Using satellite imagery for crime mapping in South Africa

Abstract

In South Africa, as with may developing countries, there are informal settlements on the fringes of some towns and cities. Maps of these areas generally do not exist, making it difficult for authorities to plan for, and work in, these areas. Increasingly, technologies such as digital orthophotographs, high-resolution satellite imagery and the global positioning system (GPS) are being used for these areas to provide base mapping and application data for geographical information systems (GIS). The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has assisted the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other authorities to map crimes and other incidents in these areas, for detecting and preventing crime.