46. Intelligence Sources – 4. Imagery

Today's entry presents Imagery as a source of intelligence.

In blog entry Number 19 I posted a brief explanation of how intelligence works and the general categories of intelligence sources. I want to significantly expand that now, to present the complexity of gathering intelligence data in the modern world.

Sources are classified into about eight categories. Finished intelligence (for dissemination) is a fitting together of pieces from overlapping sources. In the following entries I will present each of these sources. I will review the sources here.

1. Open Sources


2. HUMINT


3. Signal interception – SIGINT


4. Imagery


5. Scientific and Technical Intelligence


6. Measurement and Sensing




1. MASINT


2. UGS




7. Other

Imaging Intelligence(IMINT),is the representation of objects reproduced optically or electronically on film, electronic display devices, or other media. Imagery comes from visual photography, usually from aerial observation. radar sensors such as sidelooking airborne radar (SLAR), infrared sensors, lasers, and electro- optics. While each sensor operates at different spectrum frequencies and each type of imagery has distinctive characteristics, the advantages and limitations of each are similar. Observation may be made from anything from blimps to satellites. The US has used high-flying, virtually undetectable aircraft, such as the SR70 Blackbird, or the infamous U-2.Countries capable of launching satellites today all have agreed to declare the orbits to the U.N.

My work in intelligence often involved photo-imaging. Fortunately there were a number of expert photointerpreters to help clarify what was in the photography. When it came to crucial sites, it might be just one person in the entire U.S. intelligence community who had the expertise to interpret imaging from that site.

Advantages

1. A variety of platforms and media is available


2. Capable of pinpoint target positioning


3. Activity can be detected


4. Order of battle can be counted


5. Target characteristics (physical or environmental) can be studied in detail


6. Large area collection possible


7. Excellent resolution possible


8. Highly credible because it can be seen by the user

Limitations:

1. Except for radar, imagery quality normally degraded by darkness, adverse weather.


2. Subject to deception or concealment techniques


3. Requires extensive support facilities (such as photointerpretation centers)


4. Can be expensive


5. Subject to misinterpretation or misidentification


6. Situation represented on the image may exist only for the instant it was captured

The next entry will be on Science and Technology Intelligence.