See also: Intelligence assessment.
This is a list of intelligence gathering disciplines.
See main article: Human intelligence (intelligence gathering).
Human intelligence (HUMINT) are gathered from a person in the location in question. Sources can include the following:
MI6 is often thought to use human intelligence to operate in different countries or Britain itself to protect the country from global affairs. However, this is usually confused with their brother agency MI5, which focuses on the security of Britain.[1]
See main article: Financial intelligence.
Financial intelligence (FININT) are gathered from analysis of monetary transactions.
See main article: Geospatial intelligence.
Geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) are gathered from satellite and aerial photography, or mapping/terrain data.
See main article: Measurement and signature intelligence.
Measurement and signature intelligence (MASINT) are gathered from an array of signatures (distinctive characteristics) of fixed or dynamic target sources. According to the Air Force Institute of Technology's Center for MASINT Studies and Research, MASINT is split into six major disciplines: electro-optical, nuclear, radar, geophysical, materials, and radiofrequency.[2]
See main article: Open-source intelligence.
Open-source intelligence (OSINT) are gathered from open sources. OSINT can be further segmented by the source type: Internet/General, Scientific/Technical, and various HUMINT specialties, e.g. trade shows, association meetings, and interviews.
See main article: Signals intelligence.
Signals intelligence (SIGINT) are gathered from interception of signals.
See main article: Technical intelligence.
Technical intelligence (TECHINT) are gathered from analysis of weapons and equipment used by the armed forces of foreign nations, or environmental conditions.