Navigating Geospatial Intelligence: Key Drivers and IT Opportunities
As the demand for trustworthy visual data collection and advanced technologies to support strategic decision-making continues to rise, geospatial intelligence plays a vital role in delivering essential military and environmental insights to the intelligence community. Recently at the GEOINT Conference in St. Louis, leaders from several intelligence agencies shed light on the future of geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) and its relationship with emerging technologies. Key participants such as the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) unveiled challenges and priorities centering on the role of data, AI, and collaboration in shaping GEOINT, highlighting the importance of data quality, integration, speed and trust in leveraging AI to keep the nation safe from threats at home and abroad.
The NGA, in particular, discussed its vision for the future and the challenges it faces in adapting to technological advancements. Real-time data access, seamless user experiences and fast visual data processing were identified as crucial factors in meeting the agency’s evolving demands. The NGA aims to leverage AI and explore methods to detect deep fakes to attain confidence in decision-making. Balancing expertise with automation, fostering partnerships and prioritizing cybersecurity were also key points of emphasis. Mark Munsell, NGA Director of Data and Digital Innovation conveyed the value of human analysts in interpreting and storytelling with the “large language models” behind AI being essential in supporting the work of the agency. He also highlighted the significance of innovation and collaboration across the IC and partnering with industry to accomplish the NGA’s mission and address its challenges. Optimism about advancements in technology, particularly in GEOINT, was expressed, as numerous vendors showcased their innovative technologies at the GEOINT 23 conference.
In a similar spirit, Chris Scalesse, director of the NRO, emphasized the importance of industry collaboration and the need for government agencies to go beyond funding and actively engage with industry partners. He stressed the necessity of procuring innovative solutions and fostering stronger partnerships to maintain the United States' advantage over competitors like China. The NRO has put forth efforts to integrate new technologies and bring more commercial services into its architecture, with a focus on small companies and capability development. Ground systems, data processing, and user profiles were identified as areas needing evolution to support rapid intelligence delivery and warfighter training.
Lieutenant General Scott Berrier, Director of the DIA, shed light on the evolving threat landscape and the importance of adapting to meet the challenges of the modern era. General Berrier highlighted the dangers posed by China, Russia, North Korea and violent extremist organizations. He stressed the need for ongoing vigilance and intelligence efforts to counter these threats effectively. The DIA has made significant investments in technology modernization and human resources to enhance intelligence gathering and analysis such as the Machine-Assistant Analytic Rapid Repository System (MARS), designed to infuse the military intelligence database with rich insights derived from diverse sources, including geospatial sensing and AI tools. General Berrier also emphasized the importance of partnerships, including collaboration with other IC counterparts such as the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and National NGA to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of the intelligence community as a whole.
The intelligence community agencies have revealed their priorities and strategies; presenting valuable insights for IT vendors to customize their sales messages accordingly. Here are key GEOINT takeaways on each agency:
The NGA:
- Real-time data access, seamless user experiences and fast processing as key factors
- Leveraging AI, detecting deep fakes and addressing data integrity
- Balancing expertise with automation, fostering partnerships and prioritizing cybersecurity
The NRO:
- Reforming space acquisitions to maintain the US advantage
- Integrating new technologies and bringing in more commercial services
- Evolution of ground systems, data processing, and user profiles
The DIA:
- Evolving threat landscape with China, Russia, North Korea, and violent extremist organizations
- Importance of GEOINT in providing military intelligence
- Partnerships and investments in technology modernization
Cracking the code to sell successfully to the intelligence community is no enigma when it comes to spatial intelligence. You want to emphasize data integration and highlight your understanding of the need for speed, innovation in visuals processing, the use of AI/ML and innovative technology solutions. Foster collaboration and partnerships with intelligence agencies like NGA, NRO, DIA and others within the intelligence community where communication flow is highly encouraged. Prioritize cybersecurity measures, including automation and encrypted data processing. It is essential to offer advanced solutions for ground infrastructure, data processing and user profiles to ensure that your solutions are actionable and aligned with the agency. Seek opportunities to collaborate with other industry partners to integrate new technologies. Finally, you want to leverage the capabilities of small businesses that have been gaining steadfast support from and importance to the intelligence community.
