Through the Master of Science in Geospatial Intelligence (MS GEOINT) program’s new series of outreach and networking events, GEOINT faculty member Jonathon Hathaway and eleven GEOINT and GIS graduate students recently visited the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s (NGA) Headquarters in Springfield, Virginia. 

After arriving at the visitor center and clearing security, the students were led to the Exhibition Center, given welcome bags with NGA mementos, and introduced to the history of NGA, its mission and its future in an overview briefing. The group then listened to a series of presentations including an in-depth briefing on world magnetic models and their importance to the geospatial community, and briefings on NGA tradecraft areas and the day-to-day activities expected in those work roles. Following the presentations, the GEOG guests enjoyed lunch at NGA with several MS GEOINT alumni who now work at NGA, and then learned about internship opportunities and recruitment at NGA. The visit concluded with an extensive tour of the facility, including the NGA museum and a 3D model of Osama bin Laden’s Abbottabad compound, and a group photo in the Atrium of the facility.  

Another visit is planned for late spring to continue connecting our students more closely to the GEOINT industry.