EVS-Islands

Thoughts - Quantum GIS, Africa and 6th Graders, A Recipe for Mapping Success.

2012-01-12T21:31:00.000-08:00

If you have followed my posts you know that I do most of my mapping work in Global Mapper, a solid mapping program that is easy to use and handles very large format image files with ease (Landsat, SRTM, GeoTIFF). However, it costs real dollars. Big bucks for me and unaffordable bucks to outfit each student workstation with a mapping package. I have spent the last year learning how to make maps using Quantum GIS (QGIS), a well-maintained and powerful open-source mapping package.

I teach middle school students between the ages of 11 to 14, social studies which includes world history, US history and geography. We spend a good deal of time working with open-source software (OpenOffice, Irfanview, Audacity, etc.) to learn about our world and how to make effective use of technology in the classroom. I have always wanted to bring mapping into the classroom. This year I decided to give QGIS a try with my students. I was determined to teach my students how to identify and display spatial data on a map. That brings me to the West Africa map and QGIS..

This year all of my students are learning to make maps. They have learned the difference between vector files and raster images. They are becoming adept at labeling countries, cities, empires and city-states. They love to use all the wrong colors and fonts, but I let them because they are having fun making maps. So far the projects have been relatively simple, but challenging in a mapping sort of way.

Today, my 6th graders (11-years old) were identifying and labeling countries in Africa using QGIS and a variety of vector files and a large format raster image of Africa taken from the Natural Earth website. They finished the country identification phase of the mapping project and wondered what to do next. I said, "Make a capital city point file and identify and label African country's capital cities." In the past, I would have labored long and hard to teach them how to make and use a point file. We would have spent a great deal of time setting up the symbology and label parameters. However, today within minutes all of the students created their capital city point file, defined parameters and were busy plotting capital cities. How cool is that!

Enjoy! I know I sure am!

Samana Cay BF - Columbus' First New World Landfall?

2011-12-22T14:45:00.000-08:00

Samana Cay - Locator Map
Samana Cay - Landsat ETM+ Image N-18-20_2000(1:85,000)
Samana Cay - EVS Precision Map (1-85,000)
My interest in Samana Cay was the result of a serendipitous moment. A few evenings ago while editing my Islands of the World point file, I became curious about the Turks and Caicos Islands. Using my GSHHS World Shoreline map, I located the Turks and Caicos Islands. Not an area I have done much mapping in, but interesting. To the northwest was a small island off by itself, Samana Cay. Nothing particularly outstanding, just a nice little island facing the Atlantic Ocean. Curious soul that I am, I checked out the Wikipedia article and Wow! Some scholars think this might be the site of Christopher Columbus' first landfall in the New World. Pretty cool.

I identified the Landsat ETM+ mosaic, loaded it into Global Mapper and began mapping. The completed map is nice. The Landsat image is pretty cloudy. More research and my next Wow! Samana Cay is the largest uninhabited island in the Bahamas. An uninhabited island close to home (USA). How cool.

All of you Florida readers hunting for your Crusoe Getaway, Samana Cay could be your island. People from Acklins Island visit periodically to collect cascarilla bark. Other than the occasional Acklins Island visitors, you could be all alone contemplating whatever it is you want to contemplate.

Enjoy!

Data - The Latest Edition of the WPI (World Port Index) from NGA Maritime Safety Information

2011-04-20T14:59:00.000-07:00

One of the more popular data files offered from this site is the NGA Maritime Safety Information World Port Index. In 2006, I secured a copy of the WPI database in KML file format. For 2-years I made this abbreviated version of the WPI available to any wanting a copy.

In 2008, I secured a copy of the WPI in MS Access format. I reworked the data, getting an MS Excel spreadsheet which was ultimately converted into an ESRI shapefile which I made available to any wanting a copy.

I am not a regular visitor to NGA Maritime Safety Information, but today I chanced to visit it. In looking at the WPI and what was being offered, I was pleased to discover that they now offer the WPI in ESRI shapefile format.

So, here is the deal. If you want to download the WPI data directly from the NGA MSI unit follow this link. If you want to download the WPI shapefile and a pdf file of the WPI 150 book follow this link.

Enjoy!

Marmara Island TR - Modifying SRTM v4 TIF with EVS Precision Coastal Vector File

2011-01-17T22:50:00.000-08:00

Turkey - SRTM with EVS Vector Modifications

The map of Turkey on the left is a portion of a 600-MB World Map created by Tom Patterson. His excellent and informative website, Shaded Relief, contains a wide variety of shaded relief maps. He explains how you could create your own shaded relief maps. I have been content to download his finished maps and use them in my classroom. The students love working with them.

I have been a long time user of SRTM data. Using tools within Global Mapper, I was able to generate interesting 3D views of islands. Last week I came across SRTM v4 data at CGIAR Consortium for Spatial Information (CGIAR-CSI), which I call Cigar (See-gar) for short. I downloaded a number of SRTM TIF images covering Turkey, where I am plotting Roman era towns and cities. Using the Shaded Relief Natural Earth 1 world map I was able to plot at scales of 1:1500000 to 1:1000000. When I attempted to work closer the map became a screen full of pixels. What to do?

Marmara Island - SRTM EVS Modifications Before and After (1:25,000)

The SRTM v4 data offered me some intriguing possibilities. First, I was able to zoom into areas at scales between 1:500,000 down to 1:50,000. At 1:50,000 I had to contend with pixels. The vertical side of a pixel in the part of the world I am working in is 90 meters, the horizontal side is 70 meters. Clunky looking when working at 1:50,000. It was then that I had my "ah-ha" moment. I loaded Landsat imagery on top of the SRTM imagery. I then digitized shorelines using the Landsat imagery (section 1). I switched off the Landsat imagery and my EVS precision shoreline cut through SRTM v4 pixels (section 2) and allowed me to determine the shoreline on the SRTM image. The SRTM modified shoreline is now useful to scales as fine as 1:25,000 (section 4).

I know! A 14.5 meter pixel defining a 90-meter pixels leads to potential problems. However, for my purposes, plotting Roman era towns and cities, these SRTMs modified with EVS precision shorelines work just fine.

Marmara Island Vicinity - SRTM with EVS Modifications Before and After (1-250,000)

And at 1:250,000, they look great!

A word about my custom hypsometric tints. The colors I initially took from the Shaded Relief website. But I have since tweaked them a number of times. The current version, certainly not my last, looks great for this part of the world.

I am slowly, but surely working my way around the shoreline of the Sea of Marmara, a place I spent time as a young man. I do hope this was both informative and interesting.

Enjoy!

Clipperton Island FR - It Has Been a Long Time Between Maps and Why.

2010-11-28T22:12:00.000-08:00

Clipperton Island - DigitalGlobe Image taken from Google Earth

Clipperton Island - EEVS Precision Map (1:17030)

I have been a busy map maker these past four months. My day job, as many of you know, is a middle school teacher. That means that every weekday I attempt to teach meaningful Social Studies lessons to a room full of less than eager students. This year I am trying something different, I teach Social Studies lessons using both Google Earth and Quantum GIS mapping software.

For example, we just completed a unit on Mesopotamia. Instead of a textbook only lesson, first we toured modern day Mesopotamia (Iraq) using Google Earth. After our preliminary inspection of the area, we used a raster image of a world map (Natural World II) from Shaded Relief as our base image and applied a number of vector layers to enable better orientation. Then the students created point files of various Mesopotamian city-states. They also created transparent polygons which detailed the extent of various ruling empires

We have just began our unit on Africa and will be exploring West Africa using Google Earth and Quantum GIS. So far, so good! The students are gaining a working understanding of spatial data and how it can be displayed and used. They are even learning "map speak" - polygons, shape files, symbology, etc.

So, I haven't had much time to make island maps. In fact, Clipperton Island is my first in over four months. I love making island maps, but I love teaching students the craft of map making even more. Let's see if I can indulge in both of these fine activities.

Enjoy!

Thoughts - Music from the Tahitian Choir, Rapa Iti.

2010-07-25T08:13:00.000-07:00

Rapa Iti Island - Ikonos Image (1:55,000)

The Tahitian Choir

Tahitian in name only, this NPR segment introduces the music of Rapa Iti.

Enjoy!

