Technology Used In Missing Brothers Search

A geographic information system in El Paso County normally used for land classification and environmental studies is being used in a law enforcement investigation for the first time.

The county Sheriff’s Office sought assistance in finding Austin and Edward Bryant. The brothers disappeared several years ago and what happened to them is unclear. A staff of four GIS analysts is studying aerial images of the search area west of Monument, for changes during the past 10 years.

“We were asked to focus on a small lot-sized area,” said GIS manager Jessica Cesar. “We look for changes in vegetation. Less vegetation could mean the soil has been disturbed and something was buried. Your eyes catches things very quickly this way. On maps, it wouldn’t be as obvious.”

The information also helps searchers on the ground become more familiar with the terrain in the search area.

When asked why the GIS hasn’t been used in this way during its 15-year existence in the county, Cesar mentioned several reasons.

“I don’t think (law enforcement) was really aware of it,” she said. “You also need special software to look at it. Then there’s the time factor. In a case like this, we’d normally expect to look at something that happened recently, instead of 10 years ago.”

Cesar said the staff has completed its analysis and given it to investigators for consideration. She said the analysis has helped the Sheriff’s Office narrow its focus of where to search and what to look for.

“I hope we get more calls and better refine our process,” said Cesar.

The county shares the use of the GIS with Colorado Springs and Colorado Springs Utilities. The system is updated with new images every two years.