Universal GEOINT Credentialing Christopher K

GEOINT ESSENTIAL BODY OF KNOWLEDGE Transparent Transportable TransIndustry USGIF is a 501(c)(3) non-lobbying, nonprofit educational foundation dedicated to promoting the geospatial intelligence tradecraft and developing a stronger community of interest between Government, Industry, Academia, and Professional Organizations.

Almost 500 students Twelve Accredited Geospatial have graduated from Intelligence Certificate Programs Northeastern West Point USGIF-accredited Penn State U. of Utah programs with George Mason UM Columbia Air Force GEOINT Certificates. Redlands Academy Fayetteville State USC

UT Dallas U. of South Carolina Did you know USGIF offers hundreds of hours of training, education, and professional development opportunities throughout the year?

in Scholarships $792K awarded since 2004 u S gif Monograph Serie S V o L u M e 1 USGIF in 2014 published the Human Geography monograph as a community resource.

Socio-Cultural Dynamics and USGIF is developing the first GeoGraphyChallenges to Global Security

Darryl G. Murdock, Robert R. Tomes and Universal GEOINT Credentialing Christopher K. Tucker, editors Program to bolster profesional development in the GEOINT tradecraft.

USGIF produces the GEOINT Symposium, the largest intelligence event in the world.

Sustaining Member 240 Organizations TEN YEARS

Launched in 2012 as USGIF’s first official print magazine. GEOINT ESSENTIAL BODY OF KNOWLEDGE

SECTION I The GEOINT Essential Body of Knowledge �� 3 Transparency and Transportability �� 3 Essential Body of Knowledge Background �� 3 Essential Body of Knowledge Purpose �� 4 Essential Body of Knowledge Competency Areas �� 5

SECTION II Universal GEOINT Competency Areas �� 7 COMPETENCY I: GIS & Analysis Tools �� 7 COMPETENCY II: Remote Sensing & Imagery Analysis �� 8 COMPETENCY III: Geospatial Data Management �� 9 COMPETENCY IV: Data Visualization �� 10

SECTION III GEOINT Essential Body of Knowledge Cross-Functional Knowledge and Skills �� 11 COMPETENCY: Synthesis �� 11 COMPETENCY: Reporting �� 11 COMPETENCY: Collaboration �� 11

SECTION IV Evolution of the GEOINT Essential Body of Knowledge �� 13 Genesis �� 13 Development of the Essential Body of Knowledge �� 13 Relationship to Other Organizations �� 15 Future �� 15

APPENDIX Sources �� 16

1 Throughout the past 20 years, geographic, Being the first and only organization of its kind, mathematical, scientific, technical, collections, and USGIF has helped advance the GEOINT tradecraft analysis disciplines have converged as components of through its many events and programs, such as the a larger discipline—geospatial intelligence (GEOINT). highly acclaimed GEOINT Symposium and GEOINT GEOINT has become the cornerstone of U.S. national Community Week. The Foundation has awarded almost and homeland security activities through its place at the $800,000 in scholarships to students studying the functional center of many diverse intelligence methods geospatial sciences—from high school students to and applications. doctoral candidates. USGIF has accredited 12 college

In 2003, a group of leading authorities realized an and university GEOINT programs: Fayetteville State inherent need for a unified vision and approach to University, George Mason University, Northeastern promoting the geospatial intelligence tradecraft. University, Pennsylvania State University, University of This group created the successful GEO-INTEL 2003 Missouri, University of Redlands, University of South conference—the predecessor to the annual GEOINT Carolina, University of Southern California, University Symposium—and in early 2004 established the United of Texas at Dallas, University of Utah, the U.S. Air Force States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF). The Foundation’s mission was, and continues to be, to bring Academy, and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. together government, industry, academia, professional USGIF has awarded more than 500 GEOINT certificates organizations, and individuals for the advancement of to students graduating from these accredited schools the geospatial intelligence tradecraft. with hundreds more matriculating through the programs.

