Comprehensive process-driven boundary making model:a case study of the Jordan-Israel boundary

Abstract

Surveyors had a central role in boundary-making processes from at least the 19th century. The latest technological developments in this field have further widened their involvement in the process and changed the concepts and practices implemented. The Process Model presented here incorporates the new technical means available for modern surveyors in accomplishing a more stable and sustainable boundary through a structured procedure. The roots of the traditional theory of boundary making were put down a century ago by Curzon[6], Holdich[9] and others referring mainly to the three-stage process of allocation, delimitation and demarcation. This article renews the existing model of boundary making process adding to it two additional stages: boundary documentation and boundary maintenance to build up a comprehensive approach. The direct involvement of the authors in boundary making processes between Israel and its neighboring countries facilitated assessment of the model elements and their full implementation in the Israel–Jordan Boundary making from negotiations, through demarcation in the field up to continuing bi-lateral maintenance operations.