Few outside of the intel community have heard of The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, a cartel of public servants who aggregate data to create customizable maps. The NGA, which often partners with the U.S. military to charter unknown territory, has deployed two Geospatial Analysts to Morocco, where they “are mapping out the terrain for Africa Lion 2012 [AL-12]… a bi-lateral exercise between U.S. marine Corps Forces, Africa, the Utah national Guard, and the Kingdom of Morocco.”
Over AL-12’s ten days and various geographical regions, U.S. and Moroccan military personnel conducted joint training exercises that simulate a number of field operations. Jacquie Snyder, one of the NGA analysts, said the team assembled maps prior to AL-12 “which would show the players how to get their equipment in place,” so that convoy teams can identify in advance and successfully negotiate geographical hazards. One such map, for instance, “enabled the advance convoy team to pre-plan for a bridge with a limited weight allowance.”
While limited imagery is reportedly the biggest challenge that geospatial analysts face, analysts working for the NGA have nonetheless managed to create “some of the first detailed maps ever produced over training areas in those countries.”
Commercially available resources – including tourist maps – are often used to complete the picture. The fact that the NGA is able to produce these maps using widely available commercial products does raise security concerns – just as Google Earth and the wide availability of digial imagery has since its inception. In an insurgency, knowing the ground to be covered offers serious military advantage, and there’s no doubt America’s enemies are deploying similar, if slightly less advanced, mapping techniques.
As one of the newer kids on the block of the intel community, NGA continues to have a lot of ground to cover. Opportunities to partner with other countries – specifically in areas of emerging interest, such as Africa – will help the agency to set its course forward, and continue its increasingly relevant work.
“We’ve got a motto in our career field,” said Cpl. Michael Cox, 24th MEU Command Element topographical chief. “Know the earth, show the way.”
Kristina Olney is a dual U.S.-Australia citizen who returned to the States in 2009 as a fellow of the John Jay Institute for Faith, Society, and Law. After completing an internship on the House Foreign Affairs Committee in 2009, Kristina worked for the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom for two years and is now a subcontrator for McKinsey & Company.
