Context:
An Article in The Hindu on “Geospatial Intelligence”.
Key Details – Geospatial Intelligence
What is Geospatial Intelligence?
- It is the collection and integration of data from a network of technologies, including satellites, mobile sensors, ground-control stations and aerial images. The data is used to produce real-time maps and simulations to help identify when, where and to what extent a threat is likely to emerge.
What is GEOINT?
- It is a blend of imagery, imagery intelligence (IMINT), and geospatial information (GI).
What are the sources of GEOINT?
- It can be collected from a variety of sources, including satellites, aerial photography, drones, ground-based sensors, and social media.
What are the applications of GEOINT?
- Military operations: GEOINT can be used to track enemy movements, identify targets, and plan operations.
- Disaster response: GEOINT can be used to assess damage, identify survivors, and coordinate relief efforts.
- Humanitarian aid: GEOINT can be used to identify areas in need of assistance, track the movement of displaced persons, and monitor the delivery of aid.
- Environmental monitoring: GEOINT can be used to monitor deforestation, track climate change, and detect natural disasters.
- Business intelligence: GEOINT can be used to identify new market opportunities, assess risk, and track supply chains.
What are the real-time examples of GEOINT?
- The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) of the USA is using GEOINT to track the movement of Russian troops in Ukraine.
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of the USA is using GEOINT to assess damage from Hurricane Ian.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) is using GEOINT to track the spread of Ebola in Africa.
- The World Resources Institute (WRI) is using GEOINT to monitor deforestation in the Amazon rainforest.
- Amazon is using GEOINT to track the movement of its delivery trucks.
About National Geospatial Policy:
- Aim – To employ geospatial technology and data towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Objective – To support innovation and creation in the field, bridging the geospatial data divide.
- Nodal Ministry – Ministry of Science and Technology.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Consider the following actions:
1. Detection of car crash/collision which results in the deployment of airbags almost instantaneously.
2. Detection of accidental free fall of a laptop towards the ground which results in the immediate turning off of the hard drive
3. Detection of the tit of smartphone which results in the rotation of display between portrait and landscape mode
In how many of the above action is the function of accelerometer required?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (c)