How To Digitize Vegetation and Land Layers using Landsat Imagery at 1:12,500 Scale

2010-06-27T16:09:00.000-07:00

Faaite Atoll FP - Comparison - Landsat Image, EVS Precision Map, DigitalGlobe Image (1:12,500)

I keep telling all of you that I typically digitize off of Landsat imagery at approximately 1:12,500 scale. Checking out the above montage you will see a Landsat image of a portion of Faaite Atoll FP. Beneath it are two layers of information I digitized using Landsat as base imagery, vegetation and land. The final DigitalGlobe image from Google Earth is of the same stretch of atoll. The Landsat image has a green hue over all of the land and vegetation features. However, having digitized so many islands the sand or low vegetation, which I classify as land is identifiable. My Landsat derived vegetation layer is a decent approximation based on the vegetation shown on both Landsat and DigitalGlobe's hires imagery. The digitized land layer, I believe, is a strong match.

Why should one care at what scale one is able to digitize using Landsat as base imagery? Ask any photogrammetrist and they will tell you Landsat is reliable between 1:125,000 to 1:62,500. Each pixel covers a ground area of 14.5 meters by 14.5 meters. However, working at 1:12,500 does not render an image useless, but allows one to discern details in a rough but usable fashion. I can't make out individual trees, but I can identify stands of vegetation and most often the density of that vegetation. The most difficult feature on an atoll to reliably digitize is that portion of the reef which is awash depending on the time of day (high tide or low tide) and the amount of vegetation found growing on the reef. It is often difficult to determine whether the feature is above water land or below water shallow reef. Typically, if I'm uncertain I classify the feature as above water land.

Who knows, one day you might want to try your hand at island map making and you will want advise as to what scale you might expect to work at using Landsat as your base imagery. Digitizing at 1:12,500 should work just fine. Give it a try.

Tepoto Nord FP - A Redo of a Redo of a Small Coral Island

2010-06-26T16:21:00.000-07:00

Tepoto Nord FP - Landsat Image from S-07-10_2000 (1:20,000)

Tepoto Nord FP - ISS002-E-8862 Image

Tepoto Nord FP - EVS Precision Map (1:20,000)

My first map of Tepoto Nord was completed on March 31, 2006. I used Landsat as my base imagery. Most of my finish work was done using Marplot, a fine poor-man's GIS program. In December 2006 , I came upon the ISS image of Tepoto Nord. I decided to redo my original work using the ISS imagery to digitize from.

I look at my completed Tepoto Nord mapping project today and contemplate how far my map making skills have progressed. My digitizing of shorelines, vegetation and reefs remains fairly consistent. I routinely work at between 1:12,000 to 1:8,000, depending on my base imagery and the ultimate objective for my map. I am content to map four to five layers of information taking what Landsat is able to provide. The first time I mapped this island, I remember being frustrated by the Landsat imagery. The odd colors and blurred appearance of the island made digitizing problematic. Eventually, I came upon the ISS image and was able to redo my mapping of this small island in a more satisfactory manner. I reposted the map and base imagery in December 2006 and gave this small island no more thought.

That is until I received a question from an EVS Islands reader. He wanted to know everything he could about this small island. I answered that he should contact Alex W du Prel, publisher of Tahiti-Pacifique magazine. If anyone could give information about this small island, Alex is the man. After answering the reader's question, I checked out my map of the island. Unsatisfactory! The map presentation choices I make today are far superior to those I made in 2006. I decided to redo my redo of this small coral island.

Tepoto Nord FP - DigitalGlobe Image from Google Earth (1:12,000)

Tepoto Nord FP - EEVS Precision Map (1:12,000)

I checked out Google Earth, as almost all of the islands within the Tuamotus are covered by DigitalGlobe's hires imagery. Sure enough, Tepoto Nord has excellent, cloud-free imagery from which I could redigitize various layers of information with a high degree of confidence. Seven layers of information later my redo of the redo is done. Since I have no designs to offer the map for commercial purposes, I decided to use DigitalGlobe imagery as my base imagery. I have worked on this redo of a redo for about two weeks. Not because it was particularly difficult, but I've been busy with school. Finally, I have a Saturday with no pressing projects. Only this, to finish my Tepoto Nord FP map. Pretty nice, huh?

Enjoy!

Reao Atoll FP - Finished . . . At Last!

2010-04-12T15:40:00.000-07:00

Reao Atoll

Reao Atoll - ISS004 Image Mosaic (1:70,000)

Reao Atoll - EEVS Precision Map (1:70,000)

Reao or Natūpe is an atoll in the eastern expanses of the Tuamotu group in French Polynesia. The closest land is Pukarua Atoll, located 48 km to the WNW.

Reao is 24.5 km long and its maximum width is 5 km. The whole length of its north-eastern rim is occupied by a single long island. There is no navigable pass into the lagoon.

Reao Atoll's population is 344 inhabitants.

That is about it for Reao Atoll on the internet. There might be some scattered bits of information, but nothing of newsworthy significance. Why? It could be the location. Unlike many of the other atolls making up the Tuamotus that receive numerous pleasure cruisers, Reao Atoll is situated away from the normal cruising routes. In addition the lagoon has no entrance for sailing vessels making for percarious landings on and off of the main island.

Even with the geographical difficulties associated with Reao Atoll, I wouldn't mind visiting. The southern end of the atoll looks a bit on the wild side. If not real wild, it looks to be far from the population center of the island located on it's northern end. One could perhaps find an isolated small motu along the atoll's western edge. There are in the neighborhood of 50 motus along this edge of the atoll. I am certain one of these small motus could offer one a few days of solitude. If not a few days, for sure a few hours.

Now for a few comments on the map. First, the base imagery is from ISS004. I took 3 excellent images and assembled them into a mosaic of the entire island. I rotated the image about 37° to align it with the atoll's true alignment. I had created a shoreline of Reao Atoll a few years back, but had not saved the georectified image. All I had to work with was the island polygons which came from the ISS004 imagery. I used over 37 GCPs (ground control points) to georectify the ISS004 image mosaic. It wasn't until this weekend that I had both time and energy to complete my typical four vector layers - island polygons, vegetation polygons, shallow reef polygon and lagoon polygon. I completed all of the layers as Phil Mickelson was busy winning the Masters for the 3rd time.

P.S. - Later that day, I compiled my first OSM formatted vector file consisting of the island polygons. Ultimately my goal is to place my EVS copyright free vectors onto OpenStreetMap. That is another story for later time.

Marutea Atoll Nord FP - An Uninhabited Atoll...Kind Of

2010-03-17T23:24:00.000-07:00

Marutea Atoll Nord FP

Marutea Atoll Nord FP - Landsat ETM S-07-15_2000 Image (1:150,000)

A portion of the Landsat ETM+ image looks great, the other portion is cloud covered. If I had only used the Landsat image to create my EVS precision map, it would have been an incomplete effort. Fortunately, ISS imagery helped to fill in the gap.

Marutea Atoll Nord FP - ISS006E37438 Image Modified (1:150,000)

First I had to rotate the ISS image and georectify it to my Landsat base image. I was able to do it after much tweaking of the ISS image it was positioned properly for my mapping purposes. Many of the coral heads, which I classify as shallow reef, were derived from the ISS image.

Marutea Atoll Nord FP - EVs Precision Map (1-150,000)

And here is the finished map! If one requires hi-res imagery, it can be found in Google Earth. Located at the channel leading into the lagoon are a few houses. I suspect they are used by coconut or black pearl harvesters. Although the island is uninhabited, people frequent the atoll doing the things that people do, harvesting resources.

Looking at the DigitalGlobe imagery found in Google Earth, large stretches of the island appear to be without a sand covering. It looks as if the island was washed over by a typhoon or a storm surge. Perhaps someone with first hand knowledge might share more about this uninhabited atoll...kind of.

Enjoy!

Thoughts - Which Color Scheme Works Best for EVS Maps?

2010-02-28T15:46:00.000-08:00

King George Islands FP

King George Islands FP - Landsat ETM S-06-10_2000 Image (1:175,000)

King George Islands FP - EVS Precision Map (1:175000)

Takapoto Atoll FP - EVS Precision Map (1:80,000)

I spent today digitizing the King George Islands located in the Tuamotu Islands FP. The top atoll, Takapoto, was just completed using my new NIMA color scheme. Not only am I limiting layers to EVS island projects to island polygon, reef shallow, lagoon and island water feature, but I've changed my color scheme to match NIMA's nautical charts. My current color scheme is as follows:

island polygon is R-245 G-245 B245

reef shallow polygon is R-205 G-225 B-235

lagoon is R-225 G-250 B-255.

