thumbnail

The U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the U.S. Intelligence Community: 100 Years of Mapping and Remote Sensing Collaboration, 1879–1979

Circular 1552
National Land Imaging Program
By:
https://doi.org/10.3133/cir1552

Links

Introduction

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)—a Federal civilian agency—and U.S. military and intelligence agencies collaborate on mapping and remote sensing and have since the establishment of the USGS. The organizations exchange data and information and share technology to further their respective missions in service to the American people. Often referred to as examples of “good government” or “whole of government,” the collaboration avoids costly duplication and maximizes time and effort for the government sectors. Collaboration between these sectors started with the original mapping of the United States and evolved to include remote sensing after the advent of aerial photography and satellite imagery.

Suggested Citation

Young, P.M., 2025, The U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the U.S. Intelligence Community—100 years of mapping and remote sensing collaboration, 1879–1979: U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1552, 64 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/cir1552.

ISSN: 2330-5703 (online)

ISSN: 1067-084X (print)

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Introduction
  • Collaborative Relationship Evolution
  • Early Collaboration
  • War Induces Collaboration
  • Collaboration Between World Wars
  • War Inspires Cooperation
  • Into Outer Space
  • Path to Civil-Agency Use
  • U.S. Intelligence Community Influence on the Origins of Landsat
  • Civil Access Codified
  • Summary
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title The U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the U.S. Intelligence Community—100 years of mapping and remote sensing collaboration, 1879–1979
Series title Circular
Series number 1552
ISBN 978-1-4113-4627-7
DOI 10.3133/cir1552
Publication Date September 03, 2025
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) National Civil Applications Center
Description xi, 64 p.
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional publication details