Brcko, Bosnia and Herzegovina (October 20, 2014) – Bosnia and Herzegovina is burdened with one of the world’s most severe land mine problems as a result of the four years of hostilities from 1992 to 1995 that left an estimated two million unexploded landmines and munitions scattered in 28,699 locations throughout the country. In one district in the northeast of the country, Posavina Without Mines (PWM), a humanitarian, non-profit NGO, is under contract with the government of the District of Brcko to warn residents of mined areas by permanently marking suspected contaminated areas, removing the lethal objects and helping mine-affected victims.
The task of marking suspected areas to warn residents begins when Posavina Without Mines (PWM) receives mapping information from the Bosnia and Herzegovina Mine Action Center (BH MAC), the nation’s central landmine research and coordinating authority. BH MAC gathers information by researching records of where minefields were laid, a task made very difficult because many landmines were not documented during construction, the records have been lost, hidden or destroyed or the people who recorded the locations were killed or left the country.
Posavina Without Mines uploads the data it receives from BH MAC into its Spectra Precision ProMark 800 recently purchased through a grant it received to acquire a GNSS capability. Each warning sign is positioned with the aid of the ProMark 800 and assigned a unique serial number. A list of the serial numbers, coordinates and photos of each site comprises a permanent record and database that is submitted to BH MAC.
Posavina Without Mines had been using an older model handheld GIS GPS for the job. However, according to Ivan Markovic, a Posavina Without Mines spokesperson. “It was producing errors up to two meters necessitating follow up surveys and the involvement of supervisors to rectify the errors,” said Markovic. After reviewing alternative solutions to solve the problem, Posavina Without Mines contacted Gauss Geoinformation Systems. The ProMark 800 rover and base station system was chosen for its ease-of-operation, excellent accuracy and light weight, an important feature because it is often used in difficult and virtually inaccessible terrain. “On our limited budget, we are very pleased with the accuracy and simplicity of the ProMark 800, and the high-quality training provided by Gauss,” said Markovic.
Spectra Precision has recently replaced its ProMark 800 with a new SP80 GNSS receiver, which offers superior accuracy and reliability, enhanced connectivity capabilities, including Wi-Fi, e-mailing or text messaging, and advanced anti-theft protection.
About Gauss Geoinformation Systems
Headquartered in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Gauss offers geo information technology solutions in the areas of natural resources, physical planning, cadastre, utility infrastructure, telecommunications and electric distribution system. Gauss develops and implements complete geoinformatics solutions including supplying technology, preparation of spatial data, and user training.
About the Spectra Precision Brand
Spectra Precision is an established brand known for delivering quality products to the construction market. Focusing on the specific needs of the conventional surveying market, the Spectra Precision brand offers a complete product portfolio including Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), optical total stations, data collection hardware, field and office software, as well as a wide range of construction tools. Spectra Precision surveying equipment is an economical choice that utilizes technologies for optimal efficiency. With convenience and reliability as the foundation of the Spectra Precision brand, it is an ideal choice for value. The Spectra Precision brand is backed with the strong technical support that users have come to expect from a quality name in surveying and construction.