About:
- Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) is a collection and integration of data from various technologies like satellites, mobile sensors, ground control stations and aerial images.
- It uses tools like GIS (Geographic Information System), GPS (Global Positioning System), and Remote Sensing for geographic mapping and analysis of Geospatial Data.
- It can also be referred as "Location Intelligence".
- The guidelines for Geo-Spatial data is released by Ministry of Science and Technology.
- To achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the ministry has notified with National Geospatial Policy to emphasize on the importance of locally available and locally relevant maps and geospatial data.
Application of Geospatial Intelligence:-
- Emergency Preparedness and Response:
- Provides valuable guidance for search-and-rescue and recovery efforts following a disaster.
- Helps to allocate resources efficiently and issue timely warnings of storms or others weather events.
- Environmental Monitoring:
- Monitoring temperature, precipitation, snowpack and polar ice helps scientists and government officials anticipate and prepare for potential disturbances.
- Temperature profiles provides an information on when, where and to what extent that area is likely to be affected by events likes heat waves.
- Military and Civilian Logistics:
- Helps reporting on military movements, and troop deployments, and providing valuable spatial data for civilian applications.
- It represents an extension of free press, by providing information to the public.
- Digital twins:
- Digital twins are being used in many civilian and military settings to improve decision making.
- Digital twins are virtual representation of real systems that replicate systems' characteristics and can be updated in real time to reflect changing conditions in the systems.
- It is highly effective in conflict settings by simulating weather and terrain to help militaries and peacekeepers develop and enact strategies.
Need for Geospatial Intelligence:-
- Since the global temperature is expected to rise more by the end of the century, the urban areas will become more denser and more prone to disasters.
- Geospatial intelligence provides valuable information to help keep people and communities informed, stable and safe.
Source - The Hindu