To get more TD SYNNEX Public Sector Market Insight content, please visit our Market Intelligence microsite.
About the Author: Toan Le is a senior analyst on the TD SYNNEX Public Sector Market Insights team covering the Department of Defense and intelligence community.
Related Blog Posts
Cybersecurity, IT Infrastructure, Market Intelligence
The final CMMC rule went into effect December 16, 2024.
Toan Le
Cybersecurity, Education, Market Intelligence
This year’s annual EDUCAUSE Conference took place in San Antonio, Texas, where higher education leaders shared key insights into top edtech trends, priorities and challenges shaping the higher education landscape. The 2025 Educause Top 10 priorities list addresses how higher education technology and data leaders can work together to restore trust within the education sector by building competent and caring institutions through collaboration, consistent results and shifting from monolithic systems and processes to more flexible and unified solutions.
Yvonne Maffia
Big Data, Cybersecurity, Market Intelligence, Technology
Hello from DoDIIS in Omaha, Nebraska! TDSYNNEX Public Sector is once again attending, so if you didn’t make it out to the city that invented the Reuben sandwich, we’ve got you covered. The conference kicked off with a heavy focus on several prevailing themes, notably: cybersecurity, deterrence, interoperability, and data centricity. If you read that list and thought AI was missing – fear not – it was included in discussions, but primarily as a vehicle for aiding in the intelligence community’s (IC) top priorities.
Susanna Patten
Cybersecurity, Market Intelligence, State & Local Government, Technology
The 2024 National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) Annual Conference took place in New Orleans, Louisiana earlier this month, where state leaders shared key insights into FY25 top technology priorities, challenges and lessons learned. Some of the key focus areas included AI, with emphasis on generative AI (Gen AI) tech, data management, governance, privacy and accessibility, cybersecurity and risk management and digital services and modern government.
Yvonne Maffia
AI, Cybersecurity, Market Intelligence
This month marks the 20th anniversary of the declaration of “Cybersecurity Awareness Month,” originally created by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance in 2004. Since then, we’ve seen vast amounts of change and innovation in the sector. We’ve also seen continually updated legislation, new technology and opportunities for IT companies to penetrate the market as federal agencies continue to watch threats evolve.
Susanna Patten
Federal Fiscal Year End, Federal Government, Market Intelligence, Technology
At this point, anyone keenly watching the budget process every year can tell you the likelihood of a continuing resolution (CR) being passed as opposed to a new budget by Oct 1st is all but guaranteed. CRs act as a temporary stopgap designed to avoid a government shutdown. However, it also locks funding to the previous fiscal year’s level and prevents new projects from getting started. Projects then remain under operations and maintenance until a new budget, with new requirements, is passed.
Susanna Patten
Federal Fiscal Year End, Federal Government, Market Intelligence, Technology
At this point, anyone keenly watching the budget process every year can tell you the likelihood of a continuing resolution (CR) being passed as opposed to a new budget by Oct 1st is all but guaranteed. CRs act as a temporary stopgap designed to avoid a government shutdown. However, it also locks funding to the previous fiscal year’s level and prevents new projects from getting started. Projects then remain under operations and maintenance until a new budget, with new requirements, is passed.
Susanna Patten
Cybersecurity, Federal Government, Market Intelligence, Technology
The US military information network comprises over 15,000 classified and unclassified networks facilitating information exchange for service members worldwide. Known as the Department of Defense Network (DoDIN), it includes devices such as computers, mobile phones, weapons, servers, and data systems consistently serving military personnel at all levels. Data sharing across these devices has been under frequent threats of cyberattacks by adversaries and necessitates keen vigilance by the Defense Information System Agency (DISA) to manage risks and vulnerabilities.