The Foundation also offers more than 100 hours of Recently, the private sector has experienced a similar training and education sessions throughout the year. rise in its applications of GEOINT. Geospatial Intelligence USGIF currently has more than 240 sustaining member is now part of Business Intelligence (BI). Place and time are part of the working fabric that forms BI and informs organizations supporting and assisting in executing the decision-makers at all levels. However, the practice of Foundation’s objectives, but is primarily an educational GEOINT still requires exceptional skill and training. foundation. SECTION I The GEOINT Essential Body of Knowledge

Transparency and Transportability

This document provides background information and was created and will evolve over time. The EBK is not context as well as outlines standards for the broad a one-time creation. Rather, it will grow and change to practice of Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT). The Essential reflect the sweeping changes we see in the wide variety Body of Knowledge (EBK) is at the heart of USGIF’s of GEOINT sub-disciplines. efforts to professionalize the global GEOINT workforce. Within this document are examples of transparency and Transportability means the Universal GEOINT transportability, the hallmarks of our program. Certification, built and administered by USGIF, will be valued within and between many industries. Thus, the Transparency means not only may any aspiring concept of a “trans-industry” credential is introduced GEOINT professional gain access to the EBK, but he or as a manifestation of transportability. she can also understand the process by which the EBK

Essential Body of Knowledge Background

While there are several definitions that attempt to frame In response to Vickers’ memo, then-NGA Director the Geospatial Intelligence profession, the most well- Letitia A. Long cited USGIF as a partner organization known definition of GEOINT stems from the United to help the agency meet this goal. In October 2013, States Code, Title 10, section 467 (10 U.S.C. § 467), USGIF and NGA entered into a cooperative research which states: and development agreement allowing the two organizations to share best practices and partner on “The term ‘geospatial intelligence’ means defining a set of GEOINT competencies for the entire the exploitation and analysis of imagery and community. geospatial information to describe, assess, and visually depict physical features and USGIF recognized the practice of GEOINT extended geographically referenced activities on the well beyond the U.S. Defense, Intelligence, and earth. Geospatial intelligence consists of Homeland Security Communities. This realization imagery, imagery intelligence, and geospatial prompted the development of a Universal GEOINT information.” Certification. The goal was to create industry’s answer to government-specific credentials through In October 2011, Dr. Michael Vickers, then Undersecretary the development of a transparent, transportable, of Defense for Intelligence, issued a memorandum and trans-industry certification appropriate for both calling for the accredited certification of intelligence government and commercial GEOINT practitioners. professionals, including those at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). In the memo, USGIF embarked upon a 16-month effort to define Vickers cited the professionalization of the Intelligence this GEOINT EBK, which depicts the knowledge, skills, Community workforce as critical to evolving mission and abilities a practicing GEOINT professional should demands and called upon training and education to possess. USGIF engaged the subject matter expertise meet skill gaps in analysis, foreign language, cyber, of industry organizations such as the American human intelligence, counterintelligence, and technical Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing intelligence. (ASPRS), Association of American Geographers (AAG), University Consortium for Geographic Information Science (UCGIS), Geospatial Information and Technology Association (GITA), National Geospatial Advisory Committee (NGAC), NGA, GIS Certification Institute (GISCI), the GeoTech Center, USGIF Members, and USGIF-accredited colleges and universities.

