Civil engineers flight puts Yokota "on the map"

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Andrea Salazar
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Almost every facility at Yokota Air Base ontains a map of either the base, a building or both to help personnel find their way around.

Have you ever stopped and wondered how these maps were created or who was responsible for making them? The 374th Civil Engineer Squadron's Civil Engineer Programs flight takes the lead in creating these important maps and guides.

"We also create the maps and blueprints that are used for operational readiness inspections and bed-down plans to house personnel, aircraft and associated support functions during contingency operations," said Senior Airman Jason Holmes, 374th CES engineer journeyman. "We play an important role in a variety of planning operations that require a map of the base or a facility."

The first step creating maps is to survey the perimeter of the base. Engineer assistants set up equipment allowing them to obtain geographic information of the installation and its facilities.

Next, the equipment collects satellite data by measuring the elevation and the space between permanent objects such as buildings, barriers and roads. Performing these site surveys allows the 374th CES to prepare manual and computer-aided design drawings, specifications and cost estimates for various projects.

After surveying the base, civil engineers upload the information collected to GeoBase, an Air Force program that uses a Geographic Information System. This system captures, stores, maintains, displays and analyzes geographically referenced data.

GeoBase also includes a mapping tool for the entire base, and allows anyone on the base's computer network to view an aerial map of Yokota AB
.
"When people ask about my job and what it is that I do, I always say that we create maps in a way so that everyone can understand them," said Airman Holmes.

Performing periodic surveillance helps keeps the graphical information up-to-date.

"Creating maps to Air Force standards can be complex, and Airmen need to stay proficient with shifting techniques," said Airman 1st Class Carlos Ortiz, 374th CES engineer journeyman.  "Training is conducted regularly in order to adapt to the introduction of new techniques."

"It's a unique experience to be able to take part in both the planning and design of a project, and then it be created," added Airman Ortiz.

Furthermore, the CEP flight works together to assist other facilities on base with additional information.

"We get to see and know every facility on base and set the maps to help personnel find their way around base and within its facilities," said Airman Ortiz. "Like most engineers, we use a process of de-engineering, in which we look at something that already exists, and we break it down and study it to make it better."

Airman Ortiz, along with many others, takes his job seriously when locating and finding the data needed to create maps and blue prints.

"We have a huge responsibility, and what we do is vital to maintain mission readiness for everyone at Yokota," he said.