Geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) describes the human activities on earth obtained from imagery and geospatial data. Collectively, these depict and illustrate geographical references
GEOINT defined
In a more amplified context, GEOINT comprises all possible views of imagery and geospatial data. UV waves emanating from the electromagnetic spectrum, geo-referenced social media content, aspects of literal imagery—these are just some of the data that can be collected for GEOINT.
GEOINT is, therefore, an intelligence science that gathers, exploits and analyzes geospatial data to visually delineate, estimate and depict both natural and man-made physical features and geographical activities on Earth.
GEOINT sources include mapping data obtained from both commercial and government satellites. It also encompasses unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and GPS waypoints. Geo-reference points now evolved to include political, demographic and anthropologic data of the human domain.
What makes GEOINT distinct from other branches of intelligence gathering? We can appreciate this science when we learn how it is applied in real life.
Here are 4 modern instances when GEOINT was used in the face of threat to mankind:
1. Ghouta Chemical Attack – Syria, 2013
Who knew that in the wee hours of August 21, 2013, a chemical attack would befall in Ghouta, in light of the Syrian Civil War?
This is a perfect example of how offensive strategies have become so sophisticated.
After the Iran-Iraq War, the Ghouta Chemical Attack is believed to be the deadliest of its kind. The estimated death toll was at 1,729.
If the attack prolonged, this number would have risen.
Fortunately, the intelligence community (IC) was quick to act. It utilized a number of sources to help address the crisis. A combination of human, open-source and GEOINT made a significant difference.
We imagine that the data from this crisis was overwhelming, but GEOINT sorted the inconsistencies. Amidst the blood and chaos, GEOINT made it possible to illustrate a coherent picture of the situation. Looking from different angles, GEOINT provided substantial insight into moving points on the map.
Several days after the chemical attack, the White House identified the Assad regime as the mastermind. The United Nations also released its own assessment and findings consistent with the results of the intelligence community.
The Syrian government was challenged by the US to dispose of their deadly weapons, which they accepted.
2. Ebola Epidemic – Liberia, 2014-2015
The West African Ebola virus created a worldwide scare. Ebola results in life-threatening hemorrhage and has a high death rate for anyone infected.
This is exactly what happened when the Ebola epidemic hit Liberia and nearby countries Sierra Leone and Guinea. According to the WHO, a total of 11,207 died due to Ebola complications in these countries.
The fear is real. While countries intensified their respective border security measures, international groups organized medical missions to control the epidemic.
How did GEOINT help this health crisis?
GEOINT enabled an open collaboration of a browser that was made publicly available on the web. This system didn’t require meticulous steps or usernames and passwords. The aim was to save time to save lives, and accurate information is key.
Through the information gathered in this web-based source, health care workers knew exactly what to do and acted promptly without necessary delay. This significantly shortened the time between diagnosis and management.
Most importantly. GEOINT established travel times and accurate points where the Ebola disease occurred. These references helped station treatment facilities and emergency care.
3. Gorkha Earthquake – Nepal, 2015
On April 25, 2015, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the Gorkha district of Nepal, killing over 9,000 people and injuring 22,000. This is regarded as the worst natural disaster to occur in Nepal after the Nepal-Bihar earthquake in 1934.
The earthquake resulted in a catastrophic avalanche in Mt. Everest which left 21 people dead. It also caused another avalanche in the Langtang valley with over 250 people still missing. This became the deadliest day on a mountain ever recorded in history.
Similar to the Ebola epidemic, the intelligence community immediately opened a public web site, showing maps of major Nepalese cities. The National Geo-Spatial Intelligence Agency (NGA) collaborated with government offices and various intelligence groups to share relevant information.
GEOINT was an immense help. Analysts uploaded about 240 data layers on top of several maps with over thousands of visitors viewing the information.
These enabled military men, international organizations, health care workers, charities, and other groups to strategize relief-giving. Amid the devastation left by the earthquake, the reference points from GEOINT made it easier for these groups to conduct systematic and time-saving assistance.
Again, much like the Ebola epidemic, the goal was to save as many lives in the quickest time possible.
4. Typhoon Haiyan – Philippines, 2013
In the province of Tacloban, super typhoon Haiyan made landfall on November 7, 2013. This was regarded as one of strongest, tropical cyclones in history, and the deadliest typhoon to hit the Philippines.
Until now, missing people were never found.
The United Nations says that Haiyan affected over 11 million people. Many families were left homeless and went on without food and water. The damages brought about by Haiyan amounted to over $2.2 billion.
All communication lines and entry points are disastrously damaged by the typhoon, which made disaster management on both local and national scales very challenging.
In response to the crisis, the NGA collaborated with the Philippine government and international aid groups to provide an assessment and analysis of the damage.
NGA took hold of several GEOINT sources such as airborne platforms, commercial satellites, and open-source data. Through this, they were able to show at least 100 unclassified images through a public portal.
GEOINT enabled prompt action from groups who wished to provide aid to affected people. Several countries also rushed to the Philippines’ aid, transporting relief goods and landing at various air bases near ground zero.
