Enhancing the Geospatial Exploitation System within the IAEA Department of Safeguards

The Geospatial Exploitation System (GES) is an enterprise-wide, collaborative platform that uses Geographical Information System (GIS) technology to exploit commercial satellite imagery (CSI) and geospatial data within the Department of Safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency. In 2011, the GES was first deployed into the Department’s secure Integrated Safeguards Environment. It provided users across the Department with up-to-date access to CSI, geospatial data and analytical products. The application demonstrated the successful adoption of commercial off-the-shelf software integration with customized tools to ensure secure and efficient storage, management, analysis, and dissemination of safeguards-relevant data to authorized users.In 2017, the Department deployed a new version, GES Web 2.0, in full coordination with the Modernization of Safeguards Information Technology (MOSAIC) project and integration with its products, including the recently introduced Authorization Management system. The significant upgrade incorporated new user requirements, resolved existing technical constraints by redesigning the back end of the application, and introduced further enhancements to improve interoperability with other MOSAIC applications, including the new Geo-based Data Integration platform. GES Web 2.0 has streamlined the security framework, significantly improved performance, enhanced usability, and introduced advanced analytical capabilities, primarily for imagery and geospatial analysts. The improved web-based interface can exploit new CSI sensor types and associated metadata and interact with expert analytical software.In addition, the GES streamlines analysts’ workflows from imagery and geospatial data acquisition and creation through processing, editing, and analysis to dissemination. Standard operating procedures and quality control mechanisms are applied to workflows to ensure the integrity, correctness, and completeness of information shared to users across the Department.Future plans for improving and expanding the functionalities of the GES include the incorporation of evolving satellite sensor systems, development of a task management system, ingestion of state-declared digital site maps, and integration with the Additional Protocol System. These capabilities will enhance interoperability between different applications within the Department, making the GES an integral part of the Safeguards analytical environment.This paper outlines the evolution in the development and deployment of GES Web 2.0. It presents major technical improvements and innovative solutions as well as streamlined processes in the exploitation of CSI and geospatial data. The paper also highlights the future plans for further improving the use of CSI within the Department.