Toan Le
Cybersecurity, Federal Government, Market Intelligence, Technology
The US military information network comprises over 15,000 classified and unclassified networks facilitating information exchange for service members worldwide. Known as the Department of Defense Network (DoDIN), it includes devices such as computers, mobile phones, weapons, servers, and data systems consistently serving military personnel at all levels. Data sharing across these devices has been under frequent threats of cyberattacks by adversaries and necessitates keen vigilance by the Defense Information System Agency (DISA) to manage risks and vulnerabilities.
Toan Le
AI, Education, Market Intelligence, State & Local Government
With the increasing prominence of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), numerous state governments are creating taskforces on AI to help determine their state’s AI strategy.
Gabriel Zighelboim
Cybersecurity, Federal Government, Market Intelligence
Defending against cyberattacks is an ongoing battle for the Air Force, Army, and Navy, and requires strategic maneuvering and intelligent solutions. An integral part of these solutions has been the collaboration and technical support from the defense industrial base (DIB). Recently, the principal cyber advisors from each branch announced their challenges and priorities geared toward addressing cyber needs.
Toan Le
Cybersecurity, Federal Government, Market Intelligence
Defending against cyberattacks is an ongoing battle for the Air Force, Army, and Navy, and requires strategic maneuvering and intelligent solutions. An integral part of these solutions has been the collaboration and technical support from the defense industrial base (DIB). Recently, the principal cyber advisors from each branch announced their challenges and priorities geared toward addressing cyber needs.
Toan Le
FAA, Federal Government, Market Intelligence
Given the numerous commercial airline safety incidents in the news within the past few months, it should be no surprise that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and government legislators have taken an interest in improving the safety of US airspace. The FAA is looking into and implementing new solutions to improve airspace safety, and government legislators are funding airspace safety initiatives.
Gabriel Zighelboim
FAA, Federal Government, Market Intelligence
Given the numerous commercial airline safety incidents in the news within the past few months, it should be no surprise that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and government legislators have taken an interest in improving the safety of US airspace. The FAA is looking into and implementing new solutions to improve airspace safety, and government legislators are funding airspace safety initiatives.
Gabriel Zighelboim
Buildings, Business Applications, CAD General, Digital Design, Federal Government, Infrastructure, State & Local Government
Passed in 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, or Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, is a massive investment in America’s infrastructure that’s creating a wave of opportunities for AEC firms. With billions of dollars allocated for infrastructure projects, many firms have secured funding and are preparing for significant growth.
Darian Burks
Federal Fiscal Year End, Federal Government, Market Intelligence
You read that title correctly; here we are near the end of another federal fiscal year. If you’re thinking it feels like Congress just passed the fiscal year 2024 (FY24) budget, you’re correct. Half of FY24 was spent in a state of continuing resolutions, with the passage of a final budget a whopping six months into the year, in March 2024. Federal agencies have had effectively half the time they would be allotted in an ideal fiscal year timeframe to spend less, the same, or in some cases more money.
Susanna Patten
Federal Fiscal Year End, Federal Government, Market Intelligence
You read that title correctly; here we are near the end of another federal fiscal year. If you’re thinking it feels like Congress just passed the fiscal year 2024 (FY24) budget, you’re correct. Half of FY24 was spent in a state of continuing resolutions, with the passage of a final budget a whopping six months into the year, in March 2024. Federal agencies have had effectively half the time they would be allotted in an ideal fiscal year timeframe to spend less, the same, or in some cases more money.
Susanna Patten
Federal Government, Market Intelligence, Technology
In a contest this year of “Most Popular IT Market Trends” it’s highly likely artificial intelligence (AI) would win first place. Federal agencies have released troves of related guidance in the past year, including an executive order, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memos, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) protocols, and the Department of Defense’ (DoD) AI Strategy. So much of the discussion around AI up until very recently though has been just that: discussion.
