Introduction to Intelligence Studies

Collection 99

However, GEOINT has drawbacks as well. In the rst place, it can be

exceptionally expensive. In addition, one cannot easily maneuver a satellite in

orbit to cover a target. Given the fact that many satellites are in orbit, targets

can avoid detection if they know when the satellite will pass overhead (some

satellites are in geosynchronous orbit, which means they remain virtually sta-

tionary over a target and can gather data for long periods of time). Moreover,

disinformation can be employed to “fool” GEOINT. As far back as World

War I, dummy and inatable tanks, ships, and airplanes were constructed to

throw o the enemy’s aerial surveillance. As well, GEOINT needs to be inter-

preted, which can prove dicult. During the Cuban ...