What NATO Needed

Apply technology for latest geospatial information
In its missions, NATO needs to be able to access current and reliable geospatial information. Plus the alliance has to be able to link other data to this information (for example logistics). In addition, the NATO partners want to execute joint missions based on a common operational picture.

To be able to do all these things, NATO commissioned Siemens Enterprise Networks and Esri to develop and implement a new geo information system (GIS).

The Challenge

Core Geographic Services system – fighting off the same map
These services are a key building block in support of NATO’s service oriented architecture.

As a result of the Core Geographic Services contract, all staff across NATO would have access to geospatial information at all times. Commanders, analysts and other NATO network users would combine geospatial content from Core Geographic Services with other forms of information for command and control applications.

The project brings together leading GIS software from Esri ArcGIS with Oracle database and Microsoft Enterprise technologies.

NATO was looking for an independent consulting partner, an expert in GIS, who could manage the tender exercise and support in the subsequent project phases. By doing this, NATO wanted to ensure they had a user friendly solution that met all their requirements. At the same time, NATO needed the guarantee that the implementation ran as smoothly and successfully as possible at the various sites (even military theaters) all over the world.

Our Answer

Implementing Core GIS – a valuable third opinion
CGI, was awarded a contract as NATO´s consulting partner for Core GIS that met all the requirements most satisfactorily, from 2007 to 2012. We have provided support throughout the project by:

  • Compiling tender documents and managing requirements and use cases
  • Checking the designs to ensure they met NATO’s requirements including technical and user needs
  • Compiling detailed reviews in support of the project manager
  • Providing independent briefings to the senior management of the NC3A
  • Checking and validating all elements of the Bi-SC AIS Core Geographic Services project during implementation
  • Using risk and contingency management to bring capabilities to users as quickly as possible
  • Providing test and acceptance management in test beds and on-site.

A Success Story

Trust formed the basis of the close cooperation. In fact, NATO and CGI, formed a solid core project management team where each member could rely on each other and one’s expertise.

In 2011, we won a Service Support Contract and have extended its service and are collaborating with NATO to deliver consultancy and technical support in many areas of expertise to NCIA for the next three years.