Intelligence Preparation of the Battlespace

Intelligence Preparation of the Battlespace is a methodology, leading to a series of action, to gather information needed for the successful conduct of battle. Battlespace implies that the preparation is not only of an area on the ground, but preparation for long-distance air, artillery and missile fire support; reconnaissance and surveillance by methods from scouts and informants all the way up to nationally managed satellitesl; and the political management of alliances.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff define it as "An analytical methodology employed to reduce uncertainties concerning the enemy, environment, and terrain for all types of operations. Intelligence preparation of the battlespace builds an extensive database for each potential area in which a unit may be required to operate. The database is then analyzed in detail to determine the impact of the enemy, environment, and terrain on operations and presents it in graphic form. Intelligence preparation of the battlespace is a continuing process. Also called IPB." In 1994, the U.S. Army described a more specific doctrine, <ref>Field Manual 34-130, Intelligence Preparation of the Battlespace, U.S. Army, 8 July 1994<.ref>