---
category: Intelligence Concept
created: 2025-07-22
description: PHOTINT (Photographic Intelligence) or IMINT (Imagery Intelligence) refers
  to intelligence gathered through photographic and other imagery, typically from
  satellites or spy planes.
summary: PHOTINT (Photographic Intelligence), also known as IMINT (Imagery Intelligence),
  is a form of intelligence gathering that relies on photographic and other imagery,
  typically obtained from reconnaissance satellites or spy planes.
tags:
- intelligence
- imagery
title: PHOTINT/IMINT
updated: 2025-07-22
---

PHOTINT (Photographic Intelligence), also known as IMINT (Imagery Intelligence), is a form of intelligence gathering that relies on photographic and other imagery, typically obtained from reconnaissance satellites or spy planes. This includes visible-light images, thermal infrared images, gamma-ray images, and even wall- and ground-penetrating radar images.[^1]

PHOTINT is one of the major "conventional" intelligence disciplines, alongside [HUMINT](/concepts/human-intelligence/), SIGINT/COMINT, and [ELINT](/concepts/elint/). While powerful, intelligence consumers prefer not to rely on solitary sources of information, using different intelligence disciplines together to confirm and complement each other. The advent of [PSI-INT](/concepts/psi-int/) offered another potential source of intelligence to supplement these traditional methods.[^1]

---

[^1]: Schnabel, Jim. *Remote Viewers*. Dell, 1997.