EVS-Islands: Thoughts - If Digital Globe's Imagery Was Free . . .

Makin Island - Google Earth-Digital Globe Image (1-75,000)

I will finish the title sentence - "If Digital Globe's Imagery Was Free They Would Cease to Make Money." Okay, I know that Digital Globe has to spend big bucks before they are ever able to snag their exquisite imagery, process, archive and finally process it for sale and delivery. I know, but I can dream can't I?

As you all know, I am a school teacher by day. And I might add, a modestly paid one at that. It is my choice, because I am able to fundamentally influence lives in a positive way and I value that opportunity. But what about making maps of islands?

I have had two enjoyable conversations with Digital Globe representatives. They both patiently explained the image ordering process and associated costs. For between $450 up to $1400, I could purchase a TIFF image covering a minimum of 25 sq miles of a target island. I don't have a fraction of that cost. I am just a humble soul that loves making the best maps of islands I can possibly make. I am grateful for Google Earth's initiative to bring all of us little folks the world. Not just the Landsat ETM+ world, but a world with gorgeous Digital Globe imagery scattered throughout. It is so cool! This 60-centimeter imagery shows us a world of exciting possibilities.

Oh, yeah. I wonder about all of that other archived imagery. Those many other images that allow one to view a cloud-free island by combining a number of images to create a workable mosaic of an island.

So, here is my offer, Digital Globe - I will take your TIFF imagery of islands and mosaic them to create a cloud-free master image of that island. I will use this mosaic to create the most accurate map of the island available. I will continue to make my maps available to anyone for free. I will return your TIFF imagery or destroy it, you make the call. I will use my copy of the island mosaic for my map project only. I will return the master mosaic to you for you to use as a low-cost imagery product.

The up-side for me - I get 60-centimeter resolution imagery to construct my island maps from. Digital Globe gets a cloud-free mosaic of an island that they can productize and distribute through their many distributors. I am sure they would also accrue a generous tax write-off, as I am a non-profit using my final map products for the benefit and education of my reading audience.

Sounds good to me!

Jill Smith, CEO of Digital Globe - Lets do this deal! Drop me a line and we can make it happen.

Labels: Digital Globe, Google Earth, Jill Smith CEO, TIFF