Which type of intelligence is defined as technically derived data other than imagery and signals intelligence that locates, identifies, or describes distinctive characteristics of targets?

• A. Human Intelligence (HUMINT)
• B. Measurement and Signature Intelligence (MASINT)
• C. Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT)
• D. Signals Intelligence (SIGINT)

Answer: (B)

MASINT is the collection and analysis of technically derived data that is not imagery or intercepted signals, used to locate, identify, or describe targets by their distinctive physical or chemical characteristics. This involves sensors that measure energy signatures and properties such as radar cross‑section, infrared or spectral signatures, acoustic or seismic patterns, material composition, and other unique signatures. These measurements reveal details about a target—what it is made of, how it behaves, or how it operates—without relying on human reporting or direct imagery content.

This differs from HUMINT, which relies on information gathered from people; GEOINT, which centers on imagery and geospatial analysis; and SIGINT, which focuses on intercepting communications and other electronic signals. MASINT fills the gap by providing technical data about targets through their detectable signatures across multiple measurement modalities.