The evolution of geospatial intelligence

Abstract

Knowledge and understanding of enemy location and battleground topography have long been fundamental to battlefield decision making, along with timely, flexible, tactically sound, fully integrated and synchronised plans to increase the likelihood of mission success while minimising casualities. Determining intelligence requirements, and what information is needed to meet these, is a key issue. Over time, applications of military geography have changed as weaponry, economics, social and geopolitical influences altered the scale and dynamics of military operations. The geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) scientist’s role—to synthesise information to inform the Common Operating Picture (COP)—has expanded and will continue to, as the range and volume of geospatial data increases. The application to military operations, however, has remained the same. Constant data collection, from multiple sources, means that “big data” is an issue, but also an opportunity to harness the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning to develop increased situational awareness to better inform the prevailing COP. The continued development and application of advanced technologies to synthesise massive amounts of multi-dimensional geospatial data and to present the results intelligibly on any connected device in real time means the GEOINT scientist will play a pivotal role long into the future.