Takaroa Atoll FP - EVS Precision Map (1:80,000)

Takaroa Atoll, completed a few months ago, contains my old color scheme:

island polygon is R-240 G-232 B-217

reef awash is R-208 G-234 B-224

reef shallow is R-153 G-214 B-236

lagoon is R-090 G-169 B-211

In both projects the vegetation layer R-157 G-179 B-151 and the deep ocean layer R-165 G-207 B-231 are unchanged.

For visual appeal, I like the old style. The NIMA nautical chart style gives a cleaner, crisper look. What do you think?

Enjoy!

Nosy Antaly-Be, MA - Fishermen, Tourists and WWII Japanese Midget Submarines

2010-02-16T19:46:00.000-08:00

Nosy Antaly-Be, MA,

Nosy Antaly-Be, MA - DigitalGlobe Image from Google Earth (1:12,500)

Nosy Antaly-Be, MA - EEVS Precision Map (1:12,500)

Every so often I like to scout a coastline in Google Earth to find an interesting island to map. Nosy Antaly-Be's image is cloud-free, hi-resolution and located along the eastern shore of the northern peninsula of Madagascar. The two islands I mapped are the northern most of a cluster of islands that are just off shore as one enters Diego-Suarez Bay. I mapped these two islands because I was bored with my current project, remapping Papua New Guinea, a very big job. I wanted to make a pretty map and to use DigitalGlobe imagery. So far, so good!

I mapped the islands quickly and completed all of the additional details using Global Mapper. My cursory check for information concerning these two islands initially turned up nothing of great interest. The semi-permanent population was made up of fishermen and tourists. Then came the WWII Japanese midget submarines. In 1942 Japan flush with a number of victories in Southeast Asia looked to control the entire Indian Ocean. A key area to control was the northern end of Madagascar. From this vantage point they would have been able to intercept allied shipping with ease. They attacked ships located in Diego-Suarez Bay in May, 1942. One ship was damaged and another was sunk with a lose of 6 crewmen. If you would like to know more about the "Whys" and "What Fors" follow this link, Imperial Submarines. The article will give you loads of background information concerning Japanese midget submarines and the war in Madagascar.

Life never fails to intrigue me. I select two nondescript islands and they turn out to be used to screen Japanese ships prior to an attack on ships in Diego-Suarez Bay. Who would have thunk it.

Enjoy!

Caspian Sea Isobaths from Russian Topographic Maps

2010-02-15T13:59:00.000-08:00

Caspian Sea Isobaths - Taken from 1:1,000,000 Mapping

Caspian Sea Isobaths - Entire Sea (1:5,000,000)

If I'm not careful, I can turn a finite mapping project into a never ending task, one that requires tweaks on top of tweaks. My Caspian Sea isobaths fall into that type of project. I have worked on the Caspian Sea shoreline and now isobaths since 2006 and I'm still not finished. The northern shore, including the Volga River delta remain my final shoreline to map. At my current rate I should be finished around 2012. In the mean time I would like to share my recently completed Caspian Sea isobaths. These isobaths were taken from Russian topographic maps downloaded from Poehali.org. One can download Russian topographic maps for free. The maps are georeferenced and load easily into most mapping programs. My Caspian Sea topographic map is a mosaic of 65 individual maps at scales between 1:500,000 to 1:100,000. All of these maps contain isobaths. Using the most detailed scale, I constructed the following isobaths: -10m, -20m, -50m, -100m, -150m, -200m, -300m, -400m, -500m, and -700m. Compared to the other Caspian Sea isobaths, mine differ. I hesitate to claim my isobaths are more accurate. I suspect they are, as they were derived from 1:500,000 to 1:100,000 scale maps. The other isobaths were taken from 1:1,000,000 scale maps.

Caspian Sea Isobaths - Baku Vicinity (1:250,000)

Where my isobaths prove most interesting is when one zooms into an area. An interesting area to study these isobaths is around Baku, the site of many oil rigs. The isobaths twist and turn in and around oil rigs as one would expect.

Caspian Sea Isobaths - Baku Vicinity Offshore (1:62,500))

Currently, my Caspian Sea isobaths are quietly residing on my hard drive. Before I do anything with them, other than my own mapping, I need to secure permission from Poehali.org. I know I did an excellent job tracing these unique isobaths. Not sure this is going to be a "give away". Would love to make a buck or two off of this data set. We'll see.

Enjoy!

Thoughts - North Sentinel Island Five Years After the "Big" One

2009-12-30T20:20:00.000-08:00

North Sentinel Island - Pre December 26, 2004

North Sentinel Island is home to a few hundred of the most isolated people on the earth. This group of people has chosen to remain separate from all other peoples. To the credit of India, they have been allowed to remain separate. Prior to December 26, 2004, the inhabitants were content to hunt and gather on their small forest covered island. Then came the dreadful 9.0 earthquake that caused death and destruction throughout this part of the world. North Sentinel Island was not spared. It is unclear if any of the inhabitants were killed as a result of the earthquake. What is clear is that the island underwent a dramatic transformation. This small island was thrust upward. The submerged reef was no longer submerged.

North Sentinel Island - February 2005

The February 2005 image shows the once submerged reef exposed above water. The forest is intact, but the island's fringing reef is now permanently above water. The stark white indicates that the reef is a new comer to the above-water environment.

North Sentinel Island - November 20, 2009

Fast forward to last month and one sees the reef still above water, but undergoing a gradual color change. As the once bone white reef remains in contact with the outside air, dust particles are blown onto the reef daily, algae colonies live and die and organic debris flows out from the island proper onto the reef, all of this contributing to the raised reef's gradual discoloration.

North Sentinel Island - EEVS Precision Map (1:62,500)

My post-earthquake map still gives a good picture of this small uplifted island. I'm glad it remains isolated and it's inhabitants have yet to encounter the world of modern man.

Enjoy!

Thoughts - All I Really Wanna Do Is, Baby, Make Highly Detailed and Accurate Island Shoreline Maps With You

2009-12-20T09:39:00.000-08:00

A Small Island Using NIMA Nautical Chart Colors (1:10,000)

I've been making highly detailed island maps for almost five years. In that time, I've mapped 1,000s of island shorelines. Always striving to make my finished island maps accurate and quality presentations, I've found myself adding many layers of information to my basic island shoreline maps. Most of my island maps contain a number of vegetation, reef, land and label layers. Some of my island maps contain in excess of 20 plus layers of information. Wow!

However, my zeal to continually add more information to my island maps has taken me far from my original objective - to make highly detailed and accurate island shoreline maps using Landsat ETM+ circa 2000 imagery as base imagery.

Currently, I am mapping islands within the Solomons. As I map them, I see a myriad of potential layers - mangroves, heavily forested areas, grass land, and the reefs that beg to be mapped in varying layers depicting depths based on shades of blue. I am resisting the temptation to map these fascinating layers. I am holding true to my original objective, to create highly detailed and accurate island shoreline maps. Posting these finished products will result in rather boring island maps, but so be it.

Life is too short! If I keep wandering away from my initial objective, I will never finish the island mapping I would like to accomplish in the 15 to 20 years I am both physically and mentally able.

Here is my renewed commitment to my original objective - keep your eyes, hands and mapping abilities on the prize! That prize being to construct a body of vector mapping containing highly detailed and accurate island shorelines.

And that I will enjoy!

Thoughts - They Aren't as Good as EVS Precision and That's the Fact , Jack!

2009-11-27T16:41:00.000-08:00

Olimarao Atoll Locator Map

You all remember my last post, Olimarao Atoll? I spent a few days prior to posting it doing research into available online mapping. I checked out the standard mapping packages for Olimarao Atoll vicinity maps. Check out my results below...

Olimarao Atoll - Vicinity Map from Google Maps - Some land polygons, no labels.

Olimarao Atoll - Vicinity Map from Yahoo Local Maps - Nothing here.

Olimarao Atoll - Vicinity Map from Bing Maps - And nothing here.

Olimarao Atoll - Vicinity Map from OpenStreetMap - Land polygons and labels.

Google, Yahoo and Bing Maps rely on satellite imagery. The underlying maps of these oceanic island areas are largely neglected in map coverage. Google Maps provides land polygons from a mapping file similar to WVS 1:250,000. OpenStreetMap uses NGA PGS polygons along with NGA Country name files. Clearly the superior map product for oceanic islands is found on OpenStreetMap. But wait! What about a vicinity map using what I call EVS rough precision digitizing. Using Landsat ETM+ imagery, I could quickly digitize island polygons and reefs giving a much clearer map of the island.