SECTION I 3 Essential Body of Knowledge Purpose

The EBK describes the sum of knowledge within the USGIF set out to create a blended set of core GEOINT profession. As with other professions, the EBK competencies that incorporate tasks from a number ultimately resides with the practitioners and academics of disciplines previously thought to be stand-alone that apply and advance the tradecraft. The EBK activities and occupations. Rather than identifying includes knowledge of proven practices that are widely knowledge and skills that are specific to a certain applied as well as innovative and advanced practices. occupation or job, this EBK defines what it means to be a GEOINT professional through identifying knowledge The primary purpose of this document is to identify and skills that cut across many different occupations. and describe the knowledge and skills critical for those working in the GEOINT profession. Geospatial In addition, GEOINT is more about the analysis enabled intelligence is a dynamic tradecraft. As the profession by technology than about the technology itself. As continues to evolve so will the EBK, continuing to technologies merge they become less of a barrier reflect appropriate and meaningful changes to the between the disciplines of remote sensing and GIS. GEOINT tradecraft and to incorporate new approaches The universal core competencies articulated in this to performing tasks that become more prevalent. EBK has been developed for the GEOINT professional: the person in the government and business who informs decision-makers about spatiotemporal issues and provides timely answers to key questions.

The GEOINT Essential Body of Knowledge provides a basic reference for anyone interested in or practicing the profession of GEOINT. This includes, but is not limited to: • Advanced Visualization Specialists • Hydrologists • Aeronautical Analysts • Imagery Acquisition Specialists • Business Market Analysts • Imagery Analysts • Counterintelligence Officers • Imagery Scientists • Demographers • LiDAR Project Managers • Economic Development Specialists • Maritime Analysts • Emergency Preparedness Specialists • Open-Source Analysts • Environmental Scientists • Public Health Specialists • Geodetic Surveyors • Research Specialists • GEOINT Analysts (Analytic Methodologist, Geodetic • Scientists Earth Sciences, Geodetic Orbit Sciences, LiDAR • Surveyors Image Science, Photogrammetric Image Science, Radar Image Science, Spectral Image Science, • Source Strategies Analysts Thermal Infrared Image Science) • Systems Engineers • Geospatial Data Stewards • Wildlife Biologists • GIS Analysts (Consultant, Coordinator, Developer, Instructor, Programmer, Project Manager, Sales & Marketing, Spatial Analyst, Specialist, Supervisor, Technical Writer, Tech Lead, Technician, Tester, Administrator)

4 GEOINT ESSENTIAL BODY OF KNOWLEDGE Essential Body of Knowledge Competency Areas

The GEOINT EBK describes geospatial intelligence competency and practice in terms of key job tasks and essential knowledge, skills, and ability required for a professional to be successful. These competencies are organized into four competency areas as described below and illustrated.

Competency I: GIS & Analysis Tools describes the Competency III: Geospatial Data Management knowledge necessary to ensure the various elements describes the knowledge required to acquire, manage, and approaches of GIS and analysis are properly retrieve, and disseminate data to facilitate integration, understood in order to successfully capture, store, analysis, and synthesis of geospatial information. manage, and visualize data that is linked directly to a location. Competency IV: Data Visualization describes the use of cartographic and visualization principles to Competency II: Remote Sensing & Imagery Analysis generate products that represent information about the describes the knowledge necessary to generate physical environment that can be easily understood by products and/or presentations of any natural or man- decision-makers. made feature or related object or activity through satellites, airborne platforms, unmanned aerial vehicles, terrestrially based sensors, or other similar means. This competency area contains the knowledge necessary to synthesize technical, geographic, and intelligence information derived through the interpretation or analysis of imagery and collateral materials as well as the processes, uses, interpretations, and manipulations of imagery for dissemination.

GEOINT Essential Body of Knowledge

Data ManagementGeospatial

Remote Sensing & Imagery Analysis Data Visualization

GIS & Analysis Tools

Synthesis Collaboration Reporting

SECTION I 5 Collegiate Accreditation Program

USGIF accreditation of collegiate geospatial intelligence certificate programs supports vital national security interests by assuring that students are prepared for careers within the growing GEOINT enterprise.

Earning a geospatial intelligence certificate from a USGIF-accredited institution provides students with the skills required to address challenges, and it ensures employers are getting high caliber potential hires who understand GEOINT.

