National Preparedness promises to be a perennial issue. Currently, there is a firestorm of criticism surrounding FEMA's performance and recent threats made by Osama Bin Ladin suggest another attack is imminent. Now, might be an appropriate time to take stock of our security situation, particularly as it relates to large scale disasters. How should ordinary Americans be prepared for the range of potential threats posed by international terrorism or for that matter, a natural catastrophe on the scale of hurricane Katrina? Clearly, the information disseminated to the American public needs to emphasize the more likely threats and provide a certain "depth-of-understanding" that would avoid panic or unnecessary confusion. Most experts would agree that a "dirty bomb" that is, conventional explosives wrapped in radioactive material represents one of the most serious threats, particularly in an urban context. The consequences in terms of human lives as well as property damage associated with radioactive contamination could be substantial. How can ordinary citizens improve their chances of surviving such an attack and what can our government do to promote a better understanding of the threat... continue.

The recent anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attack deeply stirred emotions in America and elsewhere. It invokes a painful memory but it also is a time for reflection. What is its longer term historical significance and is the subsequent government response appropriate? Overall has the U.S. response made the world a safer place and if not, what can ordinary Americans do to protect themselves against new and evolving threats? There appears to be two forces shaping the public mood. One is the passage of time which inevitably heals the wounds of 9/11 albeit very slowly. The other is a historical perspective gained over the past five years. In retrospect, 9/11 marks an abrupt end of the so-called new “world order” ushered in by the collapse of the Soviet Union. It also marks the beginning of the “war on terror” a yet-to-be-defined era with uncertain consequences both here and abroad. During uncertain times, what role does our collective memory play in shaping our expectations about the future? How do we brace ourselves as a nation for the changes that lie ahead? Finally, how does our collective memory compare with others who might see things quite differently... editorial.

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Tech Review

Guided Search and Rescue - In this edition, we describe the emergence of an innovative technology that represents a logical extension of Geographical Information Systems (GIS). This commercially available technology can be used to capture spatial and other relationships within interior environments. GIS analysis, information management, and navigation is essentially a large scale representation of a defined geographic space. However, the spatial relationships can also be presented in a more limited, sub-geographic or sub-address context. This is suitable for the mapping of complex, man-made environments such as airports, shopping malls, corporate and university campuses, manufacturing and chemical plants, office buildings, hotels, and resorts where millions of Americans find themselves. It is also the critical environment which first responders, FEMA and the National Guard will most likely be required to operate when a natural disaster or terrorist attack occurs.

In the event of a large scale emergency, GIS can provide first responders and others with the crucial information on the location, disposition and relationship of buildings and major infrastructure in geographic space. While, interior location technology can provide essential support to rescuers who need to have a reliable, mobile access to information about the location and disposition of people, supplies and infrastructure inside the complex, man-made environments that characterize our society. Essentially what is required is a technology that links simple maps and floor plans describing a campus, building or plant with information about the people, materials equipment or processes associated with that space. This information must be delivered to handheld devices—light weight, battery powered and wirelessly connected tools that can be carried by first responders, law enforcement officials and others who are on the scene... continued

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Featured Member

HLSIA is proud to introduce Robert Stern who is the Managing Partner and founder of Defense Research, LLC. He might be best described as a serial entrepreneur having established various IT enterprises over the years. For example, he founded Technimation, Inc. a computer animation and simulation company, which was one of the first companies to develop 3D animation utilizing the PC. He hails from the University of Washington where he earned an advanced degree in Graphic/Industrial Design. He became Senior Advisor, Technology and Design, at IBM’s West Coast Research Center where he directed the design of convergent technology products. He also served as Creative Director for several Silicon Valley technology companies and has provided consulting services to Microsoft, Cisco, Apple Computers, and other Fortune 500 companies.

Rob Stern had always been interested and, at great personal effort, systematically educated himself in civil defense and emergency response information systems. His latest venture at Defense Research was to develop the most comprehensive reference available for planning and responding to mass casualty disasters. This project which involved compilation and distillation of thousands of pages of official text has been three years in the making. Soon this resource will be accessible on the internet with direct application to terrorist and natural disaster situations. The product is easy to navigate and quickly gives the user critical information to deal decisively with emergency situations.

Finally, a word about Defense Research firm capabilities... continued