- Position-finding takes place early during an inspection to familiarize with the inspection area.
The Treaty lists specific techniques that can be applied during an on-site inspection. In following the principle that the inspection team should move from using less intrusive to more intrusive techniques, the various techniques are assigned to the different phases of an on-site inspection.
Initial Period Techniques
In the initial period until the first report is submitted, i.e. 25 days after the inspection’s approval by the Executive Council, the inspection team can apply the following techniques: position finding, overflights, visual observation, video and still photography, multi-spectral imaging (including infrared measurements), gamma radiation monitoring, environmental sampling and analysis, and passive seismological monitoring of aftershocks.
Position finding
Position finding activities are particularly important at the outset of an on-site inspection as they help confirm the location and boundaries of the inspection area. They are also conducted at various times during an inspection since they facilitate the orientation and navigation of the inspection team within the inspection area.
The equipment to be used is listed in the inspection mandate and may include satellite based positioning devices, such as GPS, and surveying equipment. When carrying out position finding activities, the inspection team will use some reference system based either on a geographical projection (using latitude and longitude projection) or a grid. Position finding may also include the mapping of landmarks or man-made changes on the surface, in order to help with the general orientation in the inspection area.
