Full Report
This article, published as part of the Bellingcat Technical Writing Fellowship, is adapted from a more technically-detailed guide on Agnes Cameron’s blog. Satellite imagery has been used extensively in open-source investigative research: from monitoring global deforestation to documenting mass demolitions in Gaza. When we view satellite images on platforms like Google Earth, the world looks […] The post Seeing More With Satellite Imagery Using Band Combinations, Ratios and Indices appeared first on bellingcat.
Analysis Summary
# Main Topic
The main topic details the specialized use of multispectral satellite imagery in open-source investigative research beyond what is visible to the naked eye, focusing on techniques like band combinations, ratios, and indices to reveal information about vegetation, water quality, and surface composition (e.g., mining).
## Key Points
- **Multispectral Imaging Purpose:** Multispectral images utilize light spectrum bands beyond typical visible light (Red, Green, Blue - RGB), crucially including Near Infrared (NIR), Shortwave Infrared (SWIR), and Thermal Infrared (TIR).
- **Information Revealed:** These images reveal details about the presence and quality of water, types of vegetation (e.g., assessing plant health via chlorophyll absorption/reflection), soil health, and the presence of specific materials like minerals (e.g., bauxite).
- **Methodology:** Investigators map invisible infrared light bands to visible color channels (RGB) to create "false colour composites," highlighting contrasts invisible in true-colour images.
- **Infrared Advantage:** Infrared light, particularly longer waves, is less scattered by particles like dust or water droplets (fog), improving visibility in adverse weather conditions.
- **Revealing Vegetation:** Healthy vegetation reflects significant Near Infrared light, making it distinctly stand out when mapped to visible channels.
- **Analysis Limitation:** False conclusions must be avoided; investigators must cross-reference multispectral findings with contextual data, such as government mining license maps (e.g., USGS Mineral Resources map or Indonesian government geoportal).
## Threat Actors
- The context does not explicitly detail specific threat actors engaged in a threat campaign.
- The narrative focuses on the use of this intelligence technique by **Open-Source Investigators** (implied actors such as Bellingcat personnel and fellows) conducting research on environmental and geopolitical events (e.g., deforestation, demolitions in Gaza).
## TTPs
- **Imagery Analysis:** Utilizing multispectral satellite imagery encompassing visible and invisible light bands (NIR, SWIR, TIR).
- **False Colour Composites:** Mapping infrared bands to visible RGB channels to visualize subtle surface differences.
- **Data Cross-Verification:** Corroborating satellite findings with external geographical and licensing data sources (e.g., USGS maps, government concession maps).
- **Case Studies Referenced:** Monitoring global deforestation and documenting mass demolitions.
## Affected Systems
- **Data Sources:** Satellite imagery platforms capable of capturing multispectral data (e.g., Sentinel data implied by open-source tools mentioned).
- **Software/Tools Mentioned:** EO Browser, Agnes Cameron’s blog/tools, and the **Multispectral Imagery Explorer** (a specific, provided resource).
## Mitigations
- The article does not list traditional cybersecurity mitigations against threats, but rather methodological considerations for *accurate analysis*:
- **Caution Against Premature Conclusions:** Do not assume the meaning of features based solely on false-colour representation.
- **Contextual Verification:** Always cross-reference imagery findings with authoritative, external ground-truth data (e.g., official concession maps).
## Conclusion
This report establishes multispectral satellite imagery as a critical technical methodology for OSINT analysts, enabling the detection of subtle environmental and infrastructural changes invisible to the naked eye. The core finding is the specialized process of band combination and false-colour mapping, which requires strict contextual verification to ensure analytical accuracy, particularly concerning sensitive topics like mining and large-scale destruction.
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# Morning News Roll-up {current_date}
## Overview
The focus of this summary is on the technical methodology of analyzing multispectral satellite imagery for open-source investigation, detailing how band combinations reveal subsurface or environmental characteristics invisible under normal viewing conditions.
## Top Stories
### Seeing More With Satellite Imagery Using Band Combinations, Ratios and Indices
- Summary: This guide explains how infrared light spectrum data captured by satellites is used in "false colour composites" to highlight features like vegetation health, water presence, and mineral deposits, extending investigative capabilities beyond standard visual observation (RGB).
- Source: hxxps://bellingcat[.]com/news/technique/seeing-more-with-satellite-imagery-using-band-combinations-ratios-and-indices
### Application of Multispectral Analysis in Investigative Research
- Summary: The technique is confirmed as extensively used in critical humanitarian and environmental investigations, citing examples such as monitoring global deforestation rates and documenting the scope of mass demolitions in conflict zones like Gaza.
- Source: Derived from the context describing the use of satellite imagery for global deforestation and Gaza documentation.
### Technical Tools for Multispectral Visualization
- Summary: Investigators are provided with references to open-source tools and guides, such as EO Browser and a specialized Multispectral Imagery Explorer, designed to allow users to create and manipulate these false-colour infrared composites for practical analysis.
- Source: Mention of tools like EO Browser and the Multispectral Imagery Explorer created by Agnes Cameron.