Want to develop a geospatial intelligence certificate program at your university? Visit usgif.org/education/accreditation for more information. SECTION II Universal GEOINT Competency Areas

COMPETENCY I: GIS & Analysis Tools

A subset of GEOINT that includes the requisite knowledge to ensure the various elements and approaches to GIS and analysis are properly understood in order to successfully capture, store, manage, and visualize data that is linked directly to a location. GIS & Analysis Tools consist of:

Fundamental GIS Principles Geospatial Data Fusion • Vector and Vectorization (e.g., digitization) • Metadata Requirements (e.g., metadata standards, geospatial standard organizations – Federal • Raster Geospatial Data Committee) • Types of Geospatial Information • Common Data Fusion Applications • Fundamentals of Geodesic Science • Fusion of Geospatial Data with Remotely Sensed (e.g., geoid, ellipsoid, coordinate systems, Data (e.g., applications and location-based heights, point positioning, datum) intelligence, activity-based intelligence) • Spatial Topology • Fusion of Various Types of Remotely Sensed Data • Feature Attribution • Common Errors and Limitations Resulting from Data Evaluation Principles Data Fusion • Common Limitations of Geospatial Data Open-Source Geospatial Data (e.g., uncertainty, relative and absolute • Sources and Types of Open-Source Geospatial Data accuracy, precision) (e.g., non-structured data) • Data Validation • Geospatial Crowdsourcing (e.g., volunteered • Non-structured Data Evaluation geographic information, “participatory sensing”) Spatial Analysis & Statistics • Common Capabilities and Limitations of Open- Source Geospatial Data (e.g., open-source versus • Spatial Structures and Models proprietary data, data quality) • Algorithms for Spatial Analysis • Open-Source Geospatial Standards • Spatio-temporal Analysis (e.g., trend analysis, • Sources of Open-Source Geospatial Error predictive/anticipatory analysis) • Open-Source “Spoofing” • Analysis of Surfaces (e.g., elevation data) • Raster Analysis Techniques Geography Concepts & Principles (e.g., raster mathematics) • Human Geography: Interrelationships Between • Geocoding (e.g., land partitioning systems) Humans and Their Environment (e.g., cultural, economic, health, historic, political, population) • Vector Analysis (e.g., network analysis) • Physical Geography: Geomorphology, • Statistical Techniques and Concepts Environmental/Climate Geography • Non-structured Data Analytics • Virtual Geography • Geostatistical Methods • Conceptual Analytic Modeling • Structured Analytic Techniques

SECTION II 7 COMPETENCY II: Remote Sensing & Imagery Analysis

Remote Sensing & Imagery Analysis generates products and/or presentations of any natural or man-made feature or related object or activity through satellites, airborne platforms, unmanned aerial vehicles, or other similar means. This competency area contains the knowledge necessary to synthesize technical, geographic, and intelligence information derived through the interpretation or analysis of imagery and collateral materials as well as the processes, uses, interpretations, and manipulations of imagery for dissemination. Remote Sensing & Imagery Analysis includes:

Remote Sensing Fundamentals Imagery Enhancement • Image Target Elements (e.g., tone, shape, size, • 1st and 2nd Generation Orthorectification pattern, texture, shadow, association) • Georeferencing • Types of Resolution (e.g., spatial, spectral, • Dynamic Range Adjustments radiometric, temporal, extent) • Spatial Filtering • Analog and Digital Imagery Formats • Image Histogram • Imagery Sensors for Remotely Sensed Data (e.g., LiDAR, airborne, electro-optical, radar, • Stereoscopic Visualization infrared, full-motion video) • Imagery Mensuration Techniques • Airborne vs. Satellite Imagery Imagery Transformation • Active and Passive Sensor Considerations • Principal Components Analysis • Relationship Between Sensors, Resolution, and Electromagnetic Spectrum • Spectral Ratioing • Combinations of Sensors and/or Resolutions • Multi-Resolution Integration to Generate End Product Imagery Classification • Common Challenges Associated with Remotely Sensed Imagery Data (e.g., atmospheric/weather, • Supervised Image Classification ground effects/dust, camouflage) • Unsupervised Image Classification • Image Evaluation (e.g., sources of systematic and • Classification Accuracy Assessment unsystematic errors, accuracy, precision, National and Error Analysis Imagery Interpretation Ratings Scales) • Information Classes and Spectral Classes • Image Metadata • Automated Feature Extraction • Other Sensors (e.g., unattended ground sensors, supervisory control and data acquisition, relationship Imagery Analysis with materials identification and analysis) • Radar Imagery Analysis Imagery Preprocessing • LiDAR Imagery Analysis • Geometric Correction • Multispectral Imagery Analysis • Radiometric Corrections • Hyperspectral Imagery Analysis • Mosaicking • Pan Sharpening • Geometric Registration • Change Detection Techniques • Geographic Object-Based Imagery Analysis • Time Series Imagery Exploitation • Analysis of Polarized Imagery

8 GEOINT ESSENTIAL BODY OF KNOWLEDGE COMPETENCY III: Geospatial Data Management

A subset of GEOINT that includes the knowledge required to acquire, manage, retrieve, and disseminate data to facilitate integration, analysis, and synthesis of geospatial information. Geospatial Data Management consists of: • Data Types & Considerations Database Management • Structured Data Considerations • Data Searching (e.g., analysis, manipulation, creation, integration) (e.g., query operations, query languages) • Unstructured Data Considerations • Big Data Management (e.g., analysis, manipulation, creation, integration) • Storage and Retrieval Principles • Geospatial File Types • Data Dissemination Considerations Data Security • Metadata Considerations • Data Privacy and Confidentiality Considerations • Attribution • Data Encryption • Map Services/Web Mapping Services Programming & Development • Data Creation • Common Programming Languages (e.g., Python) Database Design • Software and Application Development Processes • Characteristics of Geospatial Databases • Web Application Program Interfaces (e.g., minimizes “redundancy”) (e.g., iOS, Android) • Data Normalization (e.g., first normal form, second normal form, third normal form) • Conceptual Database Models (e.g., requirements definition, database planning, Entity-Relationship diagram) • Logical Database Models (e.g., cardinality, incidental and structural relationships, storage requirements) • Physical Database Models (e.g., software capabilities and limitations) • Types of Databases (e.g., schema types) • Geospatial Data Considerations • SQL Fundamentals • Distributed Databases (e.g., cloud databases) • Common Geospatial Database Tools

SECTION II 9 COMPETENCY IV: Data Visualization

Data Visualization is a subset of GEOINT that uses cartographic and visualization principles to generate products that represent information about the physical environment and can be easily understood by decision-makers. Data Visualization consists of:

Visualization Principles Maps as Visualizations • Integrity Principles • Color Theory • Design Principles • Symbolizations • Subjective Considerations • Uncertainty (e.g., thematic or positional) • Data Types • Typography (e.g., data and text annotation) • Visual Variables • Attribute Display • Map Projections Types of Visualizations • Map Scale • Area • Metadata Annotation (e.g., marginalia) • Bar • Hardcopy/Softcopy Maps • Circle • Topographic Maps (e.g., hydrographic, aeronautical) • Diagram • Thematic Maps • Distribution • 3-Dimensional Maps • Tree & Network • Flow Maps • Grid/Matrix • Choropleth Maps • Line • Contour Maps • Point • Distorted Maps (e.g., cartogram) • Table • Statistical Plot Maps • Text-based • Time-Varying Maps • Properties • Map Mashups

10 GEOINT ESSENTIAL BODY OF KNOWLEDGE SECTION III Essential Body of Knowledge Cross-Functional Knowledge and Skills

Cross-functional knowledge areas are necessary when there are widely accepted knowledge, skills, and abilities that transcend specific core competencies or where competencies are found across the full scope of practice. Cross- functional GEOINT knowledge, skills, and abilities generally reflect: • Qualitative “soft skills” used by most GEOINTers • Unique aspects of the Universal GEOINT tradecraft applicable to the majority of practitioners • Common GEOINT knowledge and practices that, if followed, will improve the performance of a practitioner

