Is the future geospatial? : joining up the dots
Peach, Stuart
Powerpoint presentation.
Until 1990 areas of operation and operational objectives were generally well defined and fairly predictable. Since the end of the Cold War the world has been changing in that demands for data, knowledge and service are increasingly global. Potential commitments worldwide, unpredictable deployment areas and other factors have led to all sorts of new challenges and working in ways that were not predicted. Multilateral organisations have been struggling to cope with the rate of change with respect to climate disasters, energy security and conflict, for example. Operations need to be intelligence led. Throughout history it has been important to have knowledge of geography, and there are many examples of maps and imagery used to provide situational awareness and plan operations. A global mapping capability was kept alive throughout the Cold War, providing a global situational awareness enabling provision of support where and when needed. Within defence intelligence, the aim is to draw together information from many different geospatial sources (e.g. maps, meteorological forecasts, charts etc) and other sources to make sense of a situation. Without this information, operations struggle. The university sector is important in providing the science behind drawing the information together. In summary, the MOD defines geospatial intelligence as 'Intelligence derived from analysis and exploitation of geospatial information and imagery to describe, assess and visually depict physical features and geographically referenced activities of intelligence interest'. This intelligence requires the horizontal integration of information from many different sources. Understanding of common geospatial data standards is required, together with using technology in imaginative ways. Some types of imagery, for example some satellite imagery, is globally available to all (to both supporters and ill wishers).
Event: Expanding horizons in a shrinking world
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