Chapter 1: Understanding Geospatial Intelligence

In the cosmos, thousands of satellites continuously monitor our planet, providing essential data that shapes our understanding of the Earth.

Positioned between 100 and over 1,000 miles above Earth, interplanetary space is densely populated with artificial satellites launched by various organizations. As of April 2020, there were over 2,600 active satellites orbiting our planet, with even more inactive ones still in space. A significant portion of these satellites is dedicated to what we term geospatial intelligence: data collected through various instruments, including radar systems and optical imagery, which is then analyzed for insights relevant to both public and private sectors.

Geospatial data encompasses a diverse array of information regarding phenomena, objects, and events tied to specific locations on Earth. This data is gathered through a combination of technologies, including Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Remote Sensing (RS) technology, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which work together to store and analyze the information obtained.

Approximately 200 of these operational satellites are managed by U.S. military branches, while the remainder are operated by national space agencies and private companies. The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) focuses on directing and collecting "GEOINT" for governmental and military use, providing a comprehensive definition of geospatial intelligence:

“GEOINT encompasses all aspects of imagery (including capabilities formerly referred to as Advanced Geospatial-Intelligence and imagery-derived Measurement and Signature Intelligence (MASINT) and geospatial information and services (GIS); previously known as mapping, charting, and geodesy). It includes, but is not limited to, data ranging from the ultraviolet through the microwave portions of the electromagnetic spectrum, as well as information derived from the analysis of literal imagery; geospatial data; georeferenced social media; and information technically derived from the processing, exploitation, literal, and non-literal analysis of spectral, spatial, temporal, radiometric, phase history, polarimetric data, fused products, and the ancillary data needed for data processing and exploitation, and signature information (to include development, validation, simulation, data archival, and dissemination).” — National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency memorandum, 2005

While many applications of geospatial intelligence are geared towards providing advantages to political entities, a significant portion of satellite technology is being utilized cooperatively for various beneficial purposes.

NASA, in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), is preparing a mission utilizing synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology. The mission's objective is to monitor ice mass changes, ice sheet deterioration, ecosystem changes due to infrastructure development and natural disasters, along with other evolving surface characteristics. The insights gathered can provide information regarding rising sea levels, biomass variations, groundwater changes, and countless other observable phenomena.

Referred to as the NISAR Mission (NASA-ISRO SAR), this satellite will comprehensively record all solid Earth areas—land and ice—every six days for three years, with a launch slated for 2022. The collected data will also facilitate predictions concerning natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and sinkhole formation. Being a multi-year observational initiative, valuable insights will be gained regarding glacier movements, permafrost degradation, desertification, and other indicators of climate change.

NISAR aims to enhance our understanding of the future impacts of climate change and potentially assist in refining efforts to mitigate its effects. Moreover, geospatial intelligence data can illuminate the aftermath of current disasters and large-scale events.

The Terra satellite, launched by NASA in 1999, houses the ASTER instrument (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer), which captured data on the devastating 2013 Australian wildfires. The image illustrates the affected areas, with Sydney to the upper left, Wollongong to the lower right, and fire-damaged regions in between, totaling over 250 square miles.

Several excellent sources of geospatial intelligence data are accessible to the public, educators, and researchers online. Notable examples include:

• Open Topography: A nonprofit organization offering LiDAR and global digital elevation map datasets.
• Natural Earth Data: Supported by the North American Cartographic Information Society and available in the public domain.
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): A UN data source focusing on health and climate with themes such as disasters, forests, populations, and emissions.
• USGS Earth Explorer: The United States Geological Survey’s free source of global data, including digital elevation models.

Geospatial intelligence is not only crucial for military and governmental data analysis or for companies utilizing GPS in applications. Its practical applications are rapidly expanding in importance. Areas such as food security, disaster management systems, and traffic routing during emergencies are increasingly harnessing satellite observations and remote sensing capabilities.

As the emerging space economy evolves into a significant driver of global economic growth, geospatial intelligence will continue to serve as a vital tool for addressing Earth's challenges and advancing projects on moons, asteroids, and exoplanets. Venture capital entities like SP8CEVC recognize this potential, understanding that technological advancements can be accelerated through interdisciplinary collaboration. GEOINT progress relies on satellites, which, in turn, depend on rocket technology.

At the core of all advancements is data. Geospatial intelligence represents a paradigm emphasizing that wisely managed information possesses the power to transform our future.

Chapter 2: The Practical Applications of Geospatial Intelligence

The first video, "Geospatial Intelligence: What Is It And Why Do I Care?" explores the significance and relevance of geospatial intelligence in today’s world.

The second video features "GEOINT 2016 Keynote by Robert Cardillo, Director, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency," providing insights into the future of geospatial intelligence.