MASINT, short for Measurement and Signature Intelligence, refers to intelligence gathering activities that bring together disparate elements that do not fit within the definitions of Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), Imagery Intelligence (IMINT), or Human Intelligence (HUMINT).
MASINT includes: Radar Intelligence (RADINT), Acoustic Intelligence (ACOUSTINT), Nuclear Intelligence (NUCINT), Radio Frequency/Electromagnetic Pulse Intelligence (RF/EMPINT), Electro-optical Intelligence (ELECTRO-OPTINT), Laser Intelligence (LASINT), Materials Intelligence, Unintentional Radiation Intelligence (RINT), Chemical and Biological Intelligence (CBINT), Directed Energy Weapons Intelligence (DEWINT), Effluent/Debris Collection, Spectroscopic Intelligence, and Infrared Intelligence (IRINT).
MASINT can be broken down into six categories, based on what is being analyzed.
MASINT sensors include, but are not limited to, radar, optical, infrared, acoustic, nuclear, radiation detection, spetroradiometric, and seismic systems as well as gas, liquid, and solid material sampling systems.
MASINT can be considered analogous to the individual who relies on all senses to gain information about his or her environment.
Because of the highly technical means utilized, most MASINT systems' focus has been on the longer-term (i.e., not "real-time") analysis of data to determine characteristics, signatures, target templates, etc. With the advent of modern processing techniques and capabilities, MASINT systems have an increased potential for doing their analysis in near real- or real-time.
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