GEOINTESSENTIALBODY OF KNOWLEDGETransparent 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.

240

$792KUSGIF in 2014 published the Human Geography

monograph as a community resource.

TEN YEARSSustaining MemberOrganizations

Launched in 2012 as USGIF’s first official print magazine.

GeoGraphySocio-Cultural Dynamics and Challenges to Global Security

Darryl G. Murdock, Robert R. Tomes and Christopher K. Tucker, editors

M o n o g r a p h S e r i e Su S g i f V o L u M e 1

in Scholarshipsawarded since 2004

USGIF produces the GEOINT Symposium,

the largest intelligence event in the world.

USGIF is developing the first Universal GEOINT Credentialing Program to bolster profesional development in the GEOINT tradecraft.

Twelve Accredited Geospatial Intelligence Certificate Programs Northeastern

West Point

Penn State

George Mason

USCRedlands

Air Force Academy

U. of UtahUM Columbia

Fayetteville State

UT Dallas U. of South Carolina

Did you know USGIF offers hundreds of hours of training, education, and professional development opportunities throughout the year?

Almost 500 students have graduated from

USGIF-accredited programs with

GEOINT Certificates.

1

S E C T I O N IThe 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

S E C T I O N I IUniversal 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

S E C T I O N I I IGEOINT Essential Body of Knowledge Cross-Functional Knowledge and Skills � � � � � � � � � 11

COMPETENCY: Synthesis � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 11

COMPETENCY: Reporting � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 11

COMPETENCY: Collaboration � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 11

S E C T I O N I VEvolution 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

A P P E N D I XSources � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 16

GEOINTESSENTIAL BODY OF KNOWLEDGE

Throughou t the pas t 20 yea rs , geograph ic ,

mathematical, scientific, technical, collections, and

analysis disciplines have converged as components of

a larger discipline—geospatial intelligence (GEOINT)�

GEOINT has become the cornerstone of U�S� national

and homeland security activities through its place at the

functional center of many diverse intelligence methods

and applications�

In 2003, a group of leading authorities realized an

inherent need for a unified vision and approach to

promoting the geospatial intelligence tradecraft�

This group created the successful GEO-INTEL 2003

conference—the predecessor to the annual GEOINT

Symposium—and in early 2004 established the United

States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF)� The

Foundation’s mission was, and continues to be, to bring

together government, industry, academia, professional

organizations, and individuals for the advancement of

the geospatial intelligence tradecraft�

Recently, the private sector has experienced a similar

rise in its applications of GEOINT� Geospatial Intelligence

is now part of Business Intelligence (BI)� Place and time

are part of the working fabric that forms BI and informs

decision-makers at all levels� However, the practice of

GEOINT still requires exceptional skill and training�

Being the first and only organization of its kind,

USGIF has helped advance the GEOINT tradecraft

through its many events and programs, such as the

highly acclaimed GEOINT Symposium and GEOINT

Community Week� The Foundation has awarded almost

$800,000 in scholarships to students studying the

geospatial sciences—from high school students to

doctoral candidates� USGIF has accredited 12 college

and university GEOINT programs: Fayetteville State

University, George Mason University, Northeastern

University, Pennsylvania State University, University of

Missouri, University of Redlands, University of South

Carolina, University of Southern California, University

of Texas at Dallas, University of Utah, the U�S� Air Force

Academy, and the U�S� Military Academy at West Point�

USGIF has awarded more than 500 GEOINT certificates

to students graduating from these accredited schools

with hundreds more matriculating through the programs�

The Foundation also offers more than 100 hours of

training and education sessions throughout the year�

USGIF currently has more than 240 sustaining member

organizations supporting and assisting in executing the

Foundation’s objectives, but is primarily an educational

foundation�

S E C T I O N I 3

S E C T I O N I

The GEOINT Essential Body of Knowledge

Transparency and TransportabilityThis document provides background information and context as well as outlines standards for the broad practice of Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT)� The Essential Body of Knowledge (EBK) is at the heart of USGIF’s efforts to professionalize the global GEOINT workforce� Within this document are examples of transparency and transportability, the hallmarks of our program�

Transparency means not only may any aspiring GEOINT professional gain access to the EBK, but he or she can also understand the process by which the EBK

was created and will evolve over time� The EBK is not a one-time creation� Rather, it will grow and change to reflect the sweeping changes we see in the wide variety of GEOINT sub-disciplines�

Transportabi l i ty means the Universal GEOINT Certification, built and administered by USGIF, will be valued within and between many industries� Thus, the concept of a “trans-industry” credential is introduced as a manifestation of transportability�

Essential Body of Knowledge BackgroundWhile there are several definitions that attempt to frame the Geospatial Intelligence profession, the most well-known definition of GEOINT stems from the United States Code, Title 10, section 467 (10 U�S�C� § 467), which states:

“The term ‘geospatial intelligence’ means the exploitation and analysis of imagery and geospatial information to describe, assess, and visually depict physical features and

geographically referenced activities on the earth. Geospatial intelligence consists of

imagery, imagery intelligence, and geospatial information.”

In October 2011, Dr� Michael Vickers, then Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence, issued a memorandum calling for the accredited certification of intelligence professionals, including those at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)� In the memo, Vickers cited the professionalization of the Intelligence Community workforce as critical to evolving mission demands and called upon training and education to meet skill gaps in analysis, foreign language, cyber, human intelligence, counterintelligence, and technical intelligence�

In response to Vickers’ memo, then-NGA Director Letitia A� Long cited USGIF as a partner organization to help the agency meet this goal� In October 2013, USGIF and NGA entered into a cooperative research and development agreement al lowing the two organizations to share best practices and partner on defining a set of GEOINT competencies for the entire community�

USGIF recognized the practice of GEOINT extended well beyond the U�S� Defense, Intelligence, and Homeland Security Communities� This realization prompted the development of a Universal GEOINT Certification� The goal was to create industry’s answer to government-specific credentials through the development of a transparent, transportable, and trans-industry certification appropriate for both government and commercial GEOINT practitioners�

USGIF embarked upon a 16-month effort to define this GEOINT EBK, which depicts the knowledge, skills, and abilities a practicing GEOINT professional should possess� USGIF engaged the subject matter expertise of industry organizations such as the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (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�

G E O I N T E S S E N T I A L B O D Y O F K N O W L E D G E4

Essential Body of Knowledge PurposeThe EBK describes the sum of knowledge within the GEOINT profession� As with other professions, the EBK ultimately resides with the practitioners and academics that apply and advance the tradecraft� The EBK includes knowledge of proven practices that are widely applied as well as innovative and advanced practices�

The primary purpose of this document is to identify and describe the knowledge and skills critical for those working in the GEOINT profession� Geospatial intelligence is a dynamic tradecraft� As the profession continues to evolve so will the EBK, continuing to reflect appropriate and meaningful changes to the GEOINT tradecraft and to incorporate new approaches to performing tasks that become more prevalent�

USGIF set out to create a blended set of core competencies that incorporate tasks from a number of disciplines previously thought to be stand-alone activities and occupations� Rather than identifying knowledge and skills that are specific to a certain occupation or job, this EBK defines what it means to be a GEOINT professional through identifying knowledge and skills that cut across many different occupations�

In addition, GEOINT is more about the analysis enabled by technology than about the technology itself� As technologies merge they become less of a barrier between the disciplines of remote sensing and GIS� The universal core competencies articulated in this 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

• Aeronautical Analysts

• Business Market Analysts

• Counterintelligence Officers

• Demographers

• Economic Development Specialists

• Emergency Preparedness Specialists

• Environmental Scientists

• Geodetic Surveyors

• GEOINT Analysts (Analytic Methodologist, Geodetic Earth Sciences, Geodetic Orbit Sciences, LiDAR Image Science, Photogrammetric Image Science, Radar Image Science, Spectral Image Science, Thermal Infrared Image Science)

• Geospatial Data Stewards

• GIS Analysts (Consultant, Coordinator, Developer, Instructor, Programmer, Project Manager, Sales & Marketing, Spatial Analyst, Specialist, Supervisor, Technical Writer, Tech Lead, Technician, Tester, Administrator)

• Hydrologists

• Imagery Acquisition Specialists

• Imagery Analysts

• Imagery Scientists

• LiDAR Project Managers

• Maritime Analysts

• Open-Source Analysts

• Public Health Specialists

• Research Specialists

• Scientists

• Surveyors

• Source Strategies Analysts

• Systems Engineers

• Wildlife Biologists

S E C T I O N I 5

Essential Body of Knowledge Competency AreasThe 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 knowledge necessary to ensure the various elements and approaches of GIS and analysis are properly understood in order to successfully capture, store, manage, and visualize data that is linked directly to a location�

