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The saying, “Knowledge is Power,” emphasizes the importance of information to individuals and society at large. Geospatial intelligence is one such tool that plays a significant role in helping people gain access to unlimited information.
This is done by incorporating several tools and disciplines such as charting, imagery intelligence, and imagery analysis. Data obtained from geospatial intelligence is further exploited to create products. That’s why the military, policymakers, first responders, and federal agencies utilize the services of Veridaas professional Geospatial Solutions to make informed decisions.
Policymakers and planners then utilize these solutions to improve the environment. Read ahead as we discuss the importance of geospatial intelligence.
What is geospatial intelligence?
Geospatial intelligence is a term used to describe the use of geospatial information in assessing and improving geographically referenced activities around the globe. It is shortly referred to as GEOINT.
Geospatial intelligence is a discipline that encapsulates knowledge across different sectors such as social, environmental, technological, political, etc. Notable historical breakthroughs accomplished through GEOINT are as follows:
- Resolution of the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis;
- Facilitation of U.S. negotiations instrumental in ending the Bosnian War in 1992.
In recent times, geospatial intelligence has openly embraced the incorporation of modern technology in its methods. GEOINT is helping to create a better connection between different geographical areas and events.
Valuable tools it leverages include maps, terrains, imagery, and charts. Geospatial intelligence seeks to prevent manmade and certain natural disasters by leveraging the intelligence generated from the analyzed data.
Why we need geospatial intelligence
Transportation sector
One of the main applications of geospatial intelligence in the real world is in transit systems. For example, some large underground subways in North America use GIS (Geographic Information Systems) technology to observe the condition of tracks and tunnels spanning thousands of miles.
These companies regularly deploy automated drones to monitor the condition of these tunnels and tracks. This could be dangerous for inspectors as these tunnels are usually dark and tedious to walk. The technology provides helpful information such as:
- Information about the history of the structure
- Location data
- Maintenance schedules
- Images of the areas above and beneath the subways
- Notable structures nearby
Governments
Information gotten via geospatial intelligence can be used by governments to achieve different goals. Large cities can use such information when replacing old gas pipelines in any given location. With GEOINT, they can easily identify the oldest pipelines in the concerned area.
Also, they may have to look out for high-risk locations or structures such as hospitals or schools. With such detailed information, governments will be able to make more informed decisions when executing projects.
Mapping and controlling natural disasters
Yearly, natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, volcanic eruptions, cyclones, tsunamis, and landslides kill thousands of people around the world. GEOINT has a great history of being useful in the management of such disasters.
With geospatial intelligence, analysts can efficiently analyze the intensity of the impact caused by these disasters. This could help provide valuable information to rescue and search teams. Such data is helpful in locations where it’s difficult to find one’s bearings.
Urban planning
Geospatial intelligence is highly resourceful for town planners and policymakers. It helps to provide a better understanding of the needs of a town and allows these decision-makers to make quality decisions targeted at meeting those needs.
Geospatial data gets the needed information via remote sensors, aerial photography, and satellite imagery. These sources help town planners gain access to a comprehensive view of the landscape and infrastructure.
With GEOINT software, stakeholders can also forecast changes over time and track environmental impact. Such software can also give them a view of the planned infrastructure on the proposed sites before execution. This can further help them make improved judgments.
Conclusion
Geospatial intelligence is vital to various sectors, governments, and individuals for an improved environment. Data generated by GEOINT can be used to curb manmade disasters by providing useful information needed by security agents to track down suspects.
We have discussed some of the benefits of geospatial intelligence to society. Notwithstanding, many more can be achieved by maximizing this tool to its fullest. Incorporating the advancements in the internet and AI into geospatial intelligence in the future will widen its application scope.