Elato, Lomolior and Olimarao Atolls - Landsat N55-05_2000 Coverage

Landsat N55-05_2000 is the imagery I initially tried to work with. As you can see, The vicinity is not covered. It is a blank. So I did what any good mapper would do, improvised. Using Google Earth, I found the blank area and DigitalGlobe had hi-res imagery of the islands located within the blank area.

Elato and Lomolior Atolls - DG Preview Image from GE

Elato and Lomolior Atolls - DG Preview Image from GE Cropped

I decided to use the DG Image Preview from GE. I copied it, cropped it and georectified it. From there, I was able to complete the digitizing within a few minutes. I did this for all islands within the Landsat blank area. Atolls should have reefs digitized as they make up a critically important aspect of this feature. My finished map uses five layers - 1) land polygon 2) reef shallow 3) reef deep 4) ocean and 5) name labels. My island name layer is an extract from NGA's country files.

Olimarao Atoll - Vicinity Map from EVS Rough Precision (1-500,000)

This was all done using Global Mapper. The scale for the above map is 1:500,000. Now that is what I call a real oceanic island vicinity map.

Enjoy!

Olimarao Atoll FM - A Northern Pacific Island Jewel and Uninhabited Too

2009-11-25T07:31:00.001-08:00

Olimarao Atoll - DG Island Image from GE (=~1:25,000)

Olimarao Atoll - EEVS Precision Map (1:25,000)

After almost five years of EVS precision island mapping projects, countless comments from the curious and, most often, complimentary guests and thousands of hours of work aimed at making this website better...

1) I have struck a deal with a corporate "sugar daddy" that will pay me to make EVS and EEVS precision island maps as I see fit.

2) My wife finally put her foot down and instructed me to "shut it down"! I told her to back off and she left me for a younger, computer illiterate man.

3) I'm still making island maps, with my wife's blessing, and am still without a corporate "sugar daddy".

Okay, I'm at Option 3) and enjoying it. However, sometimes our complicated lives cause us to wish for profound simplicity. A place where one can get away from the pressures of "big city" living and spend a day making a single decision, that being to make no decisions.

By far, my most popular posts over the past few months have been about the challenge of locating and living on uninhabited islands. It started with my post "Thoughts - An Uninhabited Island and What You'll Need to Inhabit it 'Robinson Crusoe' Style" and continued with my post "Thoughts - How Many Uninhabited Islands in the World?". These two posts alone have generated over 1,000 page views. As the world's economies continue to struggle and the economically downtrodden victims hunt for ways out, a Google search of "uninhabited islands" will lead the desperate to my aforementioned posts.

Olimarao Atoll could be their Eden. The atoll is small, but affords one fairly secure anchorage near the large motu. The large amount of vegetation suggests an adequate supply of water, most probably in the form of a fresh water lens. The small size of the island might lead one to "island claustrophobia", manifest by a longing for continental security. However, according to the occasional yachtsperson stopping for a short stay, the island is beautiful beyond imagination. Could Olimarao Atoll be your Eden? More to follow...

Enjoy!

Thoughts - Strange Maps: An Atlas of Cartographic Curiosities

2009-11-08T12:27:00.000-08:00

Strange Maps: An Atlas of Cartographic Curiosities

When I first exchanged emails with Frank Jacobs, it was shortly after my "Titan's Unnamed Methane Sea" had hit the internet. The subject of the map hit a hot button that translated into 1,000s of visits to this web site. Frank introduced himself and asked if I had visited his blog, Strange Maps. I had and shared that I thought it was a "kick". He revealed that he, likewise, was a follower of my mapping efforts. He most especially liked my Titan map and wondered if he might use it in a book he was going to have published. He quickly added, that he had no money to pay for the use of the map, but would make sure I got a copy of his completed book. "Of course!" I said, "You are welcome to use my map. Just give me proper credit." Deal done!

Now let me tell you what I really thought. Oh, sure. This guy is going to publish a book about strange maps. I'll probably get a pdf copy or a link to his self-published effort. Unfortunately, I do have a healthy streak of skepticisim. After our exchanges I forgot about Frank and his book.

Silly me! I will never doubt Frank Jacobs again. True to his word, last week Fedex delivered a package from the UK. Inside was a slick copy of Strange Maps, Frank's book. I quickly leafed through it and there was my Titan map on pages 206-207. A nice writeup is included speculating on a name for this methane sea. And, sure enough, a paragraph about the author of the map, me.

Buy the book! Amazon.com lists it at $19.80. Support a fellow map lover!

Titan's Unnamed Methane Sea with Lat-Lon Grid (1-750,000)

And, once again, this is my map of Titan's Unnamed Methane Sea. It is still an interesting effort and now my first published map.

Enjoy!

Thoughts - Since My Last Post

2009-09-22T16:19:00.000-07:00

Bennet Island - Landsat Image N-54-75_20000 - A Partial View (1:44,260)

Bennet Island - EVS Precision Map - A Partial View (1:44,260)

So, Mr Minton, what have you been up to since July 30th, the date of your last post? Let me tell you...

1. I'm back at school. My day job is teaching middle school students social studies, science (physics) and religion. Teaching is always a challenge, however this year the challenge is two-fold. Not only am I teaching curriculum, but I'm doing 90% of the lessons using computers. This summer I installed 28 Dell GX620s in my class room with Windows XP Pro as my operating system. I have installed a number of open-source programs, the primary one being Open Office on each computer. The challenge is to teach my curriculum entirely within a digital world. After two weeks of school all of us are starting to get into a solid routine. My goal is to teach the students how to work with word processing, presentations, spreadsheets, mapping, and various drawing programs to enhance their school work and to send them on into high school with an extensive set of software skills that will enable them to be both successful and competitive students at the next and future levels.

2. Yes, I am still working on mapping projects. All of them are in various stages of near completion. I am creating isobaths within the Caspian Sea. I am extracting them from Russian topographic maps from 1:100,000 scale for the -5 to -10 meter isobaths and 1:500,000 scale topos for all other isobaths. These isobaths are considerably different in appearance and, hopefully, considerably more accurate than the ones available at the Caspian Environment Programme. I have completed all isobaths from -5 m to -150 m.

3. I continue working on Tuamotu Island maps. Also I am working on some far northern Arctic islands. Bennett Island is one of these Arctic islands.

4. This summer, I completed an EVS precision mapping project of the Falkland Islands. The entire island group was meticulously mapped for a client I've worked with in the past and I even made a few bucks for my work ($250 for 10 hours of mapping work). On my "for profit" projects, I only use Landsat ETM+ as my base imagery as the copyright restrictions enable one to use these excellent orthorectified image mosaics to generate "for profit" mapping projects.

5. I still dream of working as an island map maker full time and of earning a fair wage while doing what I love to do. However, my reality is also quite enjoyable, teaching, using quality technology, is a blast! I am invigorated as a teacher! And between 10 PM to 2 or 3 AM, I am a map maker. Isn't life swell?

Enjoy!

Thoughts - 239 EVS Precision Island Mapping Projects Since April 2006

2009-07-30T09:59:00.000-07:00

EVS Islands Projects - 239 Projects Since April 2009

I've been creating EVS precision island maps since April, 2006. During this three years plus time frame, I've posted all of the above island projects to this website. My island mapping and the satisfaction gained from having mapped an island few others have mapped at the level of detail I typically work at, continues to invigorate me, but my busy life keeps getting in the way of my ability of create more and better island maps. If you have any questions concerning past projects or possible future projects, drop me a line. Let's talk.

Enjoy!

P.S. Thanks to all of you readers, map lovers, island dreamers and the curious for spending time at EVS Islands. On July 23, 2009 EVS Islands received it's 100,000th page view. My goal with this website continues to be to provide quality maps, images and comments to educate and entertain. Hopefully, that is what I've managed to do.

Motu Iti FP - Smaller is Quicker

2009-07-19T09:25:00.000-07:00

View Motu Iti FP in a larger map

Motu Iti FP - DigitalGlobe Image from Google Earth (1:10,000)

Motu Iti FP - EEVS Precision Map (1:10,000)

According to widely accepted geographical feature identification practices Motu Iti and the rocky islets to the east are classified as islets (> 1 sq km). They are still defined as islands for the purposes of claiming Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), sea level to seafloor ownership encompassing a radius of 200 nm or 370 km from this island's shoreline. Interesting as this might be, it is not the reason I mapped these islets. Yesterday, I needed a break from the Komodo Islands project and these islets looked like a good option. I like the Marquesas and these are a part of the Marquesas.