Susanna Patten
Federal Government, Market Intelligence, Technology
In a contest this year of “Most Popular IT Market Trends” it’s highly likely artificial intelligence (AI) would win first place. Federal agencies have released troves of related guidance in the past year, including an executive order, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memos, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) protocols, and the Department of Defense’ (DoD) AI Strategy. So much of the discussion around AI up until very recently though has been just that: discussion.
Susanna Patten
Cybersecurity, Market Intelligence, State & Local Government
The 2024 fiscal year-end is coming to a close for 46 states, which means that it’s time to put on those running shoes and take advantage of any last minute, end-of-year opportunities. State, local and education (SLED) organizations are already game planning where to funnel resources and dollars in next year’s budget, highlighting the top priorities and challenges that will shape future downstream requirements.Key points to keep in mind:
Yvonne Maffia
Cybersecurity, Federal Government, Infrastructure, Market Intelligence
Recently the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) released a roadmap entitled Vision for the IC Information Environment to outline a vision to protect the nation from adversaries and maintain a “strategic advantage" over those intending to harm its information infrastructure. The roadmap contains recommendations from a collaboration of more than one hundred technical leaders from the intelligence community (IC).
Toan Le
Cybersecurity, Federal Government, Infrastructure, Market Intelligence
Recently the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) released a roadmap entitled Vision for the IC Information Environment to outline a vision to protect the nation from adversaries and maintain a “strategic advantage" over those intending to harm its information infrastructure. The roadmap contains recommendations from a collaboration of more than one hundred technical leaders from the intelligence community (IC).
Toan Le
Market Intelligence, State & Local Government, Technology
The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently released its Final Rule on Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In doing so, they created numerous new requirements state and local governments need to adhere to in designing their digital offerings including adding video narration options, making websites compatible with assistive technologies and making web page labels descriptive.
Gabriel Zighelboim
Market Intelligence, State & Local Government, Technology, Transportation
Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are all the rage as of late, and one sector where they can provide innumerable benefits deserves special attention – transportation.
Yvonne Maffia
Big Data & Analytics, Healthcare, Market Intelligence, State & Local Government
Maternal and child health (MCH) has become a top concern nationwide, particularly in disadvantaged, underserved and rural communities. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the United States is experiencing a maternal health crisis nationwide, as it has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among high-income nations; increasing rates of complications from pregnancy or childbirth; and persistent disparities in such outcomes.
Yvonne Maffia
Big Data & Analytics, Healthcare, Market Intelligence, State & Local Government
Maternal and child health (MCH) has become a top concern nationwide, particularly in disadvantaged, underserved and rural communities. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the United States is experiencing a maternal health crisis nationwide, as it has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among high-income nations; increasing rates of complications from pregnancy or childbirth; and persistent disparities in such outcomes.
Yvonne Maffia
Application Lifecycle, Market Intelligence, Technology
Federal officials have released a first of its kind Strategy focused on the security of the government’s space-based platforms and infrastructure, and the impact commercial solutions may have on supporting the continued need in this space; pun intended. According to the document, the 2024 Department of Defense (DoD) Commercial Space Integration Strategy is a first for the Department of Defense, and “provides a vision for prioritizing and aligning efforts to integrate commercial solutions into our national security space architecture.”What’s this for?
Susanna Patten
Cybersecurity, Market Intelligence, State & Local Government
The 2024 National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) Midyear Conference took place in National Harbor, Maryland last week where state leaders shared insights into their top technology priorities, challenges, and lessons learned. Some of the key focus areas included artificial intelligence (AI) with emphasis on generative AI, data management, accessibility, and governance, cybersecurity and risk management, and modernization and the digital customer experience.Artificial Intelligence
Yvonne Maffia
Big Data, Market Intelligence
For the United States Navy, data has become a cornerstone of its operations, guiding the course of missions, and ensuring the safety of personnel. Every facet of maritime endeavors, from intelligence gathering, to navigation and logistics, relies on a steady stream of accurate and timely data. Harnessing and making the best use of that data, though, comes with its own challenges. These can include limited bandwidth, stringent security protocols, and the sheer volume of information generated across a host of platforms.
