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National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

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Article Genealogy
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National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
NameNational Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
Seal width200
Formed01 October 1996
Preceding1National Imagery and Mapping Agency
JurisdictionUnited States Department of Defense
HeadquartersFort Belvoir, Virginia, U.S.
EmployeesClassified (approx. 14,500)
Chief1 nameVADM Frank D. Whitworth
Chief1 positionDirector
Chief2 nameDr. Michael A. Waschull
Chief2 positionDeputy Director
Parent agencyUnited States Department of Defense
Websitehttps://www.nga.mil

National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency is a combat support agency within the United States Department of Defense and a member of the United States Intelligence Community. It provides critical geospatial intelligence in support of national security objectives, military operations, and disaster relief. The agency's analysts and technologies interpret imagery and data to describe, assess, and visually depict physical features and geographically referenced activities on Earth.

History

The agency traces its lineage to the Survey of the Coast, established by President Thomas Jefferson in 1807 and later renamed the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey. Its modern intelligence function evolved through organizations like the Army Map Service and the Air Force Aeronautical Chart and Information Center during World War II and the Cold War. A major consolidation occurred in 1996 with the creation of the National Imagery and Mapping Agency, which was renamed in 2003 to reflect its core geospatial intelligence mission. Key historical moments include its pivotal role in the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound in Abbottabad and providing support during Hurricane Katrina.

Mission and functions

Its primary mission is to deliver world-class geospatial intelligence that provides a decisive advantage to warfighters, national decision-makers, and first responders. Core functions include analyzing satellite imagery, producing nautical charts and aeronautical charts, and creating tailored data for United States Special Operations Command. The agency also supports arms control and treaty monitoring verification, counterterrorism, and maritime safety. It fulfills a federal mandate to ensure safe navigation for the United States Navy and the United States Merchant Marine.

Organization

The agency is led by a director, a United States Navy vice admiral, and a civilian deputy director, both appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the United States Senate. It is organized into several directorates, including the Source Operations & Management Directorate and the Analysis Directorate. Key components include the Office of Counterproliferation and the NGA School. The agency also maintains close ties with combatant commands like United States Central Command and United States Indo-Pacific Command.

Facilities

Its headquarters complex, known as the Next NGA Campus, is located at Fort Belvoir in Springfield, Virginia. The agency operates major facilities in St. Louis, Missouri, including the former St. Louis Mercantile Library building. Other significant sites include the **NGA Campus East** in Springfield, Virginia, and support offices in the National Reconnaissance Office Operations Center. It also maintains a global presence with support teams embedded with commands like United States European Command in Stuttgart.

Technology and capabilities

The agency leverages advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision to analyze massive volumes of data from sources such as commercial satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles. It develops sophisticated geospatial information systems and modeling tools for terrain analysis. Key programs include the **Global Enhanced GEOINT Delivery system** and partnerships with commercial providers like Maxar Technologies and Planet Labs. Its work in photogrammetry and 3D modeling is critical for mission planning.

Relationship with other agencies

It operates as a key member of the United States Intelligence Community, working closely with the Central Intelligence Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the National Security Agency. Within the United States Department of Defense, it partners with the United States Space Force and the National Reconnaissance Office on overhead systems. It also collaborates with civil agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the United States Geological Survey, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for disaster response and environmental monitoring.

Category:United States Department of Defense agencies Category:United States Intelligence Community Category:National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Category:Geospatial intelligence organizations