There was nothing especially challenging in the shoreline mapping of these islets. The DigitalGlobe imagery is exceptional. I did preliminary shoreline mapping in Google Earth and finished the project up using Global Mapper. I've spent about 4-hours from start to finish which is par for the course when mapping a simple island shoreline.

Now for my guess work. The main islet, Motu Iti, has scatter vegetation on it. My source, Vegetation of the Tropical Pacific Islands found in Google Books, states that three types of low lying vegetation are found on the islet (Perlman, unpublish notes, 1989). The main islet is said to be 220 meters high. Based on this unsubstantiated elevation, I guesstimated 25-meter contour intervals using visual interpretation of the base imagery. I was unable to use SRTM coverage for these islets as it is of very poor quality. It would be nice to have side views of these islets, but alas, no side views were turned up in my research. Consequently, the elevations are educated WAGs (Wild A...d Guesses).

I'll rest up today and spend time with my wife, doing long overdue honeydos. She will be happy and so will I.

Enjoy!

Thoughts - Dining Out During the ESRI Conference - Recommendations from a Local

2009-07-11T11:30:00.000-07:00

View Larger Map

Karina's Seafood, Chula Vista CA

ESRI 2009 is about to hit and all of you out-of-towners craving a delicious meal will head for the "Gaslamp Quarter", Old Town or to places along our bay - all of these are nice choices. They are pricey, but nice. I live in San Diego and have dined out quite often. I love to eat Mexican food (blame it on my wife) and seafood (I hear it is healthy). Friend that I am to all of my loyal readers, I'm going to turn you on to a great restaurant located in Chula Vista, about 5 miles south of the Convention Center. Follow the above link and it will give you their menu and a look at their humble digs. The view is urban, the mariachi music can be too loud, but the food is killer! I order the fish fillet plate with chipotle sauce for $12.95. Add in a couple of cervazas and you have a wonderful dining experience for about $20. Now for my favorite part - the waitresses are gorgeous. They are prompt, pleasant and visually pleasing. **** - four stars out of five and you will love your meal and your dining experience.

Enjoy San Diego and the ESRI Conference!

Thoughts - Working on the Komodo Islands EEVS Precision Island Mapping Project

2009-07-07T14:40:00.000-07:00

Komodo Islands, Indonesia

Bima, Indonesia (txu-oclc-21752461-sc50-4) Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection

Why Make Another Map of a Previously Mapped Island?

The highly detailed mapping for this group of islands is paper. I create digital maps. The paper map lives in a library map drawer. My digital map will be available for any person wishing to use it. The raster imaged map above is a US 1:250,000 scale topo created from aerial surveys conducted in the 1940s and 50s. The scale my finished map will be useful is between 1:50,000 to 1:125,000. My map will contain additional layers of information detailing types of vegetation and reefs. Plus, I just like to make island maps.

Komodo Islands - EEVS Precision Digitizing using Landsat ETM+ Imagery (1:20,000)

Komodo Islands - EEVS Precision Digitizing using ASTER Imagery (1:20,000) Credit: NASA/GSFC/METI/ERSDAC/JAROS and U.S./Japan ASTER Science Team

Komodo Islands - EEVS Precision Digitizing, Size Modified (1:20,000)

Better is Better and More Accurate is More Accurate

I love the ASTER imagery for this island group. It is extremely detailed and provides a cloud-free look at almost all of the islands within this group. One is able to get an excellent view of different types of vegetation - mangroves, dense forests and scattered brush. Comparing it to the Landsat ETM+ image, the ASTER image provides a greater amount of cloud-free coverage. Combining the two images, ASTER and Landsat, one is able to create a virtually cloud-free image of the Komodo Island group. In the tropics, cloud-free is unique. One challenge was the georectifying of the ASTER image to the Landsat ETM+ image. It took 27 unique ground control points to twist, stretch and tug the ASTER image so that it precisely overlay the base Landsat image. Once that task was accomplished, I got around to digitizing layers of information. My first layer is always the island shoreline. Then comes all of the additional layers. I have completed the beaches and an inland vegetation layer at the northern end of Pulau Komodo and am currently working on the mangrove forest layer.

Pulau Siaba Besar and Kecil Islands - Landsat ETM+ Image (1:20,000)

Pulau Siaba Besar and Kecil Islands - ASTER Image (1:20,000

Pulau Siaba Besar and Kecil Islands - EEVS Precision Map, Preliminary (1:20,000)

Mapping at EEVS using ASTER Imagery

The above map is an example of the level of detail one can extract from the ASTER image. Those dark green areas along the island's shore are mangrove forests. Interestingly, these mangrove forests seem to primarily form along the eastern shores of the islands. This would be where the water is less turbulent.

Komodo Islands - Mangroves

The vegetation layer identified as EVS Vegetation Wetland, mangrove forest, detailed on the Pulau Siaba Besar map above, would look like the above image, dense dark green foliage along the shore. The dense dark green foliage that one sees inland will be classified as EVS Vegetation Forest (Hi). As you can see from the above image, much of the land is sparsely covered with vegetation. I have identified that layer as EVS Vegetation Scattered, which will include low lying grasses and small bushes.

Comparison - Landsat ETM+ to ASTER Images (1:5,000)

Pulau Siaba Kecil Island - DigitalGlobe Image from Google Earth, Size Modified (1:5,000)

Pulau Siaba Kecil Island - EEVS Precision Map, Preliminary, Size Modified (1-5,000)

Mapping at Scales Between 1:1,000 to 1:2,500 Using DigitalGlobe Imagery

In a perfect world, maps created from DigitalGlobe imagery found in Google Earth would be owned by their map maker and that map maker would be free to use that map anywhere and anytime they wished. No restrictions. No ownership delimmas. Just a map one would be free to use as one sees fit. But this world isn't perfect and DigitalGlobe and Google Earth have stern restrictions on how one is allowed to use their imagery. Pulau Siaba Kecil EEVS precision map was constructed off of DigitalGlobe imagery found in Google Earth. I am able to post my map, but there are restrictions on how I might use this map further. With that said, let's move on.

I decided to experiement using DGs hi-res imagery found in GE. I have used their mapping tools before and found them easy to use, intuitive and flexible. There are drawbacks, but one can work around them easily. The DG imagery allowed me to digitize the dense vegetation along the island's western shore. I have mixed feelings working with hi-res imagery. It is the best for extremely accurate work, but sometimes it is too much. If you aren't careful, you can find yourself digitizing the location of individual trees or offshore rocks. That is overkill for my maps.

All other mapping within the Komodo Island group will be taken from ASTER or Landsat ETM+ imagery. A variety of vegetation layers will be used, along with at least two reef layers. All of the islands are outlined and I am currently working on vegetation layers for Pulau Komodo. Wish me luck and...

Enjoy!

Robinson Crusoe Island CL - When This Old World is Getting You Down or Two Other Maps

2009-06-30T11:00:00.000-07:00

Robinson Crusoe Island CL

Robinson Crusoe Island - Landsat ETM+ S-17-30_2000 (1:85,000)

Robinson Crusoe Island - DigitalGlobe Image from Google Earth (1:85,000)

Robinson Crusoe Island - EVS Precision Map (1:85,000)

When This Old World is Getting You Down

At times we all wish we could pull a "Robinson Crusoe", find some forgotten spot, seldom visited, yet replete with all the necessities of life - food, water, clothing and shelter. A place without financial pressures, martial woes, busy urban scene and no threat of crime spilling into our fragile lives. I'm not sure that place exists. Alexander Selkirk, the individual Daniel Defoe based his Robinson Crusoe character on, was so lonely by the end of his four year exile, he gladly rejoined the crew of the individuals who had originally abandoned him. His life on previously uninhabited Isla Mas a Tierra was often wretched. His diet was life sustaining, but challenging to gather. His clothing was handmade and unkept. His shelter is reputed to be a cave. He spent many lonely hours at his lookout scanning the horizon for a ship that might rescue him.

With that said, we still wish we could escape to his place. We all know in our heart of hearts we would do better. We would not grow lonely, but using our 21st century knowledge and preplanning, our island life would be a special time to reflect on the world and all of its mysteries and how we fit into them. When we grow tired of our adventure, we would merely dial our satellite phone and be whisked away, back to our previous lives.

