GEOGRAPHY DIVISION GEOGRAPHIC RESEARCH AREA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP60-00346R000100370014-6
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: November 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 7, 1998
• Sequence Number: 14
• Publication Date: February 14, 1957
• Content Type: PAPER

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14 Feb 1957
Geography Division
Geographic Research Area
I. Introduction
The Geography Division (D/GG) of the Geographic Research Area
produces all geographic research and analysis required for the support
of CIA plans, estimates, and operations. The division also contributes
substantially to geographic research requirements of other agencies,
and coordinates Chapter IX, M-V_ C, of the National Intelligence
Survey. D/GG is located in Building 11; the Office of the Chief is
Room 206.
II. Organization
oordination}------- Chiefl--------------
Far Eas
Branch
Europe
Branch
Near st-
Africa-
W.Hemisphere
Branch
Soviet
P4apping
Staff
U S S R
Branch
III. Functions
A. Coordination Staff
Coordinates Chapter Ix, Maps and Mapping, of the National Intelli-
gence Survey for the Office of Basic Intelligence. Reviews, edits, and
integrates Chapter IX contributions from CIA (D/GG), Army Map Service,
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Military Geology Branch (USGS), Signal Corps, Air Chart and Information
Center, Air Weather Service, and Navy Hydrographic Office.
B. Soviet Mapping Staff
Conducts research and inter-agency coordination on USSR activities
and capabilities in the fields of mapping, geodesy, and gravimetry, with
special reference to activities and capabilities in Antarctica and the
Soviet Arctic.
C. Far East Branch
Produces geographic intelligence on Eastern and Southern Asia
and the Pacific Islands, less Siberian USSR.
D. Europe Branch
Produces geographic intelligence on the European Satellites and
Western Europe.
E. Near East-Africa-Western Hemisphere Branch
Produces geographic intelligence on all countries of the Near
East, Africa, and the Western Hemisphere.
F. USSR Branch
Produces geographic intelligence -- less mapping, geodesy, and
gravimetry -- on all regions of the USSR.
IV. Research and Services
A. Research
D/GG research covers all aspects of physical, economic, political,
and e geography as they bear upon intelligence requirements.
Finished reports vary widely in scope, treatment, and format, and are
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The major categories of reports are:
1. Unconventional Warfare
2. Evasion and Escape
3. Route Studies
4. Border Studies
5. Urban Area Analysis
6. Targeting
7. Regional Analysis
8. Trends and developments (Geographic Intelligence Review)
9. Background Studies for planners (Geographic Intelligence
Memorandum)
B. Services
D/GG provides information on:
1. international and internal boundaries (coordinated with
Department of State)
2. the location of cities, industries, road and railroad nets,
and other mapable elements
3. characteristics of terrain, climate, soils, and vegetation
4. distribution of population
5. ethnic customs and characteristics
6. interpretation or selection of maps for an area.
Queries on place names and the availability of maps should be referred to
the Map Library (D/GL). Requests for the preparation of maps should be
directed to the Cartography Division (D/GC).
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V. Use of Research Facilities and Services
Requests for information may be made by phone or visit to the branch
or staff concerned. Requests for support projects should be discussed
directly with the appropriate Branch Chief. If it is determined that the
prodect will require more than 20 hours to complete, a written request
,r must be submitted through the Chief, Geographic Research Area.
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