Contested Ground: Code of Conduct

I commit to providing analysis that is accurate, impartial, and grounded in verifiable satellite imagery evidence. I will clearly distinguish between direct observational findings, reasonable inferences, and speculation. When uncertainty exists, I will explicitly state confidence levels and limitations in the analysis.

I will not allow political, financial, or ideological bias to influence my analytical conclusions. If a client's anticipated findings conflict with what the evidence shows, I will report the findings accurately regardless.

I acknowledge the serious consequences that inaccurate satellite imagery analysis can have, particularly in human rights investigations, military assessments, and policy decisions. I commit to:

• Conducting analysis with appropriate rigour and care proportional to the potential impact
• Declining projects where I lack technical expertise or where the intended use presents clear risks of harm
• Considering the humanitarian implications of my work and refusing commissions designed to facilitate violence, repression, or human rights violations
• Being transparent about my methodology so findings can be independently verified or challenged

I will protect client information and analysis products with appropriate security measures:

• Client identities and project details remain confidential unless explicitly authorised for disclosure
• Analysis products, raw data, and intermediate work products are stored securely and not shared without written consent
• Upon project completion, I will retain records as legally required but will not retain unnecessary sensitive information indefinitely
• If legally compelled to disclose information, I will inform the client to the extent permissible by law

I will identify and disclose potential conflicts of interest to clients before undertaking analysis:

• I will not simultaneously conduct analysis on the same geographic area or actors for competing or adversarial clients
• I will avoid projects where prior work or personal relationships create bias
• I will decline commissions from actors I have reason to believe will misrepresent findings as independent analysis
• Any financial interests in outcomes (investment positions, family relations, etc.) will be disclosed

I will maintain rigorous analytical standards:

• All findings are based on reproducible analysis using clearly documented methods
• I will use appropriate imagery acquisition dates, sources, and processing techniques
• I will conduct internal review of significant findings before delivery
• I will provide clients with sufficient documentation to understand my methodology and assess conclusions
• Corrections to published findings will be issued promptly and clearly when errors are identified

I acknowledge that satellite imagery is sensitive dual-use information. I commit to:

• Using imagery analysis responsibly and lawfully within the jurisdiction where I operate
• Not facilitating surveillance of private individuals for purposes unrelated to documented human rights concerns or legitimate security matters
• Being cautious about inadvertently enabling targeting or harm through analysis products
• Applying appropriate anonymisation or redaction to civilian infrastructure when not essential to findings

I will communicate clearly about what satellite imagery analysis can and cannot do:

• I will not claim to determine intent, motivation, or nationality from imagery alone
• Findings are based on visual evidence at specific dates; they do not represent continuous monitoring
• Imagery analysis is complementary to, not a substitute for, on-the-ground investigation, documentation, or witness testimony
• Client reports will include appropriate disclaimers about analysis limitations and appropriate use

I will operate in compliance with applicable laws, including:

• Data protection and privacy regulations relevant to clients and subjects of analysis
• Sanctions regimes that may restrict analysis work with certain entities or countries

I reserve the right to decline projects where:

• The intended use would likely facilitate serious harm
• The client intends to misrepresent findings or my independence
• I lack the expertise to conduct analysis responsibly
• The project creates unacceptable legal or reputational risk
• The confidentiality, security, or ethical requirements cannot be met

I commit to maintaining and improving professional standards through:

• Staying current with satellite imagery technology, analytical methods, and relevant academic research
• Reflecting on past analyses and learning from mistakes
• Seeking feedback from colleagues and clients
• Periodically reviewing and updating this code of conduct

This code of conduct represents my professional commitment. Clients and partners can hold me accountable to these standards. I welcome questions about my analytical practices and am prepared to discuss my methodology and limitations openly.