Competency II: Remote Sensing & Imagery Analysis describes the knowledge necessary to generate products and/or presentations of any natural or man-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�

Competency III: Geospatial Data Management describes the knowledge required to acquire, manage, retrieve, and disseminate data to facilitate integration, analysis, and synthesis of geospatial information�

Competency IV: Data Visualization describes the use of cartographic and visualization principles to generate products that represent information about the physical environment that can be easily understood by decision-makers�

Collaboration

GEOINT Essential Body of Knowledge

ReportingSynthesis

GIS & Analysis Tools

Data Visualization

Geospatial

Data ManagementRemote

Sensin

g

& Imag

ery Ana

lysis

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.

Collegiate Accreditation Program

7S E C T I O N I I

S E C T I O N I I

Universal GEOINT Competency Areas

COMPETENCY I: GIS & Analysis ToolsA 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• Vector and Vectorization (e�g�, digitization)

• Raster

• Types of Geospatial Information

• Fundamentals of Geodesic Science (e�g�, geoid, ellipsoid, coordinate systems, heights, point positioning, datum)

• Spatial Topology

• Feature Attribution

Data Evaluation Principles• Common Limitations of Geospatial Data

(e�g�, uncertainty, relative and absolute accuracy, precision)

• Data Validation

• Non-structured Data Evaluation

Spatial Analysis & Statistics• Spatial Structures and Models

• Algorithms for Spatial Analysis

• Spatio-temporal Analysis (e�g�, trend analysis, predictive/anticipatory analysis)

• Analysis of Surfaces (e�g�, elevation data)

• Raster Analysis Techniques (e�g�, raster mathematics)

• Geocoding (e�g�, land partitioning systems)

• Vector Analysis (e�g�, network analysis)

• Statistical Techniques and Concepts

• Non-structured Data Analytics

• Geostatistical Methods

• Conceptual Analytic Modeling

• Structured Analytic Techniques

Geospatial Data Fusion• Metadata Requirements (e�g�, metadata standards,

geospatial standard organizations – Federal Geospatial Data Committee)

• Common Data Fusion Applications

• Fusion of Geospatial Data with Remotely Sensed Data (e�g�, applications and location-based intelligence, activity-based intelligence)

• Fusion of Various Types of Remotely Sensed Data

• Common Errors and Limitations Resulting from Data Fusion

Open-Source Geospatial Data• Sources and Types of Open-Source Geospatial Data

(e�g�, non-structured data)

• Geospatial Crowdsourcing (e�g�, volunteered geographic information, “participatory sensing”)

• Common Capabilities and Limitations of Open-Source Geospatial Data (e�g�, open-source versus proprietary data, data quality)

• Open-Source Geospatial Standards

• Sources of Open-Source Geospatial Error

• Open-Source “Spoofing”

Geography Concepts & Principles• Human Geography: Interrelationships Between

Humans and Their Environment (e�g�, cultural, economic, health, historic, political, population)

• Physical Geography: Geomorphology, Environmental/Climate Geography

• Virtual Geography

G E O I N T E S S E N T I A L B O D Y O F K N O W L E D G E8

COMPETENCY II: Remote Sensing & Imagery AnalysisRemote 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• Image Target Elements (e�g�, tone, shape, size,

pattern, texture, shadow, association)

• Types of Resolution (e�g�, spatial, spectral, radiometric, temporal, extent)

• Analog and Digital Imagery Formats

• Imagery Sensors for Remotely Sensed Data (e�g�, LiDAR, airborne, electro-optical, radar, infrared, full-motion video)

• Airborne vs� Satellite Imagery

• Active and Passive Sensor Considerations

• Relationship Between Sensors, Resolution, and Electromagnetic Spectrum

• Combinations of Sensors and/or Resolutions to Generate End Product

• Common Challenges Associated with Remotely Sensed Imagery Data (e�g�, atmospheric/weather, ground effects/dust, camouflage)

• Image Evaluation (e�g�, sources of systematic and unsystematic errors, accuracy, precision, National Imagery Interpretation Ratings Scales)

• Image Metadata

• Other Sensors (e�g�, unattended ground sensors, supervisory control and data acquisition, relationship with materials identification and analysis)