Robinson Crusoe Island - Wikimedia Commons

Robinson Crusoe Island - Source Unknown (1:120,000)

Two Other Maps

A map is seldom an entirely unique creation. Robinson Crusoe Island has been mapped many times. Some of these are excellent compositions. I used two other maps to aid in the construction of my map. The first one, found in the Wikipedia article on Robinson Crusoe Island was used to gather feature names. The second map, source unknown, was used to confirm certain feature names and supply any new ones not found on the first "helper" map.

The vector files making up my EVS precision map were created using Landsat ETM+ and DigitalGlobe from Google Earth. The majority of the shoreline was extracted from DigitalGlobe imagery. Where clouds obscured the land, I used Landsat to map the underlying area. The 50-meter contours were derived from SRTM data. There is a problem with the elevations, some of the higher elevations are dramatically different than what they should be. El Yunque Peak is supposed to be 913-meters, but is shown to be approximately 650-meters using SRTM data. I did not correct the erroneous elevations in this version of my map. Perhaps, I'll correct them later.

Robinson Crusoe Island - Chilean Nautical Chart 5410 (1:50,000)

Finally, for all of you sailors that wish to explore Robinson Crusoe Island, the Chilean Hydrographic Office (SHOA) has a nautical chart you might wish to purchase. The above image is a copy of it.

Enjoy!

Thoughts - How Many Uninhabited Islands in the World?

2009-06-18T23:08:00.001-07:00

First one must define island. According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Part VIII:

1. An island is a naturally formed area of land, surrounded by water, which is above water at high tide.

2. Except as provided for in paragraph 3, the territorial sea, the contiguous zone, the exclusive economic zone and the continental shelf of an island are determined in accordance with the provisions of this Convention applicable to other land territory.

3. Rocks which cannot sustain human habitation or economic life of their own shall have no exclusive economic zone or continental shelf.

Now how about nations with lots of islands? Let's list those: Sweden 221,800; Finland 179,584; Canada 53,000; Norway 50,000; Indonesia 17,504; Philippines 7,107; Greece 6,000; Japan 3,000 and Maldives 2,000. In just these nine island rich countries, over 500,000 islands are accounted for. Now for the good news for all of you folks that want to find your own uninhabited island. That place where you can get away from all of the worries of the world - an uninhabited island. Of the 500,000 islands located in these nine countries, only 11, 000 (2%) have a permanent population. That leaves 539,000 (98%) mostly very small islands that have zero population. So take heart all of you Robinson Crusoes, there is an uninhabited island just waiting for you to claim it.

Enjoy!

Wakhjir Valley & Pass AF - Marco Polo Sheep, Silk Road & A Lengthy Mapping Project

2009-06-18T05:45:00.000-07:00

Wakhjir Valley & Pass AF

Wakhjir Valley and Pass - EVS Precision Map N-43-35-2000 from Landsat ETM+ N-43-35-2000 (1-100,000)

This map is the culmination of over two weeks of digitizing glaciers, meandering streams, high mountain meadows and many hours of research. During the researching phase I learned about the Great Game, Marco Polo sheep and the Hindu Kush, Pamir, Karakoram mountain ranges. I learned that this valley is an offshoot of the primary valley, the Wakhan that slices between the Pamirs to the north and the Hindu Kush to the south. At the Wakhan's eastern terminus, one could head into the Wakhjir valley and cross over the Wakhjir Pass into China or one could continue east to northeast into Tajikistan and eventually into China. I have always liked the path less traveled, so I elected to study and map the Wakhjir Valley and Pass, a trekkers paradise.

Wakhjir Valley and Pass from Russian Topo J-43-101

First in conducting research, I discovered a site, Poehali!, offering 34,727 free Russian topographic maps (1:100,000). Not only do they offer the topos, but a corresponding MAP file to facilitate georectification. Like a kid in a candy story, I downloaded 11 topos with MAP files. I'm not the greatest at reading cyrillic, but using Google Translate, while comparing the topos to both Landsat ETM+ N-43-35-2000, which covers all of my target area and Google Earth imagery, I was able to make sense of the written data included on the topos.

During my study of the topos, I determined that the Russians had digitized the international borders with a greater accuracy than any of my border sources. Using their topos as base imagery, I digitized new international borders for this area.

The 100-meter contours were generated using void filled SRTM files and Global Mapper. They took about 30-seconds to create once all of the necessary files were loaded. The Russians used 40-meter contours. I think that is overkill. So I elected 100-meter contour intervals.

See all of the glaciers, meadows and streams? That's what took many hours to digitize. All of this data was taken from the Landsat ETM+ N-43-35-2000 imagery. It is virtually cloud free and snow free leading me to believe the imagery was taken during the short summer. It was a matter of how detailed I wanted my map to be. The glaciers were tedious to digitize. I was able to map all glaciers and snow banks that were imaged. The streams were the easiest to map and the least accurate. Landsat, at 14.5 meter resolution, makes that mapping difficult. If the streams/rivers branched, I created a layer called meandering riverbed. My final polygon layer high mountain meadows. The people living in this part of the world are herders. These mountain meadows are critically important as food for their domesticated animals, sheep and goats. These mountain meadows consisted of the lime-green colored vegetation layer located along the valley floors. Needless to say, these three polygon layers were challenging to map and time-consuming to digitize. I wanted to stop and move on to an island, but I counldn't bring myself to do it. Today, I am done! The map can still use work, but I am done.

Wakhjir Pass - Google Earth Pro Image

The above image shows the climb one would need to make in order to get to the pass and cross into China. Apparently, Marco Polo is reputed to have crossed at Wakhjir Pass on his historic trip into China. On the way he recorded a description of the sheep that takes his name, the Marco Polo sheep

Marco Polo Sheep (picture from Snow Leopard Conservancy)

Their numbers are dwindling due to lose of habitat, over hunting and weather extremes. George Schaller has worked tirelessly to save these endangered animals. He would rather not have these majestic animals hunted, but if they must be then the hefty fee of $25,000 per hunt, should be used to benefit the people of the Wakhan. He also is working to establish a 50,000 sq kilometer multinational park that will go far in protecting the Marco Polo sheep and their unique habitat.

Finally, for all of you visiting my site expecting to see my latest island map, I apologize and will endeavor to remedy the situation. For all of you who appreciate a nice map, select the top map image and see the map at full size. Pretty cool, huh?

Enjoy!

Thoughts - Props To Google Earth Education (GEEC)

2009-06-10T06:13:00.000-07:00

Google Earth Education just donated $12,000 worth of software to my school. The software consists of 30 1-year licenses for Google Earth Pro at $400 per licenses. How did I pull this off - let me explain.

Frank Taylor of Google Earth Blog was giving me a few pointers on how to load multiple map layers into Google Earth. He asked why I didn't just load the layers in as SHP files. I use and have used Google Earth for years now, but I could not afford the $400 for the GE Pro version. Also, the standard version of GE gave me everything I needed. That is, almost everything. I explained to Frank that I was trying to load raster images of my island maps into GE. So he patiently explained how I would add layers of info in correct order. But I was intrigued with this ability to load vector files into GE. I snooped around and explored the capabilites of GE Pro. The standard download site offered the 7-day GE Pro trial. I decided to give it a try. It sure did allow me to load a SHP vector file easily. The 7-day limitation and $400 price tag gave me serious pause. And then the GE Pro GEEC offer - any bonified educational institution merely need apply to the proper folks at Google supplying school and prospective use information. They would make a determination. If approved, they update your previously downloaded 7-day trial version with the keys to transform it into a 1-year license. So I gave it a try.

Five days later I got my answer. I stated in my request, that I would be using the software in my classroom to augment my Social Studies lessons, where I now have 30 Dell SX520s installed. Much to my suprise and delight they granted 30 1-year licenses. Wow!.

Teachers, if you are interested in this offer, drop me a line at pjminton@gmail.com and I will give all of the info you need in order to apply.

Enjoy!

Thoughts - DigitalGlobe Imagery in Google Earth and Island Mosaics

2009-05-27T15:13:00.000-07:00

Guadalupe Island - DigitalGlobe Mosaic from Google Earth (1:15,000)

I have been gently reminded, agressively scolded and accused of being an image thief. I appreciate the gentle reminders that DigitalGlobe imagery found in Google Earth is still the property of DigitalGlobe, yet is shared with all of us via the Google Earth platform. Let me explain.

