Geospatial Technologies and Homeland Security The GeoJournal Library Volume 94 Managing Editor: Daniel Z. Sui, College Station, USA Founding Series Editor: Wolf Tietze, Helmstedt, Germany Editorial Board: Paul Claval, France Yehuda Gradus, Israel Sam Ock Park, South Korea Herman van der Wusten, The Netherlands The titles published in this series are listed at the end of this volume. Daniel Z. Sui Editor Geospatial Technologies and Homeland Security Research Frontiers and Future Challenges Editor Daniel Z. Sui Texas A&M University Department of Geography 810 O&M Building College Station TX 77843-3147, USA [email protected] ISBN: 978-1-4020-8339-6 e-ISBN: 978-1-4020-8507-9 DOI: 10:1007/978-1-4020-8507-9 Library of Congress Control Number: 2008924193 © 2008 Springer Science + Business Media B.V. No part of this work may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, microfilming, recording or otherwise, without written permission from the Publisher, with the exception of any material supplied specifically for the purpose of being entered and executed on a computer system, for exclusive use by the purchaser of the work. Printed on acid-free paper 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 springer.com This book is dedicated to the loving memory of Dr. Chor-Pang (C.P.) Lo, 1939–2007, whose devotion to research and education provides an endless source of inspiration for generations to come; Dr. Richard E. Ewing, 1946–2007, whose unwavering support for geospatial research at Texas A&M University has made this book possible. v Foreword Homeland security and context In the Geographical Dimensions of Terrorism (GDOT) (Cutter et al. 2003), the first book after 9/11 to address homeland security and geography, we developed several thematic research agendas and explored intersections between geographic research and the importance of context, both geographical and political, in relationship to the concepts of terrorism and security. It is good to see that a great deal of new thought and research continues to flow from that initial research agenda, as illustrated by many of the papers of this new book, entitled Geospatial Technologies and Homeland Security: Research Frontiers and Future Challenges. Context is relevant not only to understanding homeland security issues broadly, but also to the conduct of research on geospatial technologies. It is impossible to understand the implications of a homeland security strategy, let alone hope to make predictions, conduct meaningful modeling and research, or assess the value and dangers of geospatial technologies, without consideration of overarching political, social, economic, and geographic contexts within which these questions are posed. Witness, as an example, the reversals of context for the analysis of homeland security issues that have occurred since September 11, 2001. Immediately after 9/11 there was a genuine outpouring of international sympathy and support for the United States and a historic window of opportunity and international good will to work together to create a safer, more peaceful, and more just world. That context is gone today, either ineptly squandered or purposely undermined, depending on the analysis. In the few short years since 9/11, we have seen a rapid and near universal deterioration of global confidence in the credibility, motives, and compe- tence of the United States government as a force for security, peace, or international understanding. Domestically, we have seen legitimate public concerns about s ecurity following 9/11 cynically hijacked to enrich private interests closely allied with government officials, and extraordinary justifications advanced for broad new programs of surveillance and even for the use of torture. How does one conduct geographic research on homeland security issues or evaluate the role of geospatial technologies for security purposes in these two different contexts? vii viii Foreword Researchers, both academic and in other sectors, have long been concerned about the ultimate ends to which governments or others put their research, insight, or inventions. Among the most cogent explorations of these issues are Noam Chomsky’s classic American Power and the New Mandarins, and Heinar Kipphardt’s (1968) play, In the Matter of J. Robert Oppenheimer. Personally, as one who has helped to create some of our core geographic tech- nologies, specifically real-time interactive Global Positioning System/Geographic Information System (GPS/GIS) technologies that are now so widespread in soci- etal applications, I am deeply concerned about some of the uses to which these powerful technologies are being put. While there are nearly endless beneficial uses of interactive GPS/GIS systems, ranging from planning and economic devel- opment to health research, environmental protection, and even legitimate defense and security applications, the usurpation of this science and technology for sur- veillance and control and warfare in contexts less than legitimate is a disturbing prospect. While geographers and GIScientists obviously have a great deal to contribute to legitimate security needs (“homeland” or otherwise), we also have an obligation to work to ensure that the uses of our work, as well as the context in which they are employed is legitimate, responsible, and furthers the common good. As I wrote in theGeographical Dimensions of Terrorism, a crucial challenge is How can we safely develop and implement the powerful capabilities of the advanced new geographic technologies we are creating—which hold so much promise for individual and scientific benefit—when, as with so many other advanced technologies, they have inherent within them a risk for potential abuse? As part of this policy equation, we must examine the social responsibilities of those employing spatial technologies. How can we ensure that individual rights and locational privacy are protected from inadvertent or willful misuse of such technology? What is appropriate in terms of legal or regulatory safeguards regarding their use? (Cutter et al. 2003: 205) Geographers are particularly well-suited and positioned to develop and understand both the technological as well as the contextual aspects of legitimate national and international security needs. Our revolutionary new geographic technologies are an outgrowth of a discipline which has long and deep traditions of integrating the social sciences with the humanities and the natural sciences, and also of critical analyses of research and its applications in society. I am pleased to see that so many of these integrative and self-reflective ideas, ranging from scientific and technical challenges to those of political and social context that were identified in the research agendas during the GDOT process and research agendas in 2002–2003, are represented and being further explored in this current book, Geospatial Technologies and Homeland Security. The academic and public debate on topics of security in the context of our current political and economic climate is understandably highly charged and often acrimoni- ous. As a result, many researchers, geographers among them, are often tempted to avoid research on the topic altogether. However, security issues and concerns are not going to disappear in our world. Even with the most humane, competent, honest, good-willed and democratically responsive government in place, the issues Foreword ix s urrounding national and international security will still be with us, and will require the reasoned and thoughtful attention of geographers, and all citizens. I commend the editor and authors of this book for grappling with these issues, and at the same time urge them and the readers of this book to consider carefully the context in which our geospatial technologies are employed. Hopefully, the knowledge, caring, and engagement of geographers in the full range of these issues can contribute to both the better world and the better context we all desire. Douglas Richardson November, 2007 References Cutter, S.L., Richardson, D.B. & Wilbanks, T.J. (Eds.) (2003). The geographical dimensions of terrorism (New York: Routledge) Chomsky, N. (1969). American power and the new mandarins (New York: Pantheon Books) Kipphardt, H. (1968). In the matter of J. Robert Oppenheimer (translated by Ruth Speirs. New York: Hill and Wang) Acknowledgements Financial support from the Office of Vice President for Research at Texas A&M University for the TAMU GIST Symposium series is gratefully acknowledged. Heartfelt thanks are also due to Gina Lane and Gayle Willis who provided extensive editorial assistance for this book project. The editor would also like to thank Susan Cutter and all the reviewers for their timely reviewing of the chapters in this book. xi