Toan Le
Application Lifecycle, Education, Market Intelligence, State & Local Government
According to data contained in a recent study from Pediatrics, the official scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the number of school shootings in the United States has increased dramatically every year since the 2017-2018 school year. At the same time, school mass shootings have become increasingly deadly. Given this trend and the risk posed by security threats to students and faculty, school districts are desperate to find solutions to improve school security.
Gabriel Zighelboim
Big Data & Analytics, Market Intelligence, State & Local Government
Since 2023, we have seen an explosion in the number of state data privacy laws, demonstrating a clear focus amongst state governments in data privacy. In fact, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, “at least 40 states and Puerto Rico introduced or considered at least 350 consumer privacy bills in 2023.” These data privacy laws create protections for a range of several types of data, from general consumer data protections to specific protections for health data and minor data.
Gabriel Zighelboim
Big Data & Analytics, Market Intelligence, State & Local Government
Since 2023, we have seen an explosion in the number of state data privacy laws, demonstrating a clear focus amongst state governments in data privacy. In fact, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, “at least 40 states and Puerto Rico introduced or considered at least 350 consumer privacy bills in 2023.” These data privacy laws create protections for a range of several types of data, from general consumer data protections to specific protections for health data and minor data.
Gabriel Zighelboim
Federal Fiscal Year End, Federal Government, Market Intelligence, Technology
If you have been confused lately seeing multiple March dates with some mention of the federal budget tied to them, you are not crazy. There are in fact multiple budgets floating out there in the ether: some finalized versions for certain agencies, others still awaiting that vote and presidential approval for fiscal year 2024 (FY24), as well as a wholly new request for funding from the President for FY25 priorities. We will catch you up as succinctly as possible, and if FY24 sounds too confusing, read on to hear what’s catching attention across IT for FY25.
Susanna Patten
Federal Fiscal Year End, Federal Government, Market Intelligence, Technology
If you have been confused lately seeing multiple March dates with some mention of the federal budget tied to them, you are not crazy. There are in fact multiple budgets floating out there in the ether: some finalized versions for certain agencies, others still awaiting that vote and presidential approval for fiscal year 2024 (FY24), as well as a wholly new request for funding from the President for FY25 priorities. We will catch you up as succinctly as possible, and if FY24 sounds too confusing, read on to hear what’s catching attention across IT for FY25.
Susanna Patten
Cybersecurity, Federal Government, Market Intelligence, State & Local Government
The 2024 United States presidential election is rapidly approaching, and state and local governments are focusing their efforts on bolstering election security and ensuring the proper safeguards are in place.
Yvonne Maffia
Cybersecurity, Federal Government, Market Intelligence, State & Local Government
The 2024 United States presidential election is rapidly approaching, and state and local governments are focusing their efforts on bolstering election security and ensuring the proper safeguards are in place.
Yvonne Maffia
Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Market Intelligence
Originally passed in 2014, the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA) was designed to improve the management of all-things-IT across federal agencies. It essentially realigned how the government purchases and updates its technology, with an aim at grading agencies based on their ability to adhere to and improve on the following categories:
Susanna Patten
Market Intelligence, State & Local Government, Technology
The start of a new year often brings uncertainties; but in 2024 one thing is for certain—artificial intelligence (AI) is top of mind nationwide and is expected to have a transformational impact on our society both now and in the future.
Yvonne Maffia
Big Data & Analytics, Market Intelligence, State & Local Government
The year 2024 is just around the corner, and with a new year typically comes new priorities. However, some things, like digital government, are here to stay. Improving the Citizen Experience will continue to be a top priority both now and, in the future, as the modern world emphasizes the importance of personalized services that provide agility, accountability, transparency, equity, efficiency, adaptability.
Prioritizing Citizen Experience
Yvonne Maffia
Big Data & Analytics, Market Intelligence, State & Local Government
The year 2024 is just around the corner, and with a new year typically comes new priorities. However, some things, like digital government, are here to stay. Improving the Citizen Experience will continue to be a top priority both now and, in the future, as the modern world emphasizes the importance of personalized services that provide agility, accountability, transparency, equity, efficiency, adaptability.
Prioritizing Citizen Experience
Yvonne Maffia
Federal Government, Market Intelligence, News, Technology
We’re still in the first quarter of the fiscal year and headed toward the holiday season. Historically, that predicates a slower pace across the federal sector, but not this year. This year, artificial intelligence (AI) is having a moment, and nearly everyone across the public sector, including the White House and The Office of Management and Budget (OMB), has something to say about it.
Susanna Patten
Federal Government, Market Intelligence, News, Technology
We’re still in the first quarter of the fiscal year and headed toward the holiday season. Historically, that predicates a slower pace across the federal sector, but not this year. This year, artificial intelligence (AI) is having a moment, and nearly everyone across the public sector, including the White House and The Office of Management and Budget (OMB), has something to say about it.
Susanna Patten
Federal Government, Market Intelligence, Technology
The era of heightened environmental awareness calls for decisive action, and the federal government has stepped up to lead this transformative journey. Three federal agencies have carved out significant roles in funding and facilitating environmental remediation technologies: the Department of Energy (DOE), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Department of Defense (DoD).
Dawit Blackwell
Federal Government, Market Intelligence, Technology
The era of heightened environmental awareness calls for decisive action, and the federal government has stepped up to lead this transformative journey. Three federal agencies have carved out significant roles in funding and facilitating environmental remediation technologies: the Department of Energy (DOE), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Department of Defense (DoD).
Dawit Blackwell
Federal Government, Healthcare, Market Intelligence, Technology
Modernizing the defense healthcare system has never been more front and center for Defense Health Agency (DHA), the Department of Defense's (DOD) primary arm that manages all things healthcare for military service members and their beneficiaries. With acts of war and terrorism arising from overseas and the possibility of having our troops involved in future conflicts, patient healthcare and service preparedness are top priorities for the agency. So, the DHA is looking to work across federal agencies and industry to strengthen its healthcare systems.
Toan Le
Federal Government, Healthcare, Market Intelligence, Technology
Modernizing the defense healthcare system has never been more front and center for Defense Health Agency (DHA), the Department of Defense's (DOD) primary arm that manages all things healthcare for military service members and their beneficiaries. With acts of war and terrorism arising from overseas and the possibility of having our troops involved in future conflicts, patient healthcare and service preparedness are top priorities for the agency. So, the DHA is looking to work across federal agencies and industry to strengthen its healthcare systems.
Toan Le
Market Intelligence, State & Local Government, Technology
Numerous reports by various organizations, including the Government Accountability Office, have consistently found insufficiencies in state unemployment insurance programs. These insufficiencies were laid bare during the COVID-19 pandemic when increased need for such services, combined with an increase in fraudulent activity targeting unemployment insurance programs, overtaxed states’ unemployment insurance systems.
Gabriel Zighelboim
Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Education, Market Intelligence, State & Local Government, Technology
The annual EDUCAUSE conference highlighted higher education technology trends, goals, challenges, and how to identify a way ahead for higher education institutions to be successful in today’s modern world.
Yvonne Maffia
Cybersecurity, Education, Federal Government, Market Intelligence, Technology
Over the last few months, there have been several recent cybersecurity initiatives at the federal level, aimed at bridging gaps in K-12 cybersecurity policy and strategy.
Yvonne Maffia
Cybersecurity, Education, Federal Government, Market Intelligence, Technology
Over the last few months, there have been several recent cybersecurity initiatives at the federal level, aimed at bridging gaps in K-12 cybersecurity policy and strategy.
Yvonne Maffia