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Tactical IMINT Examples from 1944/45 North-West Europe.

"Imagery intelligence" or "IMINT" is information from images. Classically, this involved air photography of enemy rear areas, but even photos taken by hand can constitute "IMINT." Today it includes all manner of imaging devices, including radar, infra-red and other exotic "picture types." Major powers have not just special aircraft but also orbital satellites to take such pictures, but nowadays, anyone willing to pay can buy some commercial satellite imagery.  The following are examples of air photography taken of Nazi occupied positions in Holland and Germany in 1944 and 45.

(Images Courtesey of Mr T. Last @ Imstrat.ca)

AIRFIELD DENIAL
ZIERIKZEE, NETHERLANDS
DATE UNKNOWN
GERMAN ARTILLERY POSITIONS
WESAL, GERMANY
23 MAR 1945

(click on image to enlarge)

(click on image to enlarge)
This image reveals trenching by Nazi defensive force to prevent glider landing.  Imagery also reveals extensive cratering from ALLIED bombing missions. This image reveals extensive preparations of an Artillery position, with re-vetted ammunition storage and communications trenching clearly visible.  Quality of imagery indicates occupied positions of unidentifiable equipment/weapons.

 
ANTI-AIRCRAFT GUN POSITIONS
ENSCHEDE, NETHERLANDS
DATE UNKNOWN
ALLIED ARMOURED COLUMN
WESAL, GERMANY
3 MAR 1945

(click on image to enlarge)

(click on image to enlarge)
This image reveals 3 anti-aircraft gun positions connected with communications  trenching from the position photo north. This image indicates the advance of Allied forces through Wesal, Germany. 

 
OPERATION OVERLORD "D-DAY"
INVASION  BEACH
GRAYE-SUR-MERE, NORMANDY, FRANCE
6 JUNE 1944.  APROX 11 TO 13:00 HRS LOCAL
 x

(click on image to enlarge)
 x
This is a sterographic image of a small portion of one of the Invasion beaches.  Stereographic images provide interpreters with a wealth of information, as movement can be detected and observed.  This image reveals numerous stationary armoured vehicle's (photo top) preparing to advance inland.  This image also reveals 14 amphibious landing craft either beached and/or not underway. However, two (photo bottom left) landing craft are underway.  This image also reveals the approximate time of day due to shadowing, which is approximately 11:00 to 13:00 hrs local.
 x

 

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