A few years back as DigitalGlobe imagery began appearing in Google Earth, I did what many viewer did, I saved copies of high-resolution images of features I found interesting. My dilemma was my interest in islands, which most often require a number of images mosaicked together to create a detailed view of the island that I could then use to create my island maps. After creating my first DigitalGlobe high-resolution mosaic of an island with imagery taken from Google Earth I made my first phone call to Google Earth. I explained how I constructed my high-resolution base image using DigitalGlobe imagery found in Google Earth. I further explained that I used the georeferenced mosaic as my base image from which I would produce an island map for non-commercial purposes. A map that I would post to my website, EVS Islands. In addition, I would also post the mosaic to show readers my base image from which I produced my map. The magic word was "non-commercial". The gentleman I spoke with said that as long as the map was for non-commercial uses, Google Earth had no problem with my efforts, as long as I credited them when appropriate. He added, as far as the DigitalGlobe imagery was concerned, I needed to speak with them. Even though Google Earth hosts the imagery, I needed DigitalGlobe's okay to use their imagery as I was using it. So I called DigitalGlobe.

The individual I spoke with listened to my explanation of how I wanted to use their imagery. The "non-commercial" use of the imagery was again a key element of my intended use. I carefully explained how I took a series of DigitalGlobe images from Google Earth, mosaicked them, georeferenced the finished mosaic, digitized my vector layers of interest and finally posted both my finished map and an image of the DigitalGlobe high-resolution island mosaic to my website. He asked to see my map, the DigitalGlobe mosaic and the image of the mosaic. I emailed them to him. He checked them out and talked with his people. He emailed back that as long as my work derived from their imagery was for non-commercial purposes and I credited them as a source I was good to go.

It has been over two years since that first conversation. I have had a number of subsequent conversations with DigitalGlobe representatives concerning my use of their imagery. They have consistently advised that my use of their product and the crediting I give is acceptable.

Currently, I seldom use DigitalGlobe imagery to construct my island maps. I, almost exclusively use Landsat ETM+ as my base imagery. I hold out hope that somewhere, someone just might want to purchase my enhanced vector shoreline precision maps. So far, it is a "no go", but I hold out hope. In the meantime, I continue to admire the excellent high-resolution imagery made available through the joint efforts of DigitalGlobe and Google Earth. And if and when I need that high-resolution image of a large island, I'll go ahead and construct a DigitalGlobe image mosaic knowing that, so far, both Google Earth and DigitalGlobe representatives have given me the "okay".

Enjoy!

P.S. - Each use of DigitalGlobe's imagery found in Google Earth should be discussed with their representatives. They will determine the actual or potential impact upon their business. Be up front with them, giving a complete description of how you will use their imagery. My experience is that they will support most, not all, non-commercial uses of their imagery copied from Google Earth. The same goes for Google Earth. The problem comes in locating the right person to render a decision concerning your use of their product.

Thoughts - Continuing Yesterday's "Wow"!

2009-05-22T21:52:00.000-07:00

Arutua Atoll - Four EVS Precison Layers Loaded into Google Earth

A reader of EVS Islands suggested that I load my island maps into Google Earth. He had taken the Flickr image of Arutua Atoll and created a Google Earth overlay. He did all of this work by manually matching the EVS image to the GE base image. After viewing his work I had another Wow! moment. It turns out Global Mapper creates KML/KMZ files. I have generated GE KML/KMZ overlays previously, but I thought I would try something different. Using the Arutua Atoll vectors, I created a separate overlay for each vector layer using PNG image format's transparency function. I began with my Reef Shallow and the ocean as my first layer without any color transparency.

Arutua Atoll - Base Layer Reef Shallow with Ocean (1:75,000)

The other three layers would rest atop this base layer. The next three layers were EVS Island Polygons, Vegetation and Inland Water. I made the blue ocean the transparent color for these layers. This resulted in overlays consists of 12 georectified tiles per layer neatly positioning an EVS precision island map into GE.

Arutua Atoll - Four Layers Loaded into Google Earth (1:75,000)

Loading these four layers in proper order (Reef Shallow, EVS Island Polygons, Vegetation and Inland Water) one is able to switch layers on and off to view this atoll from a number of unique perspectives. Pretty cool!

Arutua Atoll - Four Layers in KMZ Files

I have posted the four layers and you are welcome to download them and try them out. They are at the following links: Reef Shallow, EVS Island Polygons, Vegetation and Inland Water. Remember to load Reef Shallow first, EVS Island Polygons second, Vegetation third and Inland Water last. The map is at a scale of 1:75,000. That allows you to view the map at the 4.00 kilometer center read using GE's scale bar. If you take the map below that scale it begins to get ugly fast (blurred lines and colors). Hope you find it interesting. Comments are appreciated, especially KML/KMZ types. I am certain there must be a way to load all layers within one KML/KMZ packet and still be able to retain the ability to pile layers on top of each other and exercise control over whether a layer is on or off. Thanks in advance.

Enjoy

Thoughts - Wow! I Didn't Know Global Mapper Could Do That or Discoveries at 4:00AM

2009-05-21T05:13:00.000-07:00

Arutua Atoll FP - EVS Precision Map (1:170,000) - Upper Image

Arutua Atoll FP - EVS Precision map (1:75,000) - Lower Image

At first glance, except for a simple coordinate grid, use of a slightly different map scale and the addition of other necessary cartographic trappings, my original image of Arutua Atoll (upper) looks like the Arutua Atoll (lower). Although the images are both sized at 500 x 347 pixels, to fit into this web page, the two images are quite different. The upper image is JPG, whereas the lower image is PNG. I have been using PNG format images for my last few posts. Supposedly, they give one a better, sharper image at a much smaller size compared to JPG. Frankly, for what I am doing (posting an image of a vector map) the JPG format seemed to work fine. That is until I discovered my Global Mapper "Wow!".

I love my finished maps and enjoy sharing them with readers that appreciate my work. I believe most readers are often content to view an island image, read the brief article, ponder it and then go their merry way. As it should be. However, for the intrepid few that really want to check out the island map, that take the time to select the island image and view the original sized image in Flickr, have I got a treat for you!

If you select the lower Arutua Atoll image and follow it to Flickr, you will be able to view my original sized image of Arutua Atoll at a scale of 1:75,000. Global Mapper, my primary mapping software, allows me to capture a screen's contents to an image.

Global Mapper Image Capture

This is not a new discovery, as I have been using this option for years. But this morning I decided to changed the image size from a default of 1264 x 875 pixels to 2578 x 1750 pixels. This change transformed my 1:150,000 scaled island image into a 1:75,000 scaled island image. My original 1:150,000 scaled image will print on a standard 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper. To print my 1:75,000 scaled image would require a 21" x 14" paper. Within Flickr, the reader can view an image that more nearly displays the island at it's EVS precision viewing limits (between 1:75,000 to 1:50,000). Using Global Mapper to create my images, I am able to generate two additional files that allows one to view the island image with appropriate lat/lons (.pngw and .prj files).

My bottom line discovery - by varying Global Mapper's screen image capture size, I am able to quickly generate EVS precision island maps at meaningful viewing scales. And that's my 4:00 AM "Wow!"

Enjoy!

Thoughts - Atolls, Beautiful Daughters of the Reef

2009-05-20T14:48:00.000-07:00

The following is an article written by Alex du Prel, publisher of Tahiti-Pacifique magazine. He offers it for your reading pleasure. Enjoy!

A beach landing area on an islet on Bora Bora's fringing reef (AKK_1731.jpg)

"I love reefs because that's what creates atolls.

I am a nut about atolls. I live them with passion. "Stupid you," say some friends, "How can you be crazy about a pile of sand?"

Well, maybe. But an atoll is a different universe. It's fragile jewel. A new world altogether. A place of intimate communion with nature. For it's the only land on earth created by life. By a living organism, coral. And it's a clean living sphere, so rare today, where you can even walk barefoot all day without ever having muddy, dirty feet.

An atoll is not the result of the clashing of tectonic plates nor a piling up of some rocks. It doesn't erode, it grows. An atoll is the offspring of a secret pact between the noble elements of our planet. The fire of the bowels of Earth places the embryo; patience of time shapes it; water and sun nourishes it; the wind weans it.

Look at the Pacific Ocean. Huge. Vast, never ending. So vast. More than half our planet. Deep also, more than four kilometers deep, on average.

A small weak spot in the cold dark bottom of this endless blue water ocean. And the fire of genesis will slowly, patiently, step by step, push the magma up until, sometimes, it will breaks through the surface of the sea. This volcano then, a huge mass, from it's base to the sea level will be taller than the highest mountain on some continents.

