According to the DoD, the use of imagery intelligence (IMINT) is to aid commanders in the focus and protection of combat power.
IMINT is intelligence derived from the exploitation of imagery collected by visual photography, infrared, lasers, multi-spectral sensors, and radar. These sensors produce images of objects optically, electronically, or digitally on film, electronic display devices, or other media.
Most experts in this field agree that there are four primary types of imagery sensors:
- Visible (optical)
- Infrared
- Radar
- Multi-spectral
Each sensor has a unique capability, with distinct advantages and disadvantages. Military personnel must understand each sensor’s capability in order to select the best sensor for the mission and thus enable the user to better understand the intelligence received.
The sources of images are also categorized: national, civil and commercial.
National systems are developed specifically for supporting the president of the United States, the Secretary of Defense, other national agencies, and US military forces. These systems respond to the needs of the nation and those of the combatant commands.
Civil imagery systems are usually government funded in terms of building, launching, and operating the system. In many cases the agencies operating these civil imagery systems also process, distribute, and archive the imagery data or images.
Commercial companies are also involved in the building and operating imagery intelligence systems for profit. However, when the need arises, license agreements with the US Government obligate US commercial satellite imaging systems to provide data only to the US Government at the market value.
Want to learn more? Tonex offers Fundamentals of Imagery Intelligence (IMINT), a 2-day course that provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of imagery intelligence and its applications in intelligence analysis, decision-making and other tasks.
Participants will learn the fundamentals of IMINT, including imagery collection, interpretation, and analysis techniques, as well as the role of IMINT in supporting various domains such as military operations, ISR, national security, disaster response, environmental monitoring, search and rescue, transportation and other critical applications.
For more information, questions, comments, contact us.