got geoint?

Welcome to the Monday Morning News Kick Off post from got geoint? As always, we hope you had a restful weekend and are ready to dive backing into your professional lives. For this morning’s MMNKO (still love that acronym) post, we have eclectic/mixed-bag of stories — from Microsoft launching a Google Street View rival to Brazilian police using “RoboCop style” sunglasses to detect criminals — for you to peruse as you gear up for the work week. So, as we always say, fire up that second cup of coffee and read on. Happy Monday!

Full Article

Journalists and commentators covering Afghanistan and Pakistan have addressed everything from geopolitics to tribal dynamics, reconstruction aid, and, of course, terrorism. Even the casual observer has probably read stories that have addressed U.S. intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance efforts, most notably the use of Hellfire missile-armed Predator and Reaper drones. In covering these topics, pundits often pause to cite the area’s difficult physical terrain, often mentioning it as a factor in the region’s long history of repelling foreign armies. However, none of these analysts has yet written about the sad state of the United States’ basic terrain data (specifically the Digital Terrain Elevation Data — DTED) over this region, which has emerged as an obstacle in conducting operations over such complex terrain. If you would like to read the complete article by USGIF board member Chris Tucker, check it out on Foreign Policy’s web site here.

Full Article

Since the beginning of the American Republic, science and national security have had a long history of interplay. While the nature of their interaction has evolved over the centuries, the premise that strength in science is key to strong national security has long been broadly accepted. Traditional formulations of this premise have often focused on the role scientific advances and science-based technological progress played in supporting warriors with superior weapons and weapons platforms. However, science has also long played a role expanding military capabilities in what experts call “intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance” technologies, or ISR. Interested in reading more? Check out the rest of this article penned by USGIF board member Chris Tucker on the Science Progress blog here.

Full Article

Once again, it is Monday and it’s time for the Monday Morning News Kick Off. As always, we have compiled all the actionable news you need to get the week started on the right foot. We have another compelling Op-Ed from USGIF board member, Mr. Christopher Tucker, along with stories about Intelligence Fusion Centers, NGA’s efforts in supporting FEMA in the Somoan Island recover efforts and much, much more. So, fire up that second cup of coffee and scroll down. Happy Monday!

Full Article

Happy Monday! Welcome once again to our Monday Morning News Kick Off post. As always, we hope you all had nice, restful weekends filled with autumn fun and professional football watching. Well, here we are – back at the grind. For many on Monday morning, they need to gumption and strength and get back into the car, commute to the office and dedicate 5 days to working and carving out a living. Although its may not be as much fun as being a part of Vinnie Chase’s “Entourage” — what is really? — working in the GEOINT sector is challenging, exciting and instills a significant amount of pride. It often does not feel like a Monday morning to us. Does it feel that way with you all? Anyhow, plenty of news to highlight to start the week below. Enjoy.

Full Article

This may be the sign that the troubled waters still exist at the NRO. As many of our readers know, the NRO has always played a critical role in the development and operation of U.S. intelligence satellites. For years, when the Navy or Air Force launched a satellite, it was given an NRO Launch (NROL) Designation — meaning that NRO was really the agency behind the launch and management of the satellite. Well, it seems that the times have changed. The Air Force has announced the upcoming launch of a classified satellite from Cape Canaveral, and the NRO, has not claimed ownership. According to this Space Review article, its mission remains mysterious, as do other aspects of its existence — especially because the launch is designated as PAN

Full Article

Once again, USGIF board member Mr. Chris Tucker has put pen to paper and come up with a very thought-provoking Op-Ed that showcases his knowledge and insight into the new national security paradigm. His latest article, which was recently published in Federal Computer Week, highlights the need for a deputy adviser for technology who can spearhead all national security technology issues. Without someone in this role, Mr. Tucker argues, that new technologies will not converge to achieve the transparency, accountability and transformation needed across our national security enterprise. To read the full Op-Ed, click here.

Full Article

It goes without saying that members of the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) board of directors are true industry thought leaders. Case in point is board member Chris Tucker, Ph.D., who is the founding chief strategic officer of In-Q-Tel and former CEO of IONIC. Mr. Tucker recently penned an OpEd for Space News on a new standard for the NRO. As many of you know, we have been covering the NRO for sometime now — from the announcement of the new director to the appointment of the development of the new panel who will assess its viability. Check out Mr. Tucker’s Space News OpEd here. Very insightful and very much worth a read. In addition, here’s a Q&A we did with Mr. Tucker back in late 2008. Happy Thursday.

Full Article