At 3GIMBALS, we understand that mission success hinges on our collective ability to harness, integrate, and apply data effectively. Nowhere was this more evident than at USGIF Spatial Edge Miami, an event that brought together top geospatial intelligence minds from SOUTHCOM to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in the region.
Hosted by Florida International University (FIU) and sponsored by 3GIMBALS and Esri, this inaugural USGIF Spatial Edge event provided a collaborative space for government, military, industry, and academia to explore how geospatial data is shaping intelligence operations. From the opening address to the keynote session with a former SOCOM Chief Data and AI Officer, one theme stood out—AI-driven data fusion is no longer optional; it is a mission-critical necessity as data volumes continue to grow at an unprecedented rate.
The Power of Geospatial Intelligence in SOUTHCOM
A key takeaway from the event emerged during a panel discussion led by 3GIMBALS CEO Terry Dyess, who underscored a fundamental truth:
“Geospatially enabling other forms of data has been a significant force multiplier in how we fuse data to find answers and support mission effects.”
In today’s intelligence landscape, raw data is everywhere. But without geospatial context, its operational value is limited. The ability to integrate location-based intelligence with diverse data streams—whether from sensors, human reporting, or open sources—transforms information into action.
This sentiment was echoed by Mike Barton, DoD Chair for the Defense Criminal Investigative Enterprise Capability Development, who emphasized the need to geospatially enable data for agents and operators in the field. More than just understanding the landscape, intelligence professionals must leverage geospatial technology to anticipate threats, enhance coordination, and drive mission success.
In the SOUTHCOM region, where operations span multiple nations and agencies, seamless sharing and interoperability of geospatial intelligence are essential.
A Regionally Focused GEOINT Discussion
The enthusiasm for SOUTHCOM-focused geospatial intelligence was palpable throughout the event. SOUTHCOM presents a unique operational environment, shaped by:
- Counter-narcotics missions
- Humanitarian assistance efforts
- Disaster response
- Emerging security challenges
By focusing on geospatial solutions tailored to these complex missions, Spatial Edge reinforced the idea that intelligence must be as dynamic as the threats it seeks to counter.
Key Event Highlights
Opening Address at Florida International University
Florida International University’s Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy provided an engaging setting for the event. The program kicked off with an overview by Bruce Vitor, Director of Research and Operations at FIU, highlighting the school’s analytic support for SOUTHCOM, including research on:
- Transnational organized crime
- Countering violent extremism and terrorism
- Energy and environmental security
The discussion emphasized the value of academic partnerships as a force multiplier, with a consensus that enhancing visibility into similar programs across commands would benefit the broader GEOINT community. Be sure to check out FIU’s dashboards, which include a focus on Chinese activities in Latin America, IUU fishing, and critical minerals throughout Latin America.
Panel Discussion on Geospatial Intelligence in SOUTHCOM
Moderated by 3GIMBALS CEO Terry Dyess, the panel featured experts from across the GEOINT and defense communities:
- Dr. Jose Angeles, SOUTHCOM Chief Data Officer
- Anthony Deangelo, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) SOUTHCOM
- Michael Barton, DoD Chair for Defense Criminal Investigative Enterprise Capability Development
- Tom Eberhard, Esri
Key themes from the panel discussion included:
- Enhanced Domain Awareness (EDA): SOUTHCOM’s unclassified, geospatially enabled data-sharing initiative with partner nations.
- Defining “Good Enough” Data: End users must balance data validation with mission timeliness (e.g., kinetic targeting vs. human trafficking intelligence).
- Governance Over Technology: Policy inconsistencies, not technology gaps, remain the primary challenge to data standardization and AI adoption.
- Commercial Capabilities in Government Operations: Greater integration of commercial GEOINT tools can enhance persistence and reduce latency.
Closing Keynote by Former SOCOM Chief Data & AI Officer
Dan Folliard, former Chief Data & AI Officer at U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), delivered the closing keynote, emphasizing the transformative impact of AI, high-performance computing, and quantum technology on defense operations. He highlighted:
- The shifting landscape of DoD and IC technology
- How AI/ML is driving automation in GEOINT analysis
- The need for advanced data integration strategies
Expanding the Conversation: Key Themes from USGIF Spatial Edge Miami
The discussions at USGIF Spatial Edge Miami touched on many of the geopolitical, economic, and security dynamics that 3GIMBALS has analyzed extensively. The shifting strategic landscape in Latin America, for example, remains a critical area of focus. China’s expanding economic influence in South America’s lithium supply chain, its role in telecommunications infrastructure, and the debt diplomacy of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) are all shaping the region’s economic and security trajectory. Our work has examined how Beijing’s investments in Argentina, Peru, and other Latin American nations are not just about infrastructure but are also positioning China for long-term strategic gains, often at the expense of local sovereignty.
These economic ties often have deeper security implications, which we have explored in relation to maritime domain awareness, drug trafficking, and illicit financial networks. China’s distant-water fishing fleet has had devastating effects on marine resources and local economies, while illegal logging and other extractive industries serve as conduits for economic coercion and corruption. Similarly, drug trafficking remains a persistent challenge throughout SOUTHCOM’s area of responsibility, requiring the integration of data-driven intelligence solutions to track and dismantle these networks.
Another recurring theme at Spatial Edge was the transformative role of AI and data fusion in modern intelligence operations. Our past work on OMEN™’s GraphRAG for defense intelligence illustrates how cutting-edge analytic techniques can bridge information gaps and enhance situational awareness in complex operational environments. Whether addressing China’s presence in Argentina, monitoring illegal fishing and deforestation, or investigating transnational criminal organizations, our analyses underscore the necessity of persistent monitoring and advanced intelligence solutions to navigate today’s rapidly evolving security landscape.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Geospatial Intelligence
At 3GIMBALS, we are proud to have been the Premier Sponsor of this USGIF Spatial Edge event alongside Esri. Our commitment to advancing geospatial intelligence in SOUTHCOM does not end here. We will continue developing cutting-edge GEOINT solutions, collaborating with government, industry, and academia, and ensuring intelligence professionals have the tools they need to succeed in complex operational environments.
A special thanks to USGIF, FIU, and the Miami-Dade Military Museum and Memorial for facilitating this critical discussion on the future of geospatial intelligence. The GEOINT community is evolving, and 3GIMBALS is honored to be part of shaping its trajectory.
