Location intelligence and its sibling Geospatial Intelligence
Location intelligence is a type of data analysis and visualization that helps organizations make better business decisions by using geographic data and mapping tools. It involves the collection, integration, and analysis of geographic data from a variety of sources, such as satellite imagery, spatial databases, and location-based services. This data is then used to create maps, dashboards, and other visualizations that help organizations understand patterns, trends, and relationships in their data. Location intelligence can be used in a variety of industries, including retail, real estate, transportation, healthcare, and government. It can help organizations optimize their operations, improve their decision-making, and better understand their customers and markets.
Definition of Geospatial Intelligence
Location intelligence and geospatial intelligence are often used interchangeably, but they can refer to slightly different things.
Geospatial intelligence is a term that is often used to describe the process of collecting, analyzing, and disseminating geospatial data for military or intelligence purposes. It involves using tools like satellite imagery, geographic information systems (GIS), and other geospatial technologies to gather and analyze data about the earth and its features, including terrain, vegetation, and infrastructure. This data is used to create maps and other visualizations that can be used for planning and decision-making in the context of military or intelligence operations.
While location intelligence and geospatial intelligence may share some common techniques and tools, they are used for different purposes and may involve different types of data and stakeholders.
Geospatial Intelligence workflow
The geospatial intelligence workflow, also known as the intelligence cycle, is a process that is used to gather, analyze, and disseminate intelligence information. The intelligence cycle consists of six main steps: planning and direction, collection, processing, analysis and production, dissemination, and evaluation.
There are several documents that describe the geospatial intelligence workflow and the intelligence cycle in detail. These documents can include:
- Intelligence doctrine and guidance:
This type of document outlines the principles, policies, and procedures that govern intelligence activities within an organization. It may include guidance on the intelligence cycle and the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders within the intelligence community. - Standard operating procedures:
Are detailed instructions that outline the steps and processes that should be followed to carry out specific tasks or activities. They may include guidance on the intelligence cycle and how to apply it in different contexts. - Training materials:
Training materials, such as manuals or course materials, may include information on the intelligence cycle and how to apply it in different situations. - Best practices and case studies:
Best practices and case studies can provide examples of how the intelligence cycle has been applied in real-world situations and can offer guidance on how to effectively use the intelligence cycle in different contexts.
Conflict monitoring has been done using satellite images. Additionally, it was used as proof of war crimes in a case involving the destruction of ancient buildings in Timbuktu, Mali. However, it is uncommon for commercial companies to play such a significant role in the collection and regular exchange of so many images. Military-grade intelligence is now largely accessible to anyone who wants to look into it thanks to their ascent.
The use of geospatial intelligence for the detection of armed forces — e.g. Russian invasion of Ukraine— using satellite data would typically involve the following steps:
- Data collection:
The first step in the process would be to collect relevant satellite data. This might include high-resolution imagery, radar data, or other types of geospatial data that can be used to identify military activity or infrastructure. - Data processing:
The collected data would then need to be processed and analyzed to extract useful information. This might involve using image processing software to create detailed maps or 3D models of the area of interest, or using data analysis tools to identify patterns or trends in the data. - Analysis and interpretation:
Once the data has been processed, it would be analyzed and interpreted by geospatial analysts or other experts. This might involve identifying specific features or structures that are indicative of military activity, such as airfields, barracks, or training facilities. - Reporting and dissemination:
The results of the analysis would then be compiled into a report or briefing and disseminated to relevant stakeholders, such as military commanders or intelligence analysts. This information could be used to inform decision-making and planning related to military operations or intelligence gathering.
Open Source Intelligence means
Open source intelligence (OSINT) is the process of collecting, analyzing, and disseminating information that is publicly available and legally obtainable. It involves using a variety of sources, such as news articles, social media, government websites, and other online resources, to gather information about a particular topic or issue. OSINT is used by a wide range of organizations, including governments, law enforcement agencies, and private businesses, to support decision-making, risk assessment, and other strategic planning efforts.
OSINT has become increasingly important in recent years due to the proliferation of information available online and the growing importance of social media and other online platforms as sources of information. It can be a cost-effective and efficient way to gather intelligence, as it does not require the use of covert methods or the expenditure of significant resources. However, it is important to carefully evaluate the credibility and reliability of the sources used in OSINT, as the quality of information available online can vary significantly.
There are many open data sources that can be used for geospatial intelligence, including:
- Satellite imagery:
There are several organizations that provide free or low-cost access to satellite imagery, such as NASA’s Earth Observing System Data and Information System, the European Space Agency’s Copernicus program, and the U.S. Geological Survey’s Landsat program. - Geospatial data:
There are also many organizations that provide access to geospatial data, such as the OpenStreetMap project, which is a collaborative effort to create a free, open-source map of the world. - Government data:
Many government agencies make geospatial data available to the public, such as the U.S. Census Bureau’s, the U.K.’s Ordnance Survey and many European countries having a federal Geospatial Agency. - Crowdsourced data:
There are also platforms that allow individuals and organizations to contribute their own geospatial data, such as OpenStreetMap and Wikimapia.
It’s worth noting that while these open data sources can be valuable sources of information, they may not always be complete or up-to-date, and they may not always meet the same standards of accuracy and reliability as proprietary data sources. As such, it’s important to carefully evaluate the quality and relevance of any open data sources that are being used for geospatial intelligence purposes.
While it is possible for individuals to use open source intelligence (OSINT) to gather information about military and political actions, it is important to keep in mind that OSINT is just one source of information and should be used in conjunction with other sources and forms of analysis. In order to effectively use OSINT to understand military and political actions, it is helpful to have a certain level of expertise in the relevant subject matter and to be familiar with the limitations and biases of different sources of information.
If you are not an expert in military or political actions and are interested in using OSINT to learn more about these topics, it is important to approach the information you gather with caution and to be aware of the potential limitations of the sources you are using. It is also a good idea to seek out multiple sources of information and to consider the context in which the information was gathered.
It is generally not recommended for individuals who are not experts in military or political actions to rely solely on OSINT as a source of information, as it may not provide a complete or accurate picture of the situation. It is important to use OSINT in conjunction with other sources of information and to seek out expert analysis and interpretation to better understand complex issues.
Summary
Location intelligence and geospatial intelligence are critical tools that can help organizations and individuals better understand and make sense of geographic data and patterns. They can provide valuable insights and support decision-making in a wide range of industries, politics and contexts.
Overall, both intelligence disciplines are important tools that can help organizations and individuals better understand and make sense of the world around us, and they will continue to play a vital role in our society as we move forward.
References:
[1] GEOINT — Essential Body of Knowledge
GEOSPATAL INTELLIGENCE ESSENTIAL BODY OF KNOWLEDGE published by THE UNITED STATES GEOSPATIAL INTELLIGENCE FOUNDATION (USGIF)
[2] Intelligence Analysis — January 2020
Headquarters, Department of the Army, DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited
