If C4ISR is at the heart of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) joint agenda, then
geospatial data is the essential element that underlies the data of intelligence,
surveillance and reconnaissance. In recent years, geospatial analysis has transi-
tioned from a specialist trade to a forces-wide capability that will only grow as
demand for information rises with the introduction of new battle management
systems and data distribution solutions.
Pierre Bilodeau oversees defence and security business development for
Esri Canada. A retired lieutenant-colonel, he served in the CAF for 32 years, with
18 spent in the geomatics community, including as Commanding offi cer of the
Mapping and Charting Establishment. garnet hunter is Esri Canada's senior
defence account manager and continues to serve as a Reservist following over 30
years in the CAF that includes multiple tours in the Balkans and two
deployments with Special Forces in Afghanistan as the task
force commander's geomatics advisor. A geographic
information system (GIS) solutions
provider, Esri has seen its ArcGIS so -
ware become a central platform
in the design and management
of geospatial solutions for the
military and intelligence communi-
ties. They spoke with editor Chris
Thatcher.
For the full interview, see
www.vanguardcanada.com.
e
eXecutiVe INTERVIEW
geoSpAtiAL informAtion geoSpAtiAL informAtion geoSpAtiAL informAtion
32 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2014 www.vanguardcanada.com
Changing the way we conduct operations
Pierre Bilodeau
Garnet Hunter