Episode 33: A conversation with former NGA Director Letitia A. Long

Today, we’re talking about something that’s kind of a big deal, but most people have never heard of it. Here’s a few hints. It’s embedded in thousands of systems, including more than a billion smartphones for mobile navigation apps. It’s critical for the military and commercial uses around the world and is the standard for the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.K. Ministry of Defense, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the International Hydrographic Organization. It supports navigation for submarines, satellites and aircraft, while also informing operational logistics, like the numbering of runways. And, beyond navigation, it ensures precise orientation that supports applications and industries as diverse of energy and telecommunications. If you haven’t guessed what it is yet -- we don’t blame you. We’re talking about the world magnetic model.

Bundle up. We’re heading back to the Cold War to reflect on the Cuban Missile Crisis — a pivotal moment for an NGA heritage organization, the National Photographic Interpretation Center, or NPIC. We’ll also be tuning into some remarks given by NGA historian Dr. Gary Weir at an agency commemoration event this past October at NGA’s Springfield, Virginia, campus.

It’s not often that you get to celebrate a sesquicentennial, but that’s just what the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency did this fall at its Springfield, Virginia, campus. For 150 years, the Notice to Mariners has kept navigators and shipmasters informed with the most current navigational information. The average observer would be forgiven for not knowing the notice even exists. Vessels navigating safely rarely make headlines. Notice to Mariners have neither dramatic moments nor hair-raising adventures. Yet for 150 years, every American ship officer, reflecting on a safely completed voyage, owes a piece of that to the men and women behind the Notice to Mariners. Today, NGA’s Maritime Safety Office has the responsibility to provide accurate charts and publications, including the Notice to Mariners, to support safety of navigation.

It's no secret that the Intelligence Community has long reflected a single demographic. And, while change doesn't happen overnight - especially in government - diversity and inclusion has moved to the forefront within the community and is viewed as a mission critical priority for the IC, even finding its way into the National Intelligence Strategy of the United States, released earlier this year. Who better to talk about one facet of that diversity conversation - women leading in the IC - than former NGA Director Letitia Long? On this episode of the Geointeresting Podcast, we're talking about the current state of women in the IC, taking mentorship to the next level and what is most exciting about where the geospatial industry is heading.

We're talking tech in St. Louis with T-REX Executive Director Patty Hagen. Tune in for a look (or listen) at the exciting geospatial transformation happening in St. Louis. We're also answering one of our most burning questions -- just how did T-REX get its name? Spoiler alert: It's not what you think!

Today on the podcast you will hear from two women in NGA’s Research directorate — one running the research and development portfolio for NGA and a scientist discovering the latest in hyperspectral signatures. NGA’s Director of Research Cindy Daniell and research scientist Jennifer Durdall might be at different stages of their career but are strong advocates for women in the STEM field.

NGA explores the cartographic legacy of president, general and surveyor George Washington through an interview with Joseph Stoltz, Ph.D., digital historian at the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington at Mount Vernon. According to Stoltz, as the third-born son, Washington knew he would need to find a practical career for himself and an encounter with the book “Art of Surveying and Measuring Land” helped solidify his future career path -- first as a surveyor, then as a military officer.

Space-based GEOINT capabilities help provide U.S. defense officials and policymakers understanding of adversaries and world events. But the user base for these capabilities goes far beyond the military and intelligence community. Through the Civil Applications Committee, federal agencies and entities can leverage these capabilities for many different domestic and international applications. Listen up to learn about NGA's role in the CAC and how the CAC is providing some much needed support to the State of Hawaii, in the wake of the Kilauea volcano eruption.

Following the end of World War II, the United States was in the midst of an intense Space Race with the Soviet Union. The American people were inspired to support the Apollo mission - to be the first to land a man on the moon. This goal to reach uncharted territory required Americans to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and live up to their pioneering heritage. Many of those pushing the scientific envelope worked for the Air Force’s Aeronautical Chart and Information Center and the Army Map Service, both NGA predecessor organizations. Today, lunar exploration is still going strong at NASA. Listen up as NGA Historian Gary Weir, Ph.D., NGA alumnus Al Anderson and NASA lunar geologist Noah Petro, Ph.D. talk about the nation's journey to land a man on the moon, and how far lunar reconnaissance has come since then.

The 2018 Winter Olympics are nearly here - and we couldn't be more excited to cheer on Team USA. Even before the Opening Ceremony kicks off the Games, Team NGA works behind the scenes to provide GEOINT to the host country, helping ensure the safety of the global athletes and spectators. Learn more about NGA's support to the Olympics and other special events - and make sure to stay tuned in after our analysts talk - you'll want to hear the inspiring story of NGA's own Helen Stephens - Olympic athlete and then, librarian at NGA predecessor organization, the Aeronautical Chart and Information Center in St. Louis.