Lagebild

Lagebild, literally “situation picture,” is a German term used in security, policing, civil protection, and military contexts to describe a structured, up-to-date assessment of the current situation and its likely developments within a defined area or domain. It combines multiple information streams into a coherent picture to inform decision-making and coordination.

Purpose and scope

A Lagebild provides situational awareness, supports planning and prioritization, and guides resource allocation. It synthesizes data on security risks, crime trends, natural or man-made hazards, or international developments, depending on the mandate of the producing authority. It is designed to be periodically updated to reflect new information and changing conditions.

Content and format

Typical components include the current status, notable incidents or developments, risk analyses, the operational picture, available resources and readiness, and forecasts or scenarios with recommended actions. A Lagebild is commonly produced as a written document but may also appear as dashboards or briefing materials. It is usually created by a command or analysis unit and updated regularly (for example daily or weekly) or in response to events.

Usage and context

The term is widely used in Germany by police, the military (Bundeswehr), civil protection authorities, and intelligence or security agencies. It often functions alongside or within the broader Lagebericht (situation report) and feeds into strategic planning, contingency planning, and crisis management. Challenges in producing a Lagebild include information overload, the need for timely and accurate data, and concerns about data quality, security, and classification.

See also

Lagebericht, situational awareness, intelligence assessment.