Lesson: SIGACT Map using OSINT

Making maps for Significant Activities (SIGACTS)  on Google Earth Pro

I abide by K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple Stupid. Don’t allow the Twitter Intel guys fool you, making a map is pretty easy and there is always a way to do it for $FREE.99. You will have to download Google Earth Pro for some features to work properly. and it has a flight simulator which is quite entertaining. Hopefully this highlights the utility of making a map for not only situational awareness on far off wars, but right in your own neighborhoods. SIGACTS could be crime, car collisions, water main breaks, you name it, you can plot it.

As discussed on Greendragon Academy during the Intelligence class, ArcGIS and QGIS are very useful tools and many Governances use these same programs to map out utilities, future building projects and have them available to the public for free. If you are building a Neighborhood Defense Team or whatever title you like best, someone better be developing the maps and disseminating them to the rest of the team.

1. Find a Social media platform

Literal thousands of ‘imagery assets’ post videos, photos, and some even live updates on situations, though some are text updates, which are difficult to trust. It is suggested that analysts share trusted/verified social media accounts that have a track record of using good discernment.

In the example below, you’ll notice the post contains key words and phrases such as: “heavy battle” and the location ‘Beresteiska Metro station, Kyiv proper’. Quite specific and very useful. “Heavy Battle” is typically used to suggest that artillery is being utilized by one or more force.

2. Maps

Choose a mapping tool be it, Google Earth pro, ArcGIS, QGIS, etc.. This example, we’ll be using Google Earth Pro. It’s free, and my computer can support it without crashing. Locations are easy to search with SEARCH BAR highlighted in Red. We’ll type in “‘Beresteiska Metro station, Kyiv, Ukraine” and it will plot a temporary point and zoom in on the location.

Now to PLOT A POINT highlighted in Red. For Google Earth, simple click that yellow push in button and one will appear on your map and also THE LEFT PANE highlighted in Green. This is where you go to find certain points, or in our case SIGACTS quickly.

Now our point is plotted, it needs a ‘Name’ or label. HEAVY METAL FIGHTING has a nice ring to it. Google Earth Pro also gives you the option of inserting text that can be “attached” to the point for information sharing. Write a quick synapse of the activity or like here, a URL link to the video on social media (source). You can also change the Icon which is advised if you plan on plotting a bunch of SIGACTs. For example, Small Arms skirmishes should all be the same icon, artillery should have it’s own icon. This will assist in determining where most of the tanks are vs where most of the paratroopers landed. Or another example, where one force is focusing their air power with bombing runs.

Now to make the thing beautiful! Click PRINT highlighted in Red

Your screen will change and now you can click on MAP OPTIONS highlighted in Red

The Legend highlighted in Red is the most useful part of a finished map other than the graphic itself. Right click on the Legend and an Edit box also highlighted in Red will appear. You may have to click Refresh to be able to see your plotted points. Click all that you’d like to appear in your legend. You can also add the Name of your map, a compass, a scale, etc…

THAT’S IT! You’ve just graduated from Map Making 101. Go forth and become the newest OSINT bro on the internet!