A short introduction to geospatial intelligence A Short Introduction to Geospatial Intelligence explains the newest form of intelligence used by governments commercial organizations and individuals. Geospatial Intelligence combines late 20th century historically derived ways of thinking and early 21st century technologies of GIS GPS digital imaging satellites and communications satellites to identify measure and analyze current risk in the world. These ways of thinking have developed from military engineering cartography photo interpretation and imagery analysis. While the oldest example dates from the early 16th century all the ways of spatial thinking share the common thread of being developed and refined during conflicts to help military leaders make informed decisions prior to action. In the 21st century thanks in great part to advances in digital precision technology miniaturization and the commercialization of satellites these ways of thinking have expanded from the military into various other industries and sectors including energy agriculture environment law enforcement global risk assessment and climate monitoring. A Short Introduction to Geospatial Intelligence describes the development of the five steps in geospatial thinking envisioning discovery recording comprehending and tracking in addition to addressing the challenges and future applications of this newest intelligence discipline