communications and minimizing confusion on the ground. This integration enhances navigation, operational planning, and combat effectiveness. "They use digital maps for all the things paper maps were used for before, but now anyone can sketch on the map on their tablet computer and instantly share what they want to do," said a former soldier and system integrator at Rheinmetall. "When you draw on the map and share it with others, there are no questions anymore." The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) utilized a commandand-control system powered by GIS to enhance public safety and situational awareness during Governor Kay Ivey's inauguration. Using ArcGIS Mission, ALEA created a real-time awareness of where ALEA agents and troopers were located. Having the data in one place allowed everybody to monitor and go along with what was unfolding out in the field during the event. The integration of maps, live data streams, and real-time updates, improved Protecting and Securing Our Nation decision-making and transparency. Jay Moseley, director of the Alabama Fusion Center and homeland security adviser emphasized the role of GIS in information sharing and preparedness, "My role is information sharing back and forth, and if things changed quickly from a steady state to a crisis state, we were prepared for that.” Overall, GIS technology facilitated collaboration, resource allocation, and strategic planning, contributing to the successful management of the event. Drones capture thousands of photos over large areas, which are then plotted and analyzed using GIS to create detailed minefield maps. These maps inform the planning and evaluation phases of demining operations. GIS allows for the visualization of evidence points as pins on the map, which deminers use in the field via a GIS app on phones or tablets. This helps them cross-check mine locations identified by drone imagery with other detection systems before removing mines. Additionally, the data collection and visualization capabilities of GIS help garner support from operational teams, regional management, donors, and humanitarian organizations. High-resolution mapping outputs, such as orthomosaics, are used to visually inspect fields, especially in areas with fresh conflicts, to identify unexploded bombs or disturbances in the soil that may indicate buried mines. On the bombing range of the National Guard’s training facility in Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, GIS technology plays a crucial role in conserving the eastern regal fritillary butterfly. This endangered species thrives where ground is constantly disrupted. With GIS, conservation biologists record and analyze butterfly populations, plan habitat improvements, and monitor environmental responses. A broad group of stakeholders are involved, and GIS data sharing aids conservationists and land managers in quickly adjusting their actions based on the latest data. A diverse team is looking for new areas far away from the hazards of bomb training to propagate the species. GIS tools help release and track adult butterflies in selected sites across Pennsylvania to restore the species before it is gone.
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