Getting Started with OSINT
Open-source intelligence is the practice of collecting and analyzing publicly available information to produce actionable insights. Here's how to get started — the right way.
Step 1: Define Your Intelligence Requirements
Before touching any tool, decide what you need to know. Write down your Key Intelligence Questions (KIQs).
- Start with a specific question, not a vague topic
- Define your geographic and temporal scope
- Know your audience — who will use this intelligence?
Step 2: Identify Your Sources
Match your intelligence requirements to the data sources most likely to contain relevant information.
- Government databases for official records and reports
- Satellite imagery for physical changes and infrastructure
- Social media for real-time events and public sentiment
- SitDeck aggregates 180 vetted sources — start there
Step 3: Set Up Your Workspace
Organize your tools and data feeds into a structured workspace.
- Use drag-and-drop widgets to build focused dashboards
- Create separate layouts for different intelligence topics
- Use the interactive map to add geospatial context
Step 4: Collect and Analyze
Gather information systematically, cross-reference multiple sources, and look for patterns.
- Cross-reference at least 2-3 independent sources
- Note the timeliness and reliability of each source
- Look for what's missing — absence of expected data is informative
Step 5: Monitor and Alert
Set up automated monitoring for ongoing intelligence requirements.
- Create keyword-based alerts for specific topics
- Set geographic alerts for events in areas of interest
- Use webhooks to integrate alerts into your workflow
Step 6: Report and Share
Transform raw data into actionable intelligence products.
- Lead with the bottom line — key findings first
- Cite your sources and their reliability
- Distinguish between facts, analysis, and speculation