Thoughts - Landsat ETM+ and Digital Globe Images and EVS Precision Mapping
Dar es Salaam - Left Panel (1:12,500) / Right Panel (1:6,250)
I create Enhanced Vector Shorelines (EVS) from images at scales between 1:12,500 to 1:6,250. A solid representation of the shoreline can be determined. There are features that one cannot distinguish, but the shoreline is not one of those. However, if one wanted to digitize a shoreline with a very high degree of confidence, hi-res imagery is needed.
Dar es Salaam - Digital Globe Image From Google Earth (1:12,500)
Using the above imagery, shoreline questions are quickly resolved. Where Landsat ETM+ (first image) is free for the downloading, Digital Globe Hi-Res imagery is partially free. If you want to make maps with their Google sponsered images, you can as long as your work is not-for-profit. If you want to earn a buck, you will need to make arrangements with DG. If you require unique imagery, the cost is between $400 up to $1,500. Them is some big bucks for us little folks.
I understand their need to control their images. DG had to pay lots of up-front money before they could begin marketing their products. And their traditional customer base of government, military and big businesses, all with deep pockets, find their prices reasonable. But, how about us little folks?
I have found that the folks at DG are gracious and will work hard to find a way to accomodate your request. And their supply of hi-res images to Google Earth is unprecidented. But, again, wouldn't it be nice to make a buck off of a map produced from their Google Earth sponsered images? Yes, it would!
view Dar Es Salaam TZ on Google Maps
Enjoy!
Labels: Digital Globe, digitize, EVS, Landsat, mapping
