IMMINT Analysis

Question 1

Basic Principles

Stereovision

Answer 1

Our eyes can see differences in parallax due to their different positions, creating a 3D impression.

IMINT material can simulate this by taking photos in stereoscopic pairs and superimposing one over the other.

Question 2

Basic Principles

Ground Sample Distance (GSD)

Answer 2

Expresses the distance represented by the smallest unit of information on the image (usually a pixel).

Question 3

Basic Principles

Instantaneous Field of View (IFOV)

Answer 3

Refers to the angular cone of visibility that can be seen by a sensor.

Vertical (~0°),

oblique (up to 60°)

or panoramic (above 60°).

Question 4

Types of Resolution

Answer 4

Temporal resolution: How often can the image be updated within an interval of time?

Spatial resolution: Essentially the GSD

Spectral resolution: Which bands (wavelengths) of the light spectrum can be captured (panchromatic → regular colours, multispectral, hyper-spectral).

Radiometric resolution: How specifically can the energy reflected or emitted by an object be detected?
- Important for military

Question 5

Interpretation Keys

Answer 5

Direct Key:
Usually in the form of a catalogue or image roster, which allows for the direct identification of an object

Selection Key:
Dismantles the object into features, which can be selected via a decision tree

Elimination Key:
Similar to a selection key, but on the basis of exclusion

Question 6

General and Exact Models

Answer 6

General model:
Usually a written description of the various elements and features that are expected to be part of an object or location.
- Archetype of features, things all these types of buildings need

Exact model:
Allows analysis and identification of a specific object through detailed documentation of its elements and features (often other IMINT taken from the ground).
- Specific buildings

Question 7

Elements of Image Interpretations

Tone

Answer 7

Colour and/or brightness, always relative to absolute brightness.
- Can indicate soil type and vegetation, pollution, manipulation (minefields).
- The different colours of field

Question 8

Elements of Image Interpretations

Texture

Answer 8

Roughness or smoothness of image portions
- Can indicate vehicle tracks or other movement, previous campsites, fortifications.
- The Tracks

Question 9

Elements of Image Interpretations

Shadows

Answer 9

Eclipse of light in correspondence to angle and dimensions
- Can be used to extrapolate time, location and dimensions of objects(shadow length).

Question 10

Elements of Image Interpretations

Pattern

Answer 10

Recurring arrangement of objects
- Can indicate specific installations (AAA/SAM sites, field radar),fortifications, mines, etc.
- Different uses of bases have different patterns

Question 11

Elements of Image Interpretations

Association

Answer 11

Arrangement implying functional relationship
- Infrastructure(roads, power lines, piping)can help to identify compound or base layout, functions of buildings, etc.

Question 12

Elements of Image Interpretations

Shape

Answer 12

External configuration of an object
- Regular/geometrical is usually man-made, irregular could point to natural phenomena.

Question 13

Elements of Image Interpretations

Size

Answer 13

Dimensions and proportions of an object
- If precise measurements can be extrapolated, objects can be identified with higher certainty.

Question 14

Elements of Image Interpretations

Site

Answer 14

Topographical location of an object
- Altitude, terrain, proximity to water or urban centre scan help to identify functions of objects (e.g., nuclear facilities, power plants, radar, resource exploitation).
- Specify what kind of desert