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375th CES creates interactive digital base map

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stephenie Wade
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  From far away it may look like a blob lost within the regional map of the United States, but if members zoom in, they will have a useful navigation tool for Scott Air Force Base. The 375th Civil Engineer Squadron recently created an electronic base map viewer called GeoBase.

GeoBase is a web enabled tool used for mapping and analyzing objects on Earth by integrating database capabilities with a unique visual perspective of traditional maps. The tool can be used in a wide range of situations: assisting in planning, asset management, engineering and airfield management, allowing users to make better informed decisions. The tool is funded and distributed by the Air Force to CE squadrons who maintain and update the systems data.

Bryan Perdue, 375th CES GeoBase program manager said, "This is the next generation of web based mapping for base employees who need quick, accurate and timely information on the installation. In the midst of tightening budgets in recent years, CES recognized the need for smaller, focused web mapping application that is affordably deployable and reduces overhead costs when printing materials."

Team Scott and mission partners can access the map tool by using their CAC card and a military computer. Anyone on the base computer network can view an aerial image or a traditional graphic map of the installation along with the underlying data. Users will have at their disposal key facts about facilities.

"Currently, the GeoBase Viewer is used as the visual display tool within the Emergency Operations Center," said Matt Hanks, 375th CES, Geospatial Information Specialist "Access to aerial imagery provides the EOC personnel the capability to monitor movement and manipulate data from multiple locations while displaying their actions in response to a situation. Data is being added to the GeoBase on a daily basis. Every time we collect data it is added to the GeoBase and is consequently available for viewing."

One of CE's goals is for the tool to have the ability to assist users to locate a specific facility and access common information like work order status, floor plans, facility manager contact info, and much more.

"Not only will users have a visual representation of a specific area, they have the ability to 'add data' or activate data layers of interest like airfield obstructions," Hanks said. "With a click, access to airfield obstructions information will appear, for example the obstruction number, type of obstruction, and a short narrative."

This course is not designed to teach data entry but to simply use the capability provided. The GeoBase office is responsible to add all mission essential data available for the user behind firewalls.

"It is our intent to provide a tool to access data relevant to the user's mission and allow the user to start using the tool and printing maps on demand without having to come to the GeoBase office," Perdue said.

A Scott GeoBase Map Viewer class will be held the third Thursday of every month beginning March in Bldg. 1635. For further information on GeoBase contact Bryan Perdue at 256-4928.