Geospatial Law

1 unit

This course is an introductory into geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) and the government and commercial regulations in the United States. GEOINT is comprised of the fields of imagery intelligence, advanced capabilities of imagery, and geospatial information. In this course we will examine the law and policy of government surveillance through the use of geospatial tools and equipment. The course will focus on U.S. government signals and spatial collection for espionage, intelligence gathering, national security, public safety purposes, and criminal law enforcement including transnational implications. Technologies and practices we will cover include satellites, drones, aircraft, and other areal and non-areal collection devices and apparatus. We will explore how government surveillance is permitted, prohibited or controlled by the U.S. Constitution, including the Fourth Amendment, and laws such as the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, the USA Freedom Act, the Patriot Act, the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, the CLOUD Act, and CALEA. Title 10 U.S. Code §467 establishes the definition of GEOINT as well as contribution of DoD Directive Number 5105.60, Director of Central Intelligence Directive 1/8 and DNI Memorandum E/S 00245. In addition, the course will examine more recent executive orders and laws outside the United States affecting regulations and authorities. Students are expected to thoroughly read any course materials and be well prepared prior to the start of the class. Class attendance is mandatory as per ABA regulations.