The Hindu : Other States / Orissa News : Geologists for use of GPS to track naxals

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Tuesday, Feb 19, 2008
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Geologists for use of GPS to track naxals

Staff Reporter

BERHAMPUR: The geologists feel it is high time for security forces in Orissa to monitor the remote naxal-infested areas of the State through Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographical Information System (GIS).

The GPS and the GIS are used extensively for different purposes ranging from exploration of minerals, town planning as well as defence purposes throughout the world including India. Geologist Sunil Ratha said GPS system which uses signals from medium orbit satellites can pinpoint location, speed and direction of movement of any object anywhere.

The Orissa police can use GPS extensively to aid mapping and target tracking naxals throughout the year.

The naxals could be easily tracked down as they use electronic equipments like mobile phones as well as they have ample amount of metal in the forms of weapons with them. “Geologists are able to track mineral deposits through satellite imaging and the same satellite imaging through GPS would be able to track potential naxal targets making movements in forests before they turn hostile,” he said.

Powerful tool

Orissa is yet to have a proper mapping of its forests through Geographical Information System (GIS). The GIS is fast emerging a powerful tool.

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