Imagery Preprocessing• Geometric Correction

• Radiometric Corrections

• Mosaicking

• Geometric Registration

Imagery Enhancement• 1st and 2nd Generation Orthorectification

• Georeferencing

• Dynamic Range Adjustments

• Spatial Filtering

• Image Histogram

• Stereoscopic Visualization

• Imagery Mensuration Techniques

Imagery Transformation• Principal Components Analysis

• Spectral Ratioing

• Multi-Resolution Integration

Imagery Classification• Supervised Image Classification

• Unsupervised Image Classification

• Classification Accuracy Assessment and Error Analysis

• Information Classes and Spectral Classes

• Automated Feature Extraction

Imagery Analysis• Radar Imagery Analysis

• LiDAR Imagery Analysis

• Multispectral Imagery Analysis

• Hyperspectral Imagery Analysis

• Pan Sharpening

• Change Detection Techniques

• Geographic Object-Based Imagery Analysis

• Time Series Imagery Exploitation

• Analysis of Polarized Imagery

9

COMPETENCY III: Geospatial Data ManagementA 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

• Structured Data Considerations (e�g�, analysis, manipulation, creation, integration)

• Unstructured Data Considerations (e�g�, analysis, manipulation, creation, integration)

• Geospatial File Types

• Data Dissemination Considerations

• Metadata Considerations

• Attribution

• Map Services/Web Mapping Services

• Data Creation

Database Design• Characteristics of Geospatial Databases

(e�g�, minimizes “redundancy”)

• 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

Database Management• Data Searching

(e�g�, query operations, query languages)

• Big Data Management

• Storage and Retrieval Principles

Data Security• Data Privacy and Confidentiality Considerations

• Data Encryption

Programming & Development• Common Programming Languages (e�g�, Python)

• Software and Application Development Processes

• Web Application Program Interfaces (e�g�, iOS, Android)

S E C T I O N I I

G E O I N T E S S E N T I A L B O D Y O F K N O W L E D G E10

COMPETENCY IV: Data VisualizationData 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• Integrity Principles

• Design Principles

• Subjective Considerations

• Data Types

• Visual Variables

Types of Visualizations• Area

• Bar

• Circle

• Diagram

• Distribution

• Tree & Network

• Grid/Matrix

• Line

• Point

• Table

• Text-based

• Properties

Maps as Visualizations• Color Theory

• Symbolizations

• Uncertainty (e�g�, thematic or positional)

• Typography (e�g�, data and text annotation)

• Attribute Display

• Map Projections

• Map Scale

• Metadata Annotation (e�g�, marginalia)

• Hardcopy/Softcopy Maps

• Topographic Maps (e�g�, hydrographic, aeronautical)

• Thematic Maps

• 3-Dimensional Maps

• Flow Maps

• Choropleth Maps

• Contour Maps

• Distorted Maps (e�g�, cartogram)

• Statistical Plot Maps

• Time-Varying Maps

• Map Mashups

11

S E C T I O N I I I

Essential Body of Knowledge Cross-Functional Knowledge and SkillsCross-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: SynthesisIdentifies, locates, and obtains essential information efficiently and effectively� Identifies, defines, and decomposes problems into component parts to facilitate a search for a solution� Generates ideas about a given topic and applies old ideas to new situations or in new combinations� Synthesizes and integrates information into meaningful concepts and ideas� Draws conclusions from a set of facts, recognizes patterns or trends, and determines the consequences of an action�

COMPETENCY: ReportingExpresses ideas, information, and facts clearly and 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�

COMPETENCY: CollaborationInteracts with others in a friendly, courteous, and tactful manner that demonstrates respect for individual and cultural differences and for the attitudes and feelings of others� Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others to achieve goals through sharing or integrating ideas, knowledge, skills, information, support, resources, responsibility, and recognition� Facil itates agreements that involve sharing or exchanging resources to promote mutual goals and interest; persuades others to change their points of view or behavior without losing support; and resolves conflicts and disagreements� Develops and leverages professional networks to facilitate cooperative partnerships that help attain goals�

S E C T I O N I I I

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 <an upward career trajectory>

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

trajectorymagazine.comSubscribe Today!

