EVS-Islands: Kaukura Atoll FP (Repost)

Kaukura Atoll - Landsat Image S-06-15_2000

Kaukura Atoll - Marplot Map

Kaukura Atoll, about 15 miles W of Toau, is 25 miles long in an ESE-WNW direction. The N side is wooded, but the S side only has two clumps of trees. Large blocks of coral, some 9m high and visible 12 miles, are located on the S side of the atoll.

Passe Moturaa, near the middle of the N side of the atoll, will accommodate vessels with a draft of less than 1.5m. Motu Panao, on the NW side of the atoll, is practicable only for boats.

Tides—Currents.—The tidal currents in the pass and the boat passage are strong; they set E on the flood current and W on the ebb current. (SD Pub-126)

This project was complex, tedious and ultimately satisfying. The map is made up of 711 unique objects. Some of the objects quite complex. I have spent the better part of three days constructing this map. The image is extremely clear. The shorelines, with various ground covers identified took the greatest amount of time. It is now 12:13 AM and it is with a deep sense of satisfaction that this atoll has been mapped. I will add a few additional images of Kaukura Atoll with comments.

Kaukura Atoll - Detail of Raitahiti

This is a detail of the village of Raitahiti. The motu of Panao is actually located to the northeast of Raitahiti. The village has a pension that can accomodate a few tourists. There is an airfield that offers quick connections with Tahiti.

Atoll Kaukura - Detail of Northern Motus

Kaukura Atoll - Detail of Northern Motus

Kaukura Atoll - Detail of Eastern Motus

This string of motus took the better part of 4-hours to digitize. In my early efforts, I would have hustled through these small islets, not giving much attention to detail. Now, I must do the best job I can do. What I thought was my best, was not. Now, my best takes much more time to accomplish, but the finished product is excellent.

Kaukura Atoll - Detail of Faro

Faro is the other large motu located within this atoll. Since the majority of the population (380) lives at Raitahiti, motus such as Faro would afford a visitor a place to get away from it all.