COMPETENCY: Synthesis COMPETENCY: Collaboration

Identifies, locates, and obtains essential information Interacts with others in a friendly, courteous, and tactful efficiently and effectively. Identifies, defines, and manner that demonstrates respect for individual and decomposes problems into component parts to cultural differences and for the attitudes and feelings facilitate a search for a solution. Generates ideas about of others. Works cooperatively and collaboratively a given topic and applies old ideas to new situations with others to achieve goals through sharing or or in new combinations. Synthesizes and integrates integrating ideas, knowledge, skills, information, information into meaningful concepts and ideas. Draws support, resources, responsibility, and recognition. conclusions from a set of facts, recognizes patterns or Facilitates agreements that involve sharing or trends, and determines the consequences of an action. exchanging resources to promote mutual goals and interest; persuades others to change their points of view or behavior without losing support; and resolves COMPETENCY: Reporting conflicts and disagreements. Develops and leverages professional networks to facilitate cooperative Expresses ideas, information, and facts clearly and partnerships that help attain goals. appropriately. Tailors verbal, written, and other forms of communication to intended purpose and audience. Uses language conventions of spelling, punctuation, and grammar properly. Uses appropriate sentence and paragraph structure. Generates products according to organization, industry, and/or professional standards. Solicits constructive feedback from peers in an iterative manner; synthesizes recommendations to generate improved products, services, and processes.

SECTION III 11 tra.jec.to.ry / trǝ'jektǝrē / noun

1: the curve that a body (as a planet or comet in its orbit or a rocket) describes in space

2: a path, progression, or line of development resembling a physical trajectory

3: the official magazine of the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation

Subscribe Today! trajectorymagazine.com

Connect with trajectory SECTION IV Evolution of the GEOINT Essential Body of Knowledge

Genesis 1. Thought Leader Interviews

In 2013, the USGIF Board of Directors approved a A series of interviews were conducted with selected project to develop the concepts necessary to support TLs for two purposes: (1) learning about “work” and the profession of geospatial intelligence. The project “worker” requirements in the geospatial intelligence suggested three focus areas: field; and (2) identifying relevant legacy documents that specify “work” and “worker” requirements in geospatial • Define the distinguishing characteristics of intelligence. USGIF stakeholders nominated TLs to the GEOINT profession/tradecraft interview based on expertise in the discipline. TLs • Define the content and structure of a professional included senior managers and directors from private GEOINT Essential Body of Knowledge sector geospatial organizations, academics involved in developing and implementing geospatial curriculum at • Establish recognition of professional attainment their post-secondary institutions, and representatives (certification) from the public sector. During the interviews, TLs were asked to discuss their experience performing geospatial Development of The Essential intelligence work and describe the knowledge and skills needed to successfully perform that work. In addition, Body of Knowledge TLs were asked to identify any documents that describe work and/or worker requirements for professionals USGIF contracted with Global Skills Exchange (GSX), a working in geospatial intelligence. professional services firm with an extensive background developing and implementing credentialing and 2. Legacy Document Review certification programs, to assist in the develop of the EBK. The EBK serves as the foundational pillar for With a general understanding of the “work” and USGIF’s Universal GEOINT Credentialing Program “worker” requirements, an in-depth legacy document and Universal GEOINT Certification and as such is the review was conducted of the documents suggested basis for the development of subsequent training and by TLs. This step focused on the following documents: professional development initiatives. • Geospatial Technology Competency Model, The EBK represents the product of a series of analytical U.S Department of Labor steps conducted that are described in detail below: • Geospatial-Intelligence Professional Certification (1) thought leader (TL) interviews; (2) legacy document Blueprint, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency review; (3) development of a draft EBK with input from • Future U.S. Workforce for Geospatial Intelligence, subject matter experts (SMEs); (4) validation of the National Research Council draft EBK with input from SMEs; and (5) finalization of the EBK. Each step incorporated USGIF’s vision for • The Geographic Information Science and its GEOINT Credentialing Program (i.e., transparency, Technology Body of Knowledge, UCGIS transportability, trans-industry) through leveraging These documents were reviewed to identify the SME input from across various industry sectors and knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies that incorporating iterative content development and review. similar initiatives found relevant for similar target populations. These documents provided a starting point to develop draft competencies, knowledge, and skills that are relevant for the target population of USGIF’s Universal GEOINT Credentialing Program.

