Smart defence: Joint geospatial support in NATO

Smart defence in NATO may in its very nature represent not only automated remote solutions for battle activities, but harmonized and efficient system of geospatial support of deployed units as well. The objective of this study is to uncover the essence of allied geospatial support mechanism, determine critical spots and propose appropriate system enhancements. Wealth of experience of members of the Armed forces of the Czech Republic was utilized to summarize the state of geospatial support in NATO. It is preferentially experience from foreign operations ISAF and KFOR, cooperation with NATO Headquarters SHAPE and from participation in Multinational Geospatial Support Group. Presented proposals for improvements of geospatial support might have significant impact on intelligence service and military units themselves.

Highlights for public administration, management and planning:

• Multinational Geospatial Support Group will become a single complex executive component of NATO geospatial support for foreign operations.

• Financial and capacity means for geospatial support must be centralized directly within NATO structure to reach maximum efficiency.

• Production of standardized-only scale set maps covering territory of NATO and areas of interest is to be obligatorily for all member nations.

• Access to the web service CoreGIS should be granted for all NATO nations at a national level.