Forensic Video Services - Technical
History of Photographic Interpretation
Imagery analysis is the study of imagery - it can be a photograph, film, digital image from a CCTV system, satellite photograph or even a drawing. Image interpretation has existed for hundreds of years. Trained observers were sent up in tethered balloons and would sketch the battlefield scene; analysts would then try and make some sense of the intelligence gathered from the sketch. Later, with the invention of photography and the aeroplane, cameras were fixed to the aircraft to take reconnaissance pictures. Officers known as Photographic Interpreters would study these. In the First World War these analysts became highly skilled at interpreting this type of imagery.
As World War Il began it was apparent that photographic reconnaissance would be pivotal to the outcome of the war. Constance Babbington-Smith ran a photographic interpretation unit at Medmenham and her team were credited with one of the most important discoveries of the war - the V1 rocket site at Peenemunde.
One the many benefits of taking several photographs at once (eg when an aircraft is in flight) is that they can be viewed in 3-D. The prints are overlaid to form a 3 Dimensional picture. Early stereoscopes comprised a photo holder and a pair of lenses.
Qualifications of the Imagery Analyst
Numerous digital CCTV surveillance systems are being installed daily throughout the UK. We are one of the most watched nations in the world. So who is equipped with the necessary skills to be able to analyse all this information?
Most Imagery Analysts have a military background. Others come from the medical branch such as police artists or via forensic degree courses. To become an Imagery Analyst candidates have to demonstrate they have the aptitude. Eyesight is rigorously tested for colour perception and the ability to see in 3-D (not everyone can). If successful they are posted to the Defence Intelligence and Security Centre (DISC), for training on what used to be the site of RAF Chicksands in Bedfordshire. There they undergo an intensive course specialising in imagery, photogrammetry and intelligence analysis.
IA's are required to study a diverse amount of targets: enemy tanks, guns, aircraft, weapons, vehicles and missiles, the infrastructure of a country such as their power production, transport, coal, steel, chemical, nuclear or their naval production.
Military IA's have excellent report writing skills and are used to briefing senior officers and politicians - skills that are invaluable in the court.
Do IA's study people? Yes, imagery analysis is about the study of images so they may be required during their career to study potential terrorist suspects in order to identify them.