SECTION IV 13 3. Development of a Draft EBK: 4. Validation of the Draft EBK

After interviewing TLs and reviewing legacy documents, Upon completion of the development phase, the the GEOINT EBK was drafted. The EBK development project transitioned to the validation phase in which process was iterative and provided multiple a different set of SMEs participated in focus groups. opportunities for SMEs with various backgrounds and A number of interviews, in-person focus groups, and industry experiences to participate. In coordination and webinars were conducted for the purpose of soliciting cooperation with numerous stakeholders, in-person feedback on the draft EBK. In addition, questionnaires focus groups were conducted with SMEs in: were distributed to those SMEs who were unable to participate in any of the other activities. • Herndon, Va. (at USGIF headquarters) • Reston, Va. (at a USGIF-sponsored event) In total, 72 SMEs from various industry sectors participated during the EBK validation phase. We • Dayton, Ohio (event sponsored by a USGIF partner) reached out to SMEs from various industry sectors • San Diego, Calif. (at a GIS industry conference) to generate the validation data, including input from • Jackson, Miss. academia, the defense and intelligence sector, various (event sponsored by a USGIF partner). segments of business and industry, other federal agencies, and SMEs from the geospatial intelligence In addition, a number of interviews were conducted industry outside of the United States. None of the with selected SMEs who were unable to attend in- SMEs who participated in the development phase also person focus groups. In total, 62 SMEs from various participated in the validation phase. industry sectors participated in the EBK development phase. SMEs from the defense and intelligence As in the development phase, validation focus sector (including government and private industry) group participants were asked to provide qualitative represented more than half of SME participation during comments as well as make ratings that generated the development phase, with other SMEs participating quantitative data used to validate the knowledge and from academia, the oil and gas industry, defense and skills in the EBK. The data provided by the 72 SMEs intelligence, international organizations, emergency during the validation phase was used to generate the response, state and local government, and more. final EBK.

During these development focus groups, SMEs were 5. Finalization of the EBK asked to: (1) review knowledge and skill statements generated in legacy documents; (2) review knowledge We leveraged qualitative and quantitative data provided and skill statements generated by other SMEs; (3) by 134 SMEs from various geospatial intelligence generate additional knowledge and skill statements; sectors to finalize the GEOINT EBK. In particular, we (4) sort knowledge and skill statements into clusters established an analytical decision rule that accounted of competencies; and (5) rate the proficiency needed for the degree of agreement across industry sectors by geospatial intelligence professionals with respect to ensure the knowledge and skills represented in the to the knowledge and skill statements. This activity final product reflect agreement across different groups provided SMEs with the opportunity to generate of SMEs. Thus, the final EBK reflects the knowledge both qualitative and quantitative data for subsequent and skills that are important for geospatial intelligence analysis. A draft GEOINT EBK was developed based on professionals across industries. the data generated during these focus groups.

