CASSIDIAN 3-D mapping technology aids Gwent policing effort at Ryder

Following on from the success of the European team on the course at the Ryder Cup, behind the scenes the Gwent Police had success of their own ensuring the safety of the event using Cassidian’s cutting edge 3D mapping technology.

The system was provided to the Gwent Police by Cassidian, formerly known as EADS Defence & Security. The technology provided senior officers with a 3D model/map of the Celtic Manor and allowed them to track their officers as avatars. In addition they were able to track a member of the Royal Family, high profile film stars and sporting heroes via their protection contacts, ensuring the prestigious visitors’ safety.

The concept was conceived by the research and development arm of EADS, EADS Innovation Works, who are currently developing cutting edge methods of ensuring the protection of large scale public events. They not only focus on sporting events but develop methods of securing airports, public water networks and other targets susceptible to terrorist attack.

Cassidian also has departments that focus on the handling of terrorism in the cyber world. Ian Risk, Head of EADS Innovation Works UK commented: “The capability has been in development for a number of years and I’m pleased to see the combined research and development efforts of Cassidian and Innovation Works Newport come to fruition with the support of the Welsh Assembly Government. The Ryder Cup is the third largest sporting event in the world and was an important milestone for Wales. I’m proud that EADS assisted in its successful management.”

Phil Miley, Head of Solutions Design Centre UK at Cassidian explained that in the past, officers used a traditional 2D map. This provided a limited picture of the location and whereabouts of the officers involved in an operation.

“With 3D mapping we can provide the force with a graphical view of the location of their officers that is more accurate than ever before” he said. “This means that if there is an incident that requires back-up or support, they can determine exactly who is closest – enabling them to respond in a more coordinated and strategic way.”

Cassidian has considerable experience working with the police and other “blue light” services on cutting edge technology solutions designed to improve operational effectiveness and maximise resources.

Superintendent Nigel Russell who headed up the Ryder Cup police operation commented: “One of the crucial issues for Police commanders is knowing where their officers are at any one time. When you are on a large open area, like the 2010 Course at the Celtic Manor, it is doubly difficult for the people on the ground to let you know where they are as there are limited.

“The system we used during the Ryder Cup allowed the Silver commander to see at a glance where their resources were. It was also able to differentiate between roles, i.e. officers with body worn cameras, player escorts, those with VIPs etc so we could send the most appropriate officer to any incidents. “The system also meant the radio traffic associated with deploying large numbers of officers was kept to a minimum.”

About CASSIDIAN

Cassidian, an EADS company, is a worldwide leader in global security solutions and systems, providing Lead Systems Integration and value-added products and services to civil and military customers around the globe: air systems (aircraft and unmanned aerial systems), land, naval and joint systems, intelligence and surveillance, cyber security, secure communications, test systems, missiles, services and support solutions. In 2009, Cassidian – with around 28,000 employees – achieved revenues of € 5.4 billion. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2009, the Group – comprising the Divisions Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter – generated revenues of € 42.8 billion and employed a workforce of more than 119,000.

CASSIDIAN – Defending World Security
Contacts:
Sean Tregonning
Tel: +44 (0)7796 190 083
sean.tregonning@CASSIDIAN.com
Deborah Waddon
Tel: +44 (0)1633 715 447
deborah.waddon@CASSIDIAN.com
Gregor v. Kursell
Tel + 49 89 607 34255
gregor.kursell@eads.net