Comments on: Tracking Bin Laden and Why Does GEOINT Not Get Consistent Mainstream Press??

By: Faith

Faith — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:24:10 +0000

I think that it has to do with policy makers and exposure that they can use to get what they want done. Let’s face it, the IC has to be secretive with things they do because it’s a matter of national security. However, the moment someone (a policy maker, or whoever) decides they want the recognition they deserve or someone wants to get back at the present administration for whatever reason then it will be plastered all over the front page of the NY Times. GEOINT hasn’t been a prime target thus far, but the moment someone says something then it will be open season, just like with everything else. I think this is one of the reasons why they haven’t used it in positive media for natural disasters and so forth. If the media got a sniff of what they can do with GEOINT then they may be digging for clues left and right. It all boils down to the journalist getting “the” story of the moment and who can crack what.

By: Scott

Scott — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 02:56:30 +0000

While this is a very interesting and probably somewhat reasonable approach to finding OBL, I am still pretty skeptical of using “Island Biogeography” theories to establish patterns in humans which actively try to do things counter to what is expected of them! My recollection from a zoology class many years ago is that the theory also states that isolated islands have more extremes in the size of species: so is OBL 100 ft tall or the size of a mouse? Both extremes worry me!

By: USGIF

USGIF — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:54:46 +0000

Comment from Michael Morgan through Linked-In:

You know, I’ve just had to grudgingly accept that the things that “mainstream press” qualifies for coverage is haphazard at best. Then again, maybe NGA would want it that way.

Upon thinking about the problem of how to find any one of the AQ heads by viewing one of those vidoes they always put out …

It seems like you just might be able to locate someone by matching topographical features in the background with a known terrain profile of the general area they’re in. Then you realize that by being in a cave or house where nothing outside is visible, there really is no way to locate that internal space. I think there was a news story about this back in 2002.

By: USGIF

USGIF — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:54:03 +0000

Comment from Tristan Sargent through Linked-In:

Probably because the work is classified SCI and higher and they can’t say anything the news would care to print. Now if they could tell us, that would be a different story.

By: USGIF

USGIF — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:53:11 +0000

Comment from Pradeep Kumar through Linked-In:

If you ask me, to get consistent mainstream press coverage you inevitably have to have a general public interest evoking subject. Ordinary research pieces with limited public interest is not going to get you there. If Brad Pitt announces he has got his kids GPS tagged, it’ll get some good reading, but if you write in general about GPS tagging, ……dont bother about the hits.

By: Deb

Deb — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 23:53:42 +0000

I have to agree with Patrick and USGIF… I am extremely new to GEOINT but when it comes to media I often find myself wondering why we are broadcasting certain things ie: Bin Laden and his possible location. The technology today with GEOINT is amazing and will help us achieve many things. I also agree with Nashtele, regardless of whether GEOINT helps catch or locate it will ultimately be the elected officials that get that “pat on the back” for a job well done. As previously said, I think the media unfortunately always has and always will report only what they believe to be a “hot” item. How unfortunate if you ask me.

By: Future Shock

Future Shock — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:55:18 +0000

“So, important that we believe that the mainstream media should consistently cover what we do and look to our experts as sources regarding GEOINT, GIS, geography and intelligence.”

No way. Keep your cards close to you.

By: Jones Crusher

Jones Crusher — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:52:39 +0000

If GEOINT et al are not getting the public relations right now, it should not be of concern. While a quote in U.S.A Today raises aware of efforts being made, the real respect will be written in the history books. A newspaper article is temporary and local while a history book will reach many for years to come.

By: Izimbra

Izimbra — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:49:50 +0000

When the intelligence community does find bin Laden and provides a sense of closure for the U.S.S. Cole, the African Embassies, the 1993/2001 WTC attacks and all other attacks, I think that the community will get its “props.”

By: War Games

War Games — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:47:02 +0000

If the GEOINT is getting the job done then why is there a need for PR and Marketing? I realize that recognition is good for morale no matter the job. In war and conflict, there seems to be (unfortunately) many of those behind the scenes who are denied recognition – the “glory” is left to the heroes. I think if the intelligence community keeps doing is selfless, good work, we will win this war and recognition will come in due time.