By Dr. Jarrod Sadulski | 11/03/2025
Imagery intelligence (IMINT) is an important military and Intelligence Community tool. This type of intelligence involves the collection and analysis of visual images to gain information and to conduct reconnaissance.
This type of intelligence may include:
- Satellite imagery
- Images from geospatial intelligence data systems
- Photos and videos from drones capable of aerial photography
- Thermal images collected from thermal imaging cameras with infrared optical sensors
The Origin of Imagery Intelligence
The origins of imagery intelligence go back to aerial reconnaissance in World War I. During that time, cameras mounted on military aircraft collected imagery and data through aerial photography. Analysts used film and photographs to detect troop movements and artillery positions of the enemy.
During World War II, millions of aerial images were taken to aid U.S. leaders. These images enabled commanders to have a visual understanding of the conditions of their military equipment and resources.
IMINT was also essential for bomb planning raids during the war, because IMINT could show where the enemy was located.
Why Is Imagery Intelligence Important to National Security?
For military services and for the Intelligence Community, imagery intelligence aids in decision making and helps to protect our national security. Reconnaissance through imagery intelligence protects not only the United States, but also our foreign interests all over the Earth.
For instance, imagery intelligence can monitor enemy military activities and movements. Similarly, satellite imagery can also be used to monitor U.S. military troop activities.
Other uses for imagery intelligence and geospatial intelligence include:
- Protection of critical infrastructure targets from bombs and saboteurs
- Identification of threats arriving by ground or air
- Detection of available targets
How Is Geospatial Intelligence Connected to IMINT?
Geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) involves collecting, analyzing, and sharing IMINT and geospatial information. As geospatial intelligence involves processing visual information, geospatial images, maps, and global positioning satellite (GPS) content provides a geographical context for decision makers.
Geospatial intelligence can be used in national security operations, disaster response, and reconnaissance operations. For instance, GEOINT can support strategic operations after a disaster. It can provide first responders with accurate and strategic information to aid in relief efforts and can help to save lives.
GEOINT can collect information from around the earth. Geospatial images depend heavily on satellites’ high-resolution sensors capture visual data and images. Geospatial images in high resolution often utilize multiple sources of imagery, such as electro-optical systems, to collect images.
What Is Signals Intelligence?
Signals intelligence (SIGINT) is another useful component of IMINT. It involves collecting information and analysis through electronic technology that includes:
- Radio communications
- Radar sensors
- Various electronic systems
Signals intelligence can be useful for gathering reconnaissance information about foreign troop movements and other information that would be useful in a combat situation.
The Role of Intelligence Analysts
Intelligence analysts typically use optical intelligence imagery and data from various intelligence sources to conduct an analysis for military leaders and other decision makers. For instance, this type of analysis can be coupled with human intelligence (HUMINT), open-source intelligence (OSINT), and cyber intelligence.
With the information they collect, intelligence analysts can:
- Create threat assessments regarding commercial or military targets
- Share their analysis and other information with other intelligence agencies
- Monitor global trends
Today’s Applications of IMINT
IMINT and GEOINT continue to have an important role in collecting intelligence, especially during wartime.
Analysts at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the National Reconnaissance Office use IMINT for protecting targets and allies and conducting security assessments.
Today, imagery intelligence involves different types of technology:
- Military aircraft – This type of aircraft often has visual systems and radar sensors to collect information from high in the air. Surveillance aircraft can provide insights into enemy movements, which is especially important in war. Also, IMINT aids in data analysis and decision making by showing real-time conditions through satellite and aerial imagery. Real-time imagery can increase the safety of military aircraft pilots flying through dangerous areas.
- Missile defense systems – Missile defense systems often depend on imagery intelligence for real-time information to thwart a missile attack and prevent a crisis. These missile defense systems use high-resolution sensors.
- Infrared cameras – Infrared image technology identifies heat signatures. It can be effective in filming night operations and identifying concealed targets.
- Satellites – Satellites have become so advanced that they provide a major tactical advantage to the military. High-resolution satellite images can surveil the earth’s surface. They can film and identify objects with enough resolution to identify vehicles, buildings, and current targets. Satellites can also use facial recognition to locate humans.
- Drones – Drones can determine the location of adversaries in real time. That information can make a vital difference to the outcome of a combat situation or a disaster.
Technology’s capabilities continue to evolve and improve. With improved imagery intelligence collection, intelligence analysts will be better able to provide accurate, up-to-date information for the organizations that need it.
The Intelligence Studies Degree at APU
Adult learners who are interested in studying imagery intelligence and other forms of intelligence may be interested in the online Bachelor of Arts in Intelligence Studies at American Public University (APU). For this degree program, students will learn about intelligence collection, the U.S. Intelligence Community, and threat analysis. Other courses include critical analysis, law and ethics in intelligence, and international relations.
This degree program has 12 concentrations, so that students may choose the concentration that best suits their professional interests.
For more information, visit APU’s intelligence degree program page.
Dr. Jarrod Sadulski is an associate professor in the School of Security and Global Studies and has over 20 years in the field of criminal justice. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Thomas Edison State College, a master’s degree in criminal justice from American Military University, and a Ph.D. in criminal justice from Northcentral University.
His expertise includes training on countering human trafficking, maritime security, mitigating organized crime, and narcotics trafficking trends in Latin America. Jarrod has also testified to both the U.S. Congress and U.S. Senate on human trafficking and child exploitation. He has been recognized by the U.S. Senate as an expert in human trafficking.
Jarrod frequently conducts in-country research and consultant work in Central and South America on human trafficking and current trends in narcotics trafficking. Also, he has a background in business development.
