Pubdate: Mon, 29 Sep 2003 Source: Bangkok Post (Thailand) Copyright: The Post Publishing Public Co., Ltd. 2003 Contact: http://www.bangkokpost.co.th/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/39 COMPUTER MAPPING AIDS IN DRUG-BUSTING Images From Satellites Show Routes, Networks The Nakhon Ratchasima-based Suranaree task force is now using a computer-based mapping program to help in drug suppression operations. The Geographical Information System (GIS) helps in assessing the extent of the drug networks and locating drug routes. GIS is mapping software that links information about where things are with information about what things are like. Unlike a one-dimensional paper map, a GIS map can combine many layers of information. Col Voranant Namwang, task force chief-of-staff, said it would be a tremendous help in the war on drugs, as the information could be consolidated for optimum drug-busting efficiency. The task force covering army jurisdictions in the lower northeastern provinces had set up a ''defeat drugs'' centre aimed at ending smuggling across the borders with Laos and Cambodia. The centre's help had led to the arrest of 176 drug suspects and seizure of 79,835 methamphetamine pills since the government declared its war on drugs in February, he said.