Cross-disciplinary Perspectives on Homeland and Civil Security
A Research-Based Introduction
Edited By Alexander Siedschlag
6 Geospatial Intelligence and the Geospatial Revolution
Extract
6
Geospatial Intelligence and the Geospatial Revolution
TODD S. BACASTOW & GREGORY A. THOMAS
Introduction
This chapter examines how the revolution in geospatial technology combined with the tradecraft of geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) has changed how analysts develop insights about how humans use geography. Advances in satellites, global positioning systems (GPS), unmanned aerial systems, wireless communications, handheld computing, and the ability to automate laborious map analysis processes have transformed what used to be called geographic intelligence, and the nature of the insights provided to managers and leaders. GEOINT helps daily with real-time applications to guide decision-making.
Five principles that serve as a foundation for geospatial intelligence will be addressed throughout this chapter. These principles are:
GEOINT is defined by the intersection of the intelligence tradecraft, geographic science, and geographic information technology. As a discipline, ← 105 | 106 → GEOINT provides decision makers with insights about the ways in which people organize and arrange their activities on Earth’s surface. These insights can prevent surprises, leverage emerging opportunities, counteract threats, or provide time to adapt to changing situations. GEOINT provides decision makers with actionable knowledge not only in the national security sector, but also in business, humanitarian efforts, law enforcement, and homeland security.
Because homeland security covers such a broad array of issues from transportation, border control, emergency management, and response, health monitoring, infrastructure protection, intelligence gathering, and law enforcement, geospatial intelligence has many applications in this field. Homeland...
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