Geospatial Data Analytics to Enhance Water Security for Expeditionary Forces in the INDOPACOM Region
Abstract
Water security is of paramount importance for the operational readiness and sustainability of expeditionary forces. Access to reliable water sources underpins strategic and operational military planning and the overall success of missions. Water availability varies widely in the diverse and dispersed island geographies of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) region. This proposed project will conduct a comprehensive inventory of geospatial data, tools, and studies pertinent to assessing water availability and security across this vast region. Developed in consultation with the Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (NAFVAC EXWC), this novel assessment will identify data gaps and actionable steps necessary to provide robust water security decision-support for expeditionary forces to operate effectively. This includes identifying where the need for mobile water purificationunits is most acute. This research will enable cutting-edge water salinity analytics and the identification of significant brackishand freshwater sources that may have been overlooked when projecting future conflicts. Key deliverables include a geospatial database for assessing water security, a report evaluating spatial in-situ data on water availability, and the geospatial architecture fora web-based water security decision-support tool (DST) to guide operations in the USINDOPACOM region. This project will also catalyze long-term research collaboration between the University of Michigan and NAVFAC EXWC to advance Navy capabilities and effectiveness. The anticipated impact of this research includes improved planning, reduced logistical burdens, and greater self-sufficiency for forces operating within the region.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 08, 2024
- Source ID
- N000142412455
Entities
People
- Joshua Newell
Organizations
- Board of Regents of the University of Michigan
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy