IMSMA 4.0 Description
(Information provided by FGM & GICHD staff, June 2005, for Focus Group Workshop on Victim and Casualty Data Collection and Support Requirements for IMSMA v. 4)
The IMSMA Re-Engineering Project has commenced and is in full development for the first release this year. This effort is based upon ideas submitted by system users over the first five years of IMSMA. In response to feedback from field users, the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) has chosen to revise the IMSMA application in support of several main goals:
- To make the system more flexible for the varying needs of the programs
- To more accurately support the variety of ways programs perform mine- action
- To support locally developed data collection forms
- To improve language and localization support
- To improve the reporting and out capabilities to directly support program needs
The new version of IMSMA supports mapping and GIS directly within the application, providing users direct and simplified access to maps.
Language-related challenges will be easier through the inclusion of Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish versions of the application’s screens, forms, error messages and other text. The application’s data entry, review and reporting tools have been updated to provide for the creation of locally developed data collection forms in local languages. Combined with a simplified custom data field management capability, these changes make it easier to customize the system to meet local needs.
The updated IMSMA is built around an easy-to-use core module. The core module is designed to provide operations with a simple set of data collection and reporting tools suitable for most situations. Sites with more sophisticated operational requirements may choose from a set of plug-ins designed specifically for particular activities. Plug-ins are in development for Accident, Victim, MRE, and QC activities, with others in the planning stages.
IMSMA 4.0 Presentation
Alan Arnold and Noah Klemm (from FGM, Inc. – the GICHD sub-contractor for the IMSMA project) described and demonstrated the new IMSMA version 4. The new version has some fundamental differences from the earlier versions of IMSMA.
The new system is written in Java and is compatible with a variety of operating systems. It no longer requires the use of Microsoft Office and the database used is not Microsoft Access. The new system provides an improved user interface, updated and improved language support, better output and reporting, and contains a number of elements that lay the foundations for future enhancements and upgrades.
One of the biggest and most quickly apparent changes in the updated IMSMA is the integration of the Geographic Information System (GIS) component into the system. This can be seen in the user log-on screen, which is centered on an area map. The map and system gazetteer are used as the basis for navigation through the database.
All data in the updated IMSMA is organized around the newly defined concept of "location". A "location" can be seen as a work area or area of common interest. All mine action objects and activities are tied to a "location" in the new system. This includes hazards, hazard reductions, quality assurance activities, accidents/victims and MRE data. Once a geographic area is selected, all the "locations" within that area along with the activities and objects associated with them appear and are indicated on the map with icons. The data base content associated with each location is based on the field reports that are stored in the system. In order to improve the recognition of individual objects on the map a new symbology set was developed as part of the IMSMA 4.0 design process; it includes well over 100 individual icons, the most important ones being for hazards, hazard reduction, accidents, and MRE activities.
Another concept basic to the new IMSMA is "current view"; this feature permits a user to view all the information in the system about a location as of a particular date. Unlike V3.X of IMSMA the new system allows for the storage and review of multiple reports associated with a single location. Users can then select the point in time they would like to see and all data available at the specified time is made available. This makes it possible to view one field report or the cumulative data entered for a location over time. This should make it much easier to monitor the results of mine action activities over time.
The following information is based on the responses of a a question and answer session. Landmine Impact Survey (LIS) data will be integrated into the system. All data in an existing IMSMA database will be transferred to the new system when it is installed. Adding and defining themes is easily done within the new system. The focus of the system is to provide analysis and decision support tools that are easy to use for operational users.
Alan Arnold identified three training packages offered by the GICHD in support of the release of the new IMSMA:
- Training provided with no reference to IMSMA specifically; focused on information management and the basic concepts involved with managing information
- Operations-based training: relating the principles of information management covered in the introductory course to operations specifically associated with mine action; focus on clearance activity
- On-site training: "How to" training on the physical use of the software in the context of a specific program’s requirements
- IMSMA version 4 will be distributed to users in three waves, with the first set of installments taking place in late 2005. The version will be field tested in these countries and fine-tuned as required.
- A second round of installments is planned for the first half of 2006. This installment will include an expanded set of functionalities, which are now under development, and any revisions made based on the initial field tests.
- The third round will take place during the latter half of 2006, so that IMSMA v. 4 is installed in all programs by the end of the year.
