The UN Airborne Imagery Analysis Webinar, held in September, drew strong participation and positive feedback from across the UN system and partner organizations. With an average of 62 participants per session, the event reflected sustained engagement and a growing interest in airborne and spaceborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities across missions and agencies.
Organized by the Office of Supply Chain Management, the three-day event introduced key concepts and practical applications of imagery analysis in the UN operational context. Sessions covered a comprehensive overview of topics, including multi-sensor mission planning, optical and synthetic aperture radar imagery theory, operational imagery intelligence use cases, and open-source intelligence integration.
Speakers from UN field missions and Member States shared valuable operational insights and client requirements, with case studies presented by Italy, Germany and UN peace operations. The agenda also featured scenario-based exercises on reconnaissance route planning and geolocation, alongside a hands-on demonstration of the UN Maps GeoApp — showcasing practical mobile tools that support mission planning and field analysis.
Participants described the webinar as “highly informative” and “immediately applicable,” commending its structure, technical depth and real-world relevance. The last session featured a quiz and open discussion, reinforcing the importance of continuous learning, collaboration and lessons learned to advance ISR and imagery analysis capabilities across the organization.
This training forms part of the broader UN capacity-building programme on UAS/remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) and airborne ISR, aimed at equipping personnel with essential technical knowledge to enhance situational awareness, operational planning, and decision-making. The UAS/RPAS and airborne ISR team is reviewing participant feedback to refine future offerings and align with the UN’s evolving operational needs.
This event was made possible thanks to the generous contribution of the Government of Germany to the UAS/RPAS and airborne ISR strategy.