14 GEOINT ESSENTIAL BODY OF KNOWLEDGE Relationship to Other Organizations

USGIF is strengthening the GEOINT profession through framework covers credentialing entities, recipients, the creation of its new Universal GEOINT Certification. and organizations that would be interested in hiring This in-depth certification requires knowledge of credentialed individuals, as well as organizations and remote sensing and imagery analysis, GIS, data individuals/entities impacted by work performed by management, and synthesis/reporting. Achieving credentialed individuals. USGIF’s Universal GEOINT Certification will allow geospatial professionals to distinguish themselves as In October 2014, USGIF hosted a daylong forum as internationally recognized practitioners. a follow on to the Tampa workshop. Representatives from across the broad spectrum of the geospatial In April 2014, just before the GEOINT Symposium in science and remote sensing communities convened Tampa, Fla., USGIF hosted the Future of Geospatial at USGIF headquarters in Herndon, Va., to discuss Certification Workshop to gauge interest in community- lessons learned, best practices, and how USGIF’s wide collaboration on certification. Representatives credentialing program might be integrated with existing from NGA, ASPRS, GISCI, AAG, Esri, the U.S. certification processes. USGIF intends to reconvene Geological Survey, USGIF-accredited academic this gathering each fall. programs, and others met for an unprecedented dialogue. The gathering resulted in a greater community Two organizations crucial to these conversations understanding of USGIF’s budding Universal GEOINT since the early days of USGIF’s EBK development are Credentialing Program, a decision to collaborate ASPRS and GISCI. Earlier this year, USGIF signed a among interested organizations moving forward, and memorandum of understanding with ASPRS and a increased professional trust among stakeholders. memorandum of agreement with GISCI to further inform the Foundation’s development of its credentialing With the goal of strengthening the professional program. ASPRS offers six certifications related to geospatial credentialing environment, a framework photogrammetry and remote sensing while GISCI is was proposed and agreed upon as a starting point known for its GIS Professional (GISP) certification. for future discussions. This credentialing framework takes into account a variety of existing GEOINT-related These information-sharing partnerships are also credentials such as college degrees, accredited intended to explore the possibility of reciprocity among certificate programs, and accredited certifications. This existing GEOINT credentials and those currently in development.

Future

The GEOINT EBK represents the competencies, In addition, the EBK will require ongoing maintenance. knowledge, and skills relevant for geospatial Given the rapid pace of change in technology, intelligence professionals regardless of the industry geospatial intelligence professionals—and the sector or particular job of their employment. The EBK knowledge and skills necessary for success in the is not, however, descriptive of all knowledge and skills field—will likely change. USGIF intends to update the necessary for all jobs in geospatial intelligence. Rather, GEOINT EBK on an annual basis, which is necessary the EBK is a starting point for understanding the to ensure it continues to remain relevant for practicing requirements within geospatial intelligence; particular professionals. jobs, roles, or functions will likely require additional competencies, knowledge, and skills.

SECTION IV 15 APPENDIX Sources

GIS&T Body of Knowledge: http://www.aag.org/bok

DoL Geospatial Technology Competency Model: http://www.careeronestop.org/competencymodel/competency-models/geospatial-technology.aspx

NGA’s PL-1 Certification Blueprint

Canada Centre for Remote Sensing, Fundamentals of Remote Sensing: http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan. gc.ca/files/earthsciences/pdf/resource/tutor/fundam/pdf/fundamentals_e.pdf

National Research Council, Future U.S. Workforce for Geospatial Intelligence: http://www.nap.edu/catalog/18265/future-us-workforce-for-geospatial-intelligence

Joint Publication 2-03, Geospatial Intelligence in Joint Operations: http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/new_pubs/jp2_03.pdf

Headquarters Department of the Army, Army Techniques Publication 3-34.80, Geospatial Engineering: http://armypubs.army.mil/doctrine/DR_pubs/dr_a/pdf/atp3_34x40.pdf

Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Geospatial Concept of Operations (GeoCONOPS): http://www.nsgic.org/public_resources/HLS_GeoCONOPS_v5.pdf

GeoTECH Center, Meta-DACUM Job/Occupation Analysis, GIS & Remote Sensing: http://www.geotechcenter.org/uploads/2/4/8/8/24886299/metadacum_gis_rs_june_2014.pdf

16 GEOINT ESSENTIAL BODY OF KNOWLEDGE WHAT’S HOT, WHAT’S NOT & WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON

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