Connect with trajectory

13S E C T I O N I V

S E C T I O N I V

Evolution of the GEOINT Essential Body of Knowledge

GenesisIn 2013, the USGIF Board of Directors approved a project to develop the concepts necessary to support the profession of geospatial intelligence� The project suggested three focus areas:

• Define the distinguishing characteristics of the GEOINT profession/tradecraft

• Define the content and structure of a professional GEOINT Essential Body of Knowledge

• Establish recognition of professional attainment (certification)

Development of The Essential Body of KnowledgeUSGIF contracted with Global Skills Exchange (GSX), a professional services firm with an extensive background developing and implementing credentialing and certification programs, to assist in the develop of the EBK� The EBK serves as the foundational pillar for USGIF’s Universal GEOINT Credentialing Program and Universal GEOINT Certification and as such is the basis for the development of subsequent training and professional development initiatives�

The EBK represents the product of a series of analytical steps conducted that are described in detail below: (1) thought leader (TL) interviews; (2) legacy document review; (3) development of a draft EBK with input from subject matter experts (SMEs); (4) validation of the draft EBK with input from SMEs; and (5) finalization of the EBK� Each step incorporated USGIF’s vision for its GEOINT Credentialing Program (i�e�, transparency, transportability, trans-industry) through leveraging SME input from across various industry sectors and incorporating iterative content development and review�

1� Thought Leader Interviews

A series of interviews were conducted with selected TLs for two purposes: (1) learning about “work” and “worker” requirements in the geospatial intelligence field; and (2) identifying relevant legacy documents that specify “work” and “worker” requirements in geospatial intelligence� USGIF stakeholders nominated TLs to interview based on expertise in the discipline� TLs included senior managers and directors from private sector geospatial organizations, academics involved in developing and implementing geospatial curriculum at their post-secondary institutions, and representatives from the public sector� During the interviews, TLs were asked to discuss their experience performing geospatial intelligence work and describe the knowledge and skills needed to successfully perform that work� In addition, TLs were asked to identify any documents that describe work and/or worker requirements for professionals working in geospatial intelligence�

2� Legacy Document Review

With a general understanding of the “work” and “worker” requirements, an in-depth legacy document review was conducted of the documents suggested by TLs� This step focused on the following documents:

• Geospatial Technology Competency Model, U�S Department of Labor

• Geospatial-Intelligence Professional Certification Blueprint, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

• Future U�S� Workforce for Geospatial Intelligence, National Research Council

• The Geographic Information Science and Technology Body of Knowledge, UCGIS

These documents were reviewed to identify the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies that 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�

G E O I N T E S S E N T I A L B O D Y O F K N O W L E D G E14

3� Development of a Draft EBK:

After interviewing TLs and reviewing legacy documents, the GEOINT EBK was drafted� The EBK development process was i terat ive and provided mult ip le opportunities for SMEs with various backgrounds and industry experiences to participate� In coordination and cooperation with numerous stakeholders, in-person focus groups were conducted with SMEs in:

• Herndon, Va� (at USGIF headquarters)

• Reston, Va� (at a USGIF-sponsored event)

• Dayton, Ohio (event sponsored by a USGIF partner)

• San Diego, Calif� (at a GIS industry conference)

• Jackson, Miss� (event sponsored by a USGIF partner)�

In addition, a number of interviews were conducted with selected SMEs who were unable to attend in-person focus groups� In total, 62 SMEs from various industry sectors participated in the EBK development phase� SMEs from the defense and intelligence sector (including government and private industry) represented more than half of SME participation during the development phase, with other SMEs participating from academia, the oil and gas industry, defense and intelligence, international organizations, emergency response, state and local government, and more�

During these development focus groups, SMEs were asked to: (1) review knowledge and skill statements generated in legacy documents; (2) review knowledge and skill statements generated by other SMEs; (3) generate additional knowledge and skill statements; (4) sort knowledge and skill statements into clusters of competencies; and (5) rate the proficiency needed by geospatial intelligence professionals with respect to the knowledge and skill statements� This activity provided SMEs with the opportunity to generate both qualitative and quantitative data for subsequent analysis� A draft GEOINT EBK was developed based on the data generated during these focus groups�

4� Validation of the Draft EBK

Upon completion of the development phase, the project transitioned to the validation phase in which a different set of SMEs participated in focus groups� A number of interviews, in-person focus groups, and webinars were conducted for the purpose of soliciting feedback on the draft EBK� In addition, questionnaires were distributed to those SMEs who were unable to participate in any of the other activities�

