For The State Journal

MORGANTOWN — ImageTree Corp. is using the technology it uses to map forests to see beyond the trees.

Headquartered in Morgantown, ImageTree just announced it has signed a strategic investment and technology development agreement with In-Q-Tel, an independent strategic investment firm. ImageTree will use its imaging and data gathering abilities to help In-Q-Tel support the CIA and 15 other organizations in the U.S. intelligence community.

“The field of geospatial intelligence, which refers to the use and analysis of imagery and geospatial information to describe, assess and visually depict physical features and geographically referenced activities on Earth, is a critical aspect of gathering business intelligence and making decisions,” said ImageTree CEO Mark Redlus in a release.

ImageTree will continue to work on its existing projects for the forestry and climate change industries. It matches data gathered in the field with tree-crown outlines on a tract of land to tell landowners how many trees are there, what kind, how tall and their diameters. From that they can also make predictions over the life of the stand.

Now the firm will be applying the same capabilities to intelligence-gathering.

Redlus said in an interview that he cannot discuss what that might be, but the press release made reference in part to identifying illicit crops. And The State Journal reported when ImageTree launched in 2006 that the company was integrating crop identification technology under development at WVU into its systems.

“We are enhancing existing algorithms and developing new ones to help determine areas of high and low potential for specific crop species, which yields additional insights into a region’s output, and offers change-detection capabilities through time-lapse analysis,” Redlus said, echoing statements in the release.

“This is a great way to leverage our technology in a market that isn’t all that dissimilar,” he said. “We deliver a wide range of analysis capabilities.

“Our algorithms can help show patterns in imagery that document such ground characteristics as forests and vegetation, as well as man-made objects and roads, helping users gain insight into an area’s activities,” he said.

He also said he is prevented from discussing the financial details of the agreement. However, he said he expect some jobs will be created as a result of the deal.

“I expect we’ll have an augmentation to staff to perform the activities that are part of this agreement,” Redlus said.

Last summer, the company laid off several employees from the Morgantown headquarters and a Doylestown, Pa., satellite office. Redlus said then the firm would re-evaluate its staffing needs as its contracts developed, citing the then-slowing economy for difficulties raising venture capital.

But Redlus points out that In-Q-Tel is not a venture capital firm, but a strategic investment firm that surveys the venture community.

He said In-Q-Tel became aware of ImageTree because of West Virginia’s efforts in building a high-technology corridor and generating opportunities for startups.

ImageTree is probably not the only technology entrepreneur that works with what In-Q-Tel is looking for, including biotechnology, nanotechnology, embedded systems and more.

“I think there are other opportunities for firms to engage in that process,” Redlus said. “It’s been a really good relationship for us. It has paid bigger dividends beyond just the direct relationship. To connect with In-Q-Tel is a great opportunity to leverage something beyond state borders.”