Satellite Imagery: An era of gathering Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance with tools and techniques
Satellite imaging, or remote sensing, is the scanning of the coordinates on earth by satellite or high-flying aircraft which are equipped with ISR technology to obtain information about it which is further used for different purposes to obtain desired results.
The term satellite imagery drive to two different objects i.e. first one is an aerial vehicle (for example satellites send in space from countries, or any high-flying aircraft or UAVs) that are equipped and capable of capturing photos of earth on any dedicated coordinates, and the second part is the photos which are captured as still images (static and iterated pictures). Satellite imagery can enable regular remote monitoring of the ecosystem like never before, providing essential information on the current situation on the ground, as well as on environmental changes, economic development, human movement, and other global changeovers. In the current world situation, enormous images are captured from space by multiple satellites of different countries to keep an eye on all the critical infrastructure, boundaries, sea shores, climate changes, and vegetation. Captured imagery (real-time video or still images) from space if properly processed and analyzed, can offer invaluable insights into multimode directions such as interpreting agriculture-related information policy decisions, geographical conditions, weather forecasting, cross-border surveillance, or solving other regional problems.
How Satellite Imagery plays a critical role in Investigation or Intelligence gathering and its impact!!
Satellite Imagery is also known as Geospatial Analysis. Let’s understand the term satellite imagery in depth by splitting the word- “Geospatial analysis” into two references first is ‘Geo-geography’ here a piece of information that describes objects, events, or other features with a location (latitude and longitude or coordinates) on or near the surface of the earth and the second is ‘Spatial Analysis- any of the formal techniques which study entities using their topological and have geographic properties. Satellite Imagery is the most crucial part of Open-source Intelligence (OSINT) which play a vital role in gathering intelligence i.e. imagery intelligence.
Independent Researcher or OSINT Analyst uses the abbreviation GEOINT (Geographical Intelligence) or IMINT (Imagery Intelligence) for referring to satellite imagery data. An analysis of image data both real-time and still images which have been captured from different sources and collected for critical operations has been a core geospatial capability. Imagery Intelligence demands the utilization of geospatial data and information as close to real-time as possible. Collecting and analyzing image data is often the fastest way to provide real-time information to decision-makers which include government bodies, business holders’ think tanks, or any organization looking after 3-vertical intelligence i.e. Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
Geographical Intelligence or GEOINT Analysis is an intellectual discipline that has evolved from the integration of imagery (IMINT) to a broader cross-functional effort with the purpose to support the country’s defense and international arrangements.
In this current world era, people need to get more awareness of their surroundings and demography (identify who are their friends and who else are enemies). An individual or the organization should follow the best practice of analyzing and interpreting imagery intelligence to overcome any potential threats to life or property.
Satellite Imagery or Imagery intelligence (IMINT) is a collection of crucial information or intelligence on the surroundings that can put a step ahead of any forthcoming threat in terms of climate transition, cross-border activities, and any critical development close to border regions and can also help in keeping an eye on sea routes or can guard the coastal region against space. Researchers and Independent analysts use multiple sources for gathering satellite imagery data, some of them are for free access, and some need special approval from governing bodies or organizations.
Free Satellite Imagery sources for Researchers and OSINT analysts.
We are in a generation where an ample amount of imagery data is free to collect from different sources and anyone can access the latest free satellite imagery of Earth’s surface, it only takes knowing where you can find them. One needs to be wise when choosing the free source of imagery data tools or applications. Some of the most useful satellite imagery search tools are listed below which can fulfill sufficient information gathering from open sources.
1. Earth Explorer
2. Land Viewer
3. EO Browser and Sentinel Playground
4. Copernicus Open Access Hub
5. Zoom Earth
6. Google Earth