In total, 72 SMEs from various industry sectors participated during the EBK validation phase� We reached out to SMEs from various industry sectors to generate the validation data, including input from academia, the defense and intelligence sector, various segments of business and industry, other federal agencies, and SMEs from the geospatial intelligence industry outside of the United States� None of the SMEs who participated in the development phase also participated in the validation phase�

As in the development phase, validation focus group participants were asked to provide qualitative comments as well as make ratings that generated quantitative data used to validate the knowledge and skills in the EBK� The data provided by the 72 SMEs during the validation phase was used to generate the final EBK�

5� Finalization of the EBK

We leveraged qualitative and quantitative data provided by 134 SMEs from various geospatial intelligence sectors to finalize the GEOINT EBK� In particular, we established an analytical decision rule that accounted for the degree of agreement across industry sectors to ensure the knowledge and skills represented in the final product reflect agreement across different groups of SMEs� Thus, the final EBK reflects the knowledge and skills that are important for geospatial intelligence professionals across industries�

15

Relationship to Other OrganizationsUSGIF is strengthening the GEOINT profession through the creation of its new Universal GEOINT Certification� This in-depth certification requires knowledge of remote sensing and imagery analysis, GIS, data management, and synthesis/reporting� Achieving USGIF’s Universal GEOINT Certification will allow geospatial professionals to distinguish themselves as internationally recognized practitioners�

In April 2014, just before the GEOINT Symposium in Tampa, Fla�, USGIF hosted the Future of Geospatial Certification Workshop to gauge interest in community-wide collaboration on certification� Representatives from NGA, ASPRS, GISCI, AAG, Esri, the U�S� Geological Survey, USGIF-accredited academic programs, and others met for an unprecedented dialogue� The gathering resulted in a greater community understanding of USGIF’s budding Universal GEOINT Credentialing Program, a decision to collaborate among interested organizations moving forward, and increased professional trust among stakeholders�

With the goal of strengthening the professional geospatial credentialing environment, a framework was proposed and agreed upon as a starting point for future discussions� This credentialing framework takes into account a variety of existing GEOINT-related credentials such as college degrees, accredited certificate programs, and accredited certifications� This

framework covers credentialing entities, recipients, and organizations that would be interested in hiring credentialed individuals, as well as organizations and individuals/entities impacted by work performed by credentialed individuals�

In October 2014, USGIF hosted a daylong forum as a follow on to the Tampa workshop� Representatives from across the broad spectrum of the geospatial science and remote sensing communities convened at USGIF headquarters in Herndon, Va�, to discuss lessons learned, best practices, and how USGIF’s credentialing program might be integrated with existing certification processes� USGIF intends to reconvene this gathering each fall�

Two organizations crucial to these conversations since the early days of USGIF’s EBK development are ASPRS and GISCI� Earlier this year, USGIF signed a memorandum of understanding with ASPRS and a memorandum of agreement with GISCI to further inform the Foundation’s development of its credentialing program� ASPRS offers six certifications related to photogrammetry and remote sensing while GISCI is known for its GIS Professional (GISP) certification�

These information-sharing partnerships are also intended to explore the possibility of reciprocity among existing GEOINT credentials and those currently in development�

FutureThe GEOINT EBK represents the competencies, knowledge, and ski l ls relevant for geospatial intelligence professionals regardless of the industry sector or particular job of their employment� The EBK is not, however, descriptive of all knowledge and skills necessary for all jobs in geospatial intelligence� Rather, the EBK is a starting point for understanding the requirements within geospatial intelligence; particular jobs, roles, or functions will likely require additional competencies, knowledge, and skills�

In addition, the EBK will require ongoing maintenance� Given the rapid pace of change in technology, geospatial intell igence professionals—and the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the field—will likely change� USGIF intends to update the GEOINT EBK on an annual basis, which is necessary to ensure it continues to remain relevant for practicing professionals�

S E C T I O N I V

G E O I N T E S S E N T I A L B O D Y O F K N O W L E D G E16

A P P E N D I X

SourcesGIS&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

Download Your Copy Today!

WHAT’S HOT, WHAT’S NOT& WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON

usgif.org

2325 Dulles Corner Blvd. . Suite 450 . Herndon, VA 20171