The volcano will eventually run out of fire, will become extinct. Its weight, so massive and so lonely thousands of kilometers from any continent, will make it sink. Slowly. Inevitably. Erosion from rain and wind will help it disappear again below the sea.

But a small detail changes everything. Tropical polyps, the coral, will discover a perfect habitat on the slopes of that sinking mountain.

A solid base. A warm ocean. Lots of light, sunshine. And tons of oxygen provided by the endless surf produced by steady trade winds or storms in the far Roaring Forties.

As the volcano keeps sinking, the coral will keep growing. Generation after generation on top of the calcium skeletons of their ancestors. Soon all trace of the volcano disappear - just a ring of coral will continue to grow and a lagoon will be born. An oasis of teeming life in warm tropical waters known to lack nutrients

The never stopping swells of the huge ocean will then cuddle this fragile jewel with loving care. Stroke it with its waves. Feed it with its oxygen. For centuries, ages, eons. But nature, just like man, can turn momentarily insane, crazy, violent. Especially when it feels too hot. In its short folly it will try to destroy, maim, mutilate what it had nurtured with much patience, softness. This insane fit is called a hurricane, typhoon, cyclone, whatever.

Monstrous waves, like tremendous sledges, will then pound, break, smash the fragile and colorful underwater gardens. The nursing swell turned into a destructive ram will lift entire reef sections up, throw them on top of others; will grind coral and beautiful shells into sand. Worn out, the ocean will quiet and expose a view of desolation in proportion to its short fury. On the wounded reef large mounts of debris will rot and stink in the reappearing sun.

A few years later, the rains will have rinsed the salt out of these new dunes. Sea birds will joyfully discover a new roosting place. Their droppings will provide nitrogen and seeds. A few years later the dunes will be green with bush, grass and other vegetation. Some coconuts will be washed on these new shores and will find a place adequate to take root.

An atoll just has been born. An island consisting only of a sandy ring, one of these "islands full of water" with no trace of mineral soil. An island whose future entirely depends on the continuous growth of the reef. A reef which will repeatedly heal itself, continue to be the protective barrier for the fragile sand island and provide a never ending supply of new material. Without the ramparts made of billions of living polyps, the swell would just take one swallow of these storm leftovers.

There is all the ambiguity of an atoll : every time the weather has a fit, churns the ocean and tries to destroy it, this action only creates more debris that adds material to the atoll, providing more land. That's why an atoll, pure product of the reefs, is a living being that feeds on its environment, adapting to and thriving from its moods. Lots of time will pass. Lots. Eternity. The fringing islands (motu) on the circular reef will get large enough to permit a fresh water lens to establish itself, which in turn will allow the growth of taller trees, like the coconut tree or the pandanus tree (screwpine).

Then, some day, some men, lost on the endless sea, crowded in a fragile outrigger canoe, will be washed onto these remote shores. They will worship this life saving land. They will learn to survive, even prosper on these few and ever lonely acres. Learn to peacefully cohabit on it. They will figure out how to feed themselves, how to dress, how to heal with only coconut, fish, shells, taro and live that way for generations.

Actually, unless you are an absolutely stupid urban dude, you cannot die of hunger on an atoll. Beside the plentiful fish and shells that thrive in the lagoon, the lobsters on the reef (on moonless nights), there are coconuts and land crabs on the motus next to many other plants that can be eaten as salad or as a snack. Not to mention the many birds, and their eggs. To obtain fresh water other than the one in coconuts, one takes a big shell and digs a hole in the sand in the center of a motu, a meter or so deep to find the fresh water lens.

This reminds a story. I had the luck to be the manager of a small atoll (5 km diameter) with just a tiny hotel on it, De Luxe Robinson Crusoe style, with no other population.

One day, after a long walk along the beaches, we discovered on the other side of the atoll a sailing yacht laying wrecked on the barrier reef. On the beach opposite the wreck, a terrified family with two teenage children was camping. They were in rather poor shape, emotionally as well as physically. They had crashed onto the reef one night 10 days earlier and, poor navigators (that's before GPS existed), they thought being stranded on an uninhabited island. They had stayed close to the wreck of their yacht because that's where their (canned) food, and their water were. But one must admit they did manage to open and eat a few coconuts. Would they have been just a little more adventurous and only have crossed the motu to it's lagoon side (about 200 meters), they would then have been able to see in the evening, across the lagoon, the lights of the restaurant where one could order quite a fine meal, fit for Western taste with even a good wine, if you please.

An atoll is also a place where cultural shock do happen. Like this gentleman from New York. Instantly transported with no preparation from Broadway to primitive nature thanks to the speed of jet airplanes, he suddenly discovers in front of him the splendor of the lagoon and it's thousands of shades of blues and greens. Stunned, he walks (in his city shoes) to it's edge, cups up a handful of water, looks at it while it runs through it's fingers, tastes it and walks up to me; -" Excuse me, Sir, may I ask a question ? - Pllease do. - Could you tell me what you put in the lagoon water to keep it so clear ?" True, authentic, no joke!

Another time, a very blasé wealthy gentleman and his young secretary-mistress spent the week-end on the atoll. I take them by boat to one of the bird islands. Standing on an immaculate and long white sand bank, before a background of thousands of coconut trees beyond the shades of blue, with hundreds of birds flying around us while other stand lined up on the beach looking at us, I realize the gentleman is impressed. This makes me proudŠ until he says : "How much an acre ?" The secretary-mistress hit him on the head with her "Night of the Iguana" style umbrella.

Or this young very nice Italian of good breed who arrives for honeymoon with his fresh wife, a socially "active" girl. While the groom immediately fell under the spell of the atoll and it's peace, the lady realizes no one is there to be jealous of her wardrobe or to be impressed by her importance. Thus, all week long she complains about everything, continuously nagging her husband, typical syndrome of people who cannot bear to be alone with themselves (that's why bars have much business). When the couple leaves, the Italian lets his wife get aboard the small plane and tells me : - "I'd like to apologize for her behavior." He adds , smiling : "Also, I'll be back soon, with another wife !" I answer : "Great, but make sure you bring her here BEFORE marrying her !"

Permanently living on an atoll is a dream for a person who has the right mentality. But it also has it's risks. Just go to the "highest" spot on one of these atolls in the Pacific Ocean and stand there to admire the thousands of shades of blue waters in the lagoon. After being dazzled by such beauty, you might also look at your feet. It's then that you realize that this highest spot of the island is just a little pile of gray coral chunks, only 3 meters above sea level, next to the pass, facing the breakers of an endless swell curling along the barrier reef. Now look to your right. Only ocean : 9000 kilometers of open ocean to the shores of South America. Look to your left : 7 000 kilometers of rolling swell to the beaches of Australia. Look behind you. 6 000 kilometers of stormy ocean till the icebergs of Antarctica. Look in front of you: another 9 000 uninterrupted kilometers to the Bering Straights, icy shores of Alaska and Siberia. You've just learned what isolation, real isolation, means.

Now think of these chunks of coral under your feet. You suddenly shudder. You just realized that it's the ocean that put the coral there. And that it can take it away just as easily. Three meters high in an ocean that spans half the planet is less than the tenth of the thickness of a cigarette paper floating in an Olympic swimming pool. Yep ! Andthe island is NOT floating.

A major cyclone. A tsunami created by some big earthquake in Chile, in Alaska or Japan. A major underwater volcanic eruption. A big meteorite falling into the sea. Any of these events can generate a wave that would just roll over this pile of broken coral, without even noticing, flushing into the open sea everything, sand, trees, shells and people. Everything. It has happened many times, and will happen again in one hour or in ten thousand years. Who dares say that guys like me who escape to these sand islands are cowards running from the reality of life ? This must be one of the most dangerous spots on earth. Living here is like playing continuous Russian roulette. But isn't risk the spice of life ?

Sometimes it can even get funny, unbelievable. Like getting flooded by fresh water, yes, fresh water, on an island surrounded by ocean, without a lake, a river, not even a tiny creek : It happens about every 20 years in the Tuamotu archipelago : a huge swell created by some major storm in the North Pacific arrived in the Northern Tuamotus, 8000 kilometers to the South, and raises the sea level to such a point that the freshwater lenses of the atolls get flushed up, out of the ground and inundates villages of many atolls.

But whatever, I'd rather be on an atoll.

Moorea, Tahiti tahitipm@gmail.com

Published (in German translation) in "Mare Magazin", April 2009.

Por-Bajin - Republic of Tuva's "House of