The United States Border Patrol has recently purchased Feature Analyst to more effectively monitor the nation’s borders. Built as an extension to ESRI’s ArcView and ArcGIS, Feature Analyst’s ability to effectively identify objects in imagery allows the US Border Patrol to develop more accurate and up-to-date maps. The US Border Patrol is particularly interested in the identification and mapping of trails along the country’s borders. Such trails are often used to enter the US illegally. The US Border Patrol can now look at images taken at different times and map where new trails are forming, and react appropriately, using Feature Analyst’s ability to perform change detection. Mapping these trails without the help of Feature Analyst is time consuming and difficult. Using Feature Analyst, the US Border Patrol will be able to produce accurate maps in a fraction of the time.
Visual Learning Systems, Inc.(VLS) provides software and solutions for the Defense and Intelligence, Homeland Security, Environmental, Educational, and Local Government GIS markets. Feature Analyst 3.2 for ArcGIS and ArcView includes advanced feature extraction and image classification techniques
developed by VLS through research with NASA and the US Department of Defense. Organizations such as the US Department of Defense and the US Forest Service recently conducted analyses of using Feature Analyst in operations. Officially established in 1924, the Border Patrol’s mission is to detect and prevent the illegal entry of aliens into the United States. Its dynamic work force of over 9,500 men and women is supported by some of the world’s
most sophisticated technology, vehicles, aircraft and other equipment. Together with other law enforcement office, the Border Patrol helps maintain borders that work – facilitating the flow of legal immigration and goods while preventing the illegal trafficking of people and contraband.
