Google Earth

[Shek]

Its not surprising that the same technology that has helped make us become a world power is being used by an insurgent force. Keeping within asymetric techniques of attacking the weaknesses of a superior force the enemy has not only learned to attack our weaknesses he has adapted to using our own systems. The weakness he has attacked here is our open democratic system of capitalism. The American free market enterpirse and laws that protect it create an open source environment that can fuel the enemy intelligience machine for as long as the war continues. This same system is also a HUMINT paradise to the insurgent intelligence community, the American melting pot and open system we live in is very condusive for HUMINT operations.

BHG

Why not turn the tables? What prevents us from working with Google to capture foreign IP addresses of those who query military installation imagery? Get Google to post some misleading imagery for certain installations? Accidentally lose bogus high resolution imagery maps while on patrol?

The first two options above may or may not be possible, but the third possibility is always available. Depending on the sophistication, the misinformation campaign could also sow mistrust - was the bogus map an honest mistake or was the deliverer an agent of the infidels? Heck, even a simple rumor that the Google Earth images are purposely altered might do the trick or at least force insurgents to spend more time and effort confirming the Google Earth stuff.

[marct]

Hi Shek,

Why not turn the tables? What prevents us from working with Google to capture foreign IP addresses of those who query military installation imagery? Get Google to post some misleading imagery for certain installations? Accidentally lose bogus high resolution imagery maps while on patrol?

The first two options above may or may not be possible, but the third possibility is always available. Depending on the sophistication, the misinformation campaign could also sow mistrust - was the bogus map an honest mistake or was the deliverer an agent of the infidels? Heck, even a simple rumor that the Google Earth images are purposely altered might do the trick or at least force insurgents to spend more time and effort confirming the Google Earth stuff.

Personally, I'd go with the rumour combined with a sattelite version of a Potemkin Village - Google is notorious for telling the government to mind their own business.

Marc

[Jedburgh]

Google tailors Earth for DOD users

Google wants to help Defense Department users fuse and distribute their geospatial data with the same technology that powers the Google Earth application used by 200 million people worldwide...

...In the past year, Google has beefed up its team focused on DOD and other federal agencies, more than tripling its staff to 14 people from four a year ago, Painter said. He was reluctant to disclose customers, but said the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, the Coast Guard and the state of Alabama through a grant from the Homeland Security Department use Google Earth products.

Slapout?

[slapout9]

Some time in the future there might be some public announcements but in the meantime I will say this:
1-The new head of the Alabama Department of Public Safety(besides State Troopers also covers roads and critical infrastructure) is the retired SAC (special agent in charge) of the Secret Service in Montgomery,Al. The first time in their history they went outside the department, not to mention he came from federal LE.
2-The lead Law Enforcement Agency at DHS is the Secret Service.
3-For obvious reasons for years the Secret Service has had "one of a kind" surveillance and tracking capabilities.
4-The terrorist and all bad guys in general are going to experience Boots on the ground, Eyes on the people!!, and mind on the Mission like it has never been done before.
Me and Bubba been busy

[Jedburgh]

...and yet more exploitation - from the useful to the ridiculous - of Google Earth:

Google Earth Hacks

Lots of file downloads, as well as blog and forum features.