EVS-Islands

Marutea Sud (21˚30'S., 135˚30'W.) consists of a cluster of islets on a barrier reef, which is almost awash or only about 1m high. Some of the islets are cultivated.

(SD Pub-126)

To discuss Marutea Atoll (aka Marutea Sud) is to discuss the impact of Robert Wan. He is the leading force in the Tahitian Curltured Pearl industry and Marutea Atoll, which he owns, is ground-zero for the industry.

Photos of the island portray a lovely atoll resting on the azure blue Pacific. They probably belie the fast pace of life on an island that produces some of the finest Tahitian Pearls in the world.

When I initially constructed the map for this atoll, I knew nothing about Robert Wan and his ownership of it. Now that I do, it seems strange that a lone-individual should own an entire island. I am certain he has brought some semblence of economic stability to this atoll. The days of a copra based economy are gone. If you can't attract tourists, then these small chunks of land do not readily provide for the inhabitants well-being. Pearl-farming seems to be a viable industry that has a negligible environmental impact and provides money in a laborer's pocket.

Enjoy!

Labels: atoll, EVS, Global Mapper, island, Landsat, map, Marplot, Pacific, Polynesia, Tuamotus

Posted by Mr Minton at 8/11/2006 09:46:00 AM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

I have been told by more photogrammetrist and cartographic professionals that Landsat ETM+ imagery is only reliable, for map production, between 1:125,000 and 1:62,500. Anything larger would not be cartographically sound. Good soul that I am, I believe them.

I understand that this imagery has pixel sizes reputed to be 14.5-meters or best. The way it was explained is that each pixel is able to resolve something up to 14.5-meters on the earth. Or, each pixel is + or - 14.5-meters from their true location 90% of the time. Either way, Landsat ETM+ was not a tool to create maps at the 1:25,000.

It seems that Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) did not get the memo. Their Palmerston Atoll map, which I have used throuhout this comparson, shows the same shoreline twists and turns my EVS Landsat-derived map does. They claim their map is 1:25,000 and they, without hesitation, offer it to the world.

My EVS map is of similar quality as the LINZ Palmerston Atoll map. Our shorelines are nearly identical. Our depiction of vegetation and reef layers are near mirror images.

It is my educated guess, that LINZ cartographers used Landsat ETM+ imagery as a very important foundational layer from which they ultimately derived their Palmerston Atoll map. I, on the other hand, used Landsat ETM+ as my ONLY foundational layer. And our maps look strickingly similar.

So, all of you photogrammetrist and cartographers that are convinced Landsat ETM+ should only be used to produce maps at scales of 1:62,500 and smaller should explain to the LINZ cartographers that their 1:25,000 scale maps are not sound or give more credibility to Landsat ETM+. My suspicion is Landsat ETM+ works at 1:25,000 and EVS mapped shorelines are damn good!

Posted by Mr Minton at 8/10/2006 01:50:00 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

These are a portion of the islands for which I have created EVS quality shorelines. They are a subset of atolls. Enjoy the show!

Posted by Mr Minton at 8/10/2006 08:33:00 AM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

You will notice a new addition on my sidebar, My Latest Projects, from software called Badgr. It shows the last 25-images posted to your Flickr account. Hope you enjoy it.

Posted by Mr Minton at 8/08/2006 09:29:00 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

If you want to read the caption that accompanies the image left-click the image and read. When you've finished reading the caption, just resume the slideshow.

This is a slick feature. It is three lines of code from Paul Stamatiou and a Flickr account. Pick your series of photos and snag their set_id number and start the slide show.

An eventual improvement will include captions with the images. But I'm not a complainer. This is a neat feature and one that I plan to use on future posts.

Posted by Mr Minton at 8/08/2006 09:20:00 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

My gentle tirade earlier this week, elicited lots of responses from the folks at ESRI. They are genuinely "good people" trying to do "good business" with a "good product". They did everything in their power to accomodate me. I arrived on the scene Saturday at ESRI's EduCon 2006 held at the Marriott. The setup was welcoming and bustling with activity. I met some of the staff and they welcomed me and insisted that I attend the day's activities. I was able to attend the main morning session. The ESRI Education staff gave an informative and entertaining overview of their accomplishments and goals. The Chief Cartographer for NGS discussed their accomplishments and goals. He is a down-to-earth person that loves maps. His vision is to move spatial thinking and geographic appreciation more solidly into the minds of students through the good efforts of enthusiastic teachers.

I will go back one more day to walk and talk with vendors that will exhibit. There is a Blogger Get Together that will take place during the week. Also, SDSU has an Open Source GIS group that will meet during the week.

San Diego has rolled out our special "red carpet", gorgeous weather and drinkable tap water. The attendees and their families should have a ball at the ESRI Conference and enjoying our fair city. We have a slogan here that claims we are "America's Finest City!" and this week we are.

P.S. - Thanks to the ESRI Education staff for hosting a great show. Now, if I can just snag some product and tutorials for my students, life will be swell.

Posted by Mr Minton at 8/07/2006 02:17:00 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

I like my new look. The colors are much easier on the eyes. I am now able to bring images in at 500-pixels wide vs. the 400-pixel width I used previously. This makes for a more visible map and image. Same maps. Same images. Just a nicer look.

Unfortunately, some of my older posts will have to be reformatted. I will work at it this coming week. I did save the old template. If this look is too difficult for my readers, let me know. But if it is merely a gripe about formatting, be patient and I will get the posts fixed.

Posted by Mr Minton at 8/07/2006 12:20:00 AM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post