• DETECTION: Perceive the presence of an object alien to its background without recognition of the object
  
  
• RECOGNITION: Determine the character of an object and the recognition class to which it belongs, i.e., vehicle, ship, aircraft, etc.
  
  
• IDENTIFICATION: Specification of a particular type or model within a recognition class, e.g., tank versus M1A2 Abrams.
  
  
• TECHNICAL ANALYSIS: Precisely define a feature, object, or component, usually accompanied by drawings and locational details.
  
  
• PHOTOGRAMMETRIC ANALYSIS: Detailed mensuration of photographic details to derive dimensional data and a scaled drawing of an object. Usually required in scientific and technical intelligence analysis (S&TI).
  

The image analyst (IA) is expected to be able to to detect, recognize and identify threat and friendly order of battle, natural, manmade, and cultural features recorded on aerial imagery acquired from anywhere on the earth’s surface. The images of these objects, conditions, and activities all have certain specific characteristics, including the signatures we call the five S’s (see article). The analyst subconsciously sees one or more of these characteristics when viewing an image and is able to evaluate the subject image, visualize the true relationship(s) and, ultimately, deduce the nature of the subject.

In terms of military- and intelligence-oriented analysis, the process essentially consists of identification of physical objects, such as military equipment, facilities, and various activity, in the context of its surroundings. In essence, this equates to a series of information filtering decisions, progressing from the initial detection (perception of the object’s presence) to the more difficult decisions implicit to recognition, identification and, in some cases, technical analysis. This process ultimately includes making associations between other items of equipment, order of battle data/holdings, or further research.

The amount and reliability of the intelligence information extracted from the imagery depends, in no small part, on the background and training of the IA. In fact, the success or failure of any aerial reconnaissance program depends heavily on these personnel. Thus, the more extensive the background of these personnel, including comprehensive training, the more probable that the information derived from the imagery will be complete and accurate.