Piercing the Fog of War with Spectral Imaging
“We have to pierce the fog of war to get to the truth.” These were the words of International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief prosecutor Karim Khan after visiting Bucha, Ukraine, as part of an ongoing inquiry by the ICC. Bucha was the site of reported civilian killings by Russian soldiers in early April, and the city’s mayor alleges that hundreds of civilians there were killed and buried in mass graves.
Part of the ICC’s inquiry may involve the use of a relatively novel tool—spectral imaging. Spectral imaging, a subset of Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT), collects and processes information from across the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) with the purpose of finding objects, identifying materials and phenomenology, or detecting processes. Within spectral imaging, Multispectral Imaging (MSI) involves the capture and comparison of multiple views of a common image or frame. MSI enables well-rounded imagery analysis by isolating forms of light from different parts of the spectrum. When the correct wavelengths are applied, the analyst can compare the resultant views to detect anomalies or inconsistencies in an image. This process can reveal objects like camouflaged military emplacements, through the identification of items such as thermal emissions and hazardous waste. Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) is more advanced and enables analysis through a contiguous spectrum, rather than a finite series of select wavelengths like MSI. Hyperspectral imaging generally produces images of a finer resolution and can provide more information.
Within remote sensing, HSI enables more complex object detection and identification where topographical or geological factors might otherwise inhibit the use of MSI. For example, HSI can be used to detect and identify chemical or biological weapons, conduct bomb damage assessment of underground structures, and can penetrate dense foliage for detection and identification of objects such as troops and vehicles.
In the case of Ukraine, MSI and HSI could be used to detect disturbed soil from a mass grave or possibly the off-gassing of decomposing bodies buried underground. The method would be non-contact and non-invasive, meaning that investigators could search for gravesites without entering combat zones, and disturbing human remains. This process can be executed by scanning the area with spectral sensors mounted on satellites, aircraft, or drones.
In addition to supporting war crimes investigations, spectral imaging is a valuable resource with applications across the full range of national intelligence mission sets. Potential uses include:
Locating and identifying specific pieces of military equipment based on their material spectral signature.
Warning of the upcoming test launch of an adversarial ballistic missile by using spectral imagery to detect the signature of fuel or chemicals loaded onto the missile before launch.
Determining the composition of the radar-absorbing materials on an adversary’s new stealth fighter.
Finding unknown or undeclared nuclear research facilities by detecting the spectral signature of activities associated with uranium enrichment.
Detecting the presence of bomb-making material or Weapons of Mass Destruction in known or suspected terrorist camps or safe houses.
Locating improvised explosive devices and minefields by detecting soil disturbances.
Locating and measuring drug-producing crops (coca, poppy, cannabis) around the world based on the spectral signature of the plant, particularly in countries where on-the-ground access is limited, as well as finding clandestine drug production labs by using spectral imaging to detect elements of the refining process.
While the value of capturing and analyzing the ultraviolet, visible and infrared spectra is understood, the process for integrating this analysis has remained less accessible to many Intelligence analysts. The highly-technical nature of spectral imaging means that often it is overlooked by all-source analysts—many of whom do not have a STEM background—when they conduct their research.
Consequently, analysts may be trying to solve intelligence problems without all available information, resulting in erroneous or unreliable conclusions. Furthermore, for analysts who already understand the technical nature of spectral imaging, it can often be a challenge for analysts to explain findings to decision-makers that incorporate this resource.
ISA’s Spectral Imagery for Intelligence Analysis course provides critical training to enhance the ability of analysts and decision-makers to leverage information derived from spectral imaging. Developed and delivered in partnership with the Rochester Institute of Technology’s Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science, this course teaches analysts to have a better understanding of the science behind spectral imaging. Our training enables analysts to apply analytic tradecraft techniques to the use of spectral imaging, as well as how to communicate the value of spectral imaging across intelligence mission sets. By providing the training tools needed to ensure that this critical resource is fully exploited, the course enables more comprehensive and reliable intelligence analysis.
To schedule your organization’s next training, or for any questions about ISA’s education and training program, contact us at: learn@isallc.net