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Chapter 1

Technical collection represents the largest asymmetric edge that technologically advanced countries such as the United States and its allies have in the intelligence business. Intelligence veteran Robert M. Clark’s new book offers a succinct, logically organized, and well written overview of technical collection, explained at a non technical level for those new to the field. Filling a void in the literature, The Technical Collection of Intelligence is the only book that comprehensively examines the collection, processing, and exploitation of non-literal intelligence information, including laser, acoustic, and infrared signals; non-imaging optical intelligence sources; and radar tracking and measurement of aerospace vehicles. A compelling final chapter addresses the substantial challenges that come with managing technical collection.

A stunning full-color interior design features high quality graphics while a handy “tabs” feature keeps content at the ready. A useful list of recommended books and reports, a glossary of terms, and a list of acronyms make this guide a go-to resource. Technical Collection will prove invaluable to all source analysts, managers of technical collection, customers of intelligence, and recruiters for the intelligence community.

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1. Signatures
How Signatures are Used
Signature Libraries
Electromagnetic Spectrum Signatures
Non-EM Signatures
Summary

2. Electromagnetic Sensors
Overview of Collection Sensors
Sensor Performance
Tradeoffs in Sensor Design and Usage
Sensor Suites
Summary

3. Collection Platforms
Satellites
Aircrafts and UAVs
Aerostats
Ships and Submarines
Ground Sites
Summary

4. Optical Imaging and Radiometry
Optical System Basics
Basic Imaging Geometry
Pixels and Resolution Cells
Types of Electro-optical Imagers
Image Processing
Image Exploitation
Stereoscopic Imagery
Video Tracking and Surveillance
Radiometers
Polarimetry
Commercial Imagery
Summary

5. Spectral Sensing and Imaging
The Optical Spectrum
Spectral Imaging
Spectral Signatures
Processing, Exploitation and Analysis of Spectral Signatures
Signature Libraries
Summary

6. Active Sensing: Radar
How Radar Works
Radar Frequency Bands
Laser Radars
Vibrometry
Summary

7. Imaging Radar
Introduction to SAR
How a SAR Operates
Forming a SAR Image
Airborne versus Spaceborn SARs
SAR Image Processing and Exploitation
The SAR-Lupe
Polarimetric SAR
Change Detection
Foliage Penetration SAR
SAR Imaging over Water
Moving Target Indicator
Laser Radar Imaging
Summary

8. Passive RF Collection
ELINT Collection and Analysis
Telemetry Collection and Analysis
COMINT Signatures
Other RF Emissions
Passive RF Sensors
Geolocation
Summary

9. Missile and Space Intelligence
Radar
Optical Sensing: Ground Based
Optical Sensing: Space Based
SIGNIT
Summary

10. Non-EM Signatures
Magnetic and Electric Fields
Nuclear Radiation
Sound and Infrasound
Summary

11. Materiel and Materials Collection and Exploitation
Materials Sampling
Materiel Acquisition and Exploitation
Biometrics
Behaviorial Signatures
Summary

12. Managing Technical Collection
The Ideal in Technical Collection Management
Managing the Front End
Managing the Back End
Evaluating Collection
Managing Across Boundaries
Managing Customer Expectations
Bringing New Collection Capabilities Online
Conclusion
Summary

Recommended Books and Reports

Glossary of Terms

Index

Bob Clark has done a masterful job of de-mystifying technical collection of intelligence. Technical collection capabilities are seldom understood by all save true experts in the field. Dr. Clark has unlocked the door. His book provides the missing ingredient for all “clarity”. Through his deft use of real world examples and keen knowledge he has authored a book that will become mandatory reading for all interested in technical collection and a textbook for the experts. The field of technical collection is no longer a mystery. - Mike Munson, Partner, Intelligence and Security Academy; former Deputy Director, Defense Intelligence Agency

Poor understanding of collection capabilities by intelligence analysts has been shown to be a key factor in intelligence failures. A major discriminator between the best analysts and all the rest is their depth of understanding both capabilities and limitations of collection. Fortunately, Robert Clark's path breaking book clearly explains technical collection to non-technical readers and goes a long way toward giving analysts the necessary tools to appreciably improve their analytical skills. This book is a must-read for serious analysts, their managers, and trainers committed to advancing the profession of intelligence analysis. - Jim Bruce, RAND Corporation and former senior analyst, CIA

Robert M. Clark is an independent consultant performing space systems threat analyses for the US Intelligence Community. He is also a faculty member of the Intelligence and Security Academy and a professor of intelligence studies at the University of Maryland University College. Dr. Clark served in the United States Air Force as a SIGINT collector and intelligence officer, reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel. At CIA, he held a variety of assignments that involved supporting the collection, processing and exploitation of HUMINT, SIGINT, and IMINT. As the President and CEO of the Scientific and Technical Analysis Corporation, he managed collection programs in the SIGINT, IMINT, and technical collection disciplines. Clark holds an SB from MIT, a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois, and a JD from George Washington University. He is a presidential interchange executive, a member of the Virginia state bar, a charter member of the Association of Old Crows, and a patent attorney. Dr. Clark’s Intelligence Analysis: A Target-centric Approach is now in its fourth edition. His second book, The Technical Collection of Intelligence, was published in 2010.