ABSTRACT
The gathering of information is it through covert means without the knowledge of its owner, or through the use of non-secret sources, is the cornerstone of intelligence activity. Information obtained from people–human intelligence–is the oldest means of gathering intelligence. Human intelligence may also be obtained through other means, such as interrogation. While human intelligence represents the oldest form of intelligence collection, since the early years of the twentieth century, developments in technology have quickly been recognised for their intelligence gathering potential. Imagery intelligence is another form of intelligence that has been revolutionised by developments in technology. Imagery intelligence went on to be of particular value to the West during the early Cold War period, when the Western powers found it difficult to gather intelligence on the Soviet Union. Speed is a factor that separates technical intelligence from its human counterpart, and one which goes some way towards explaining the value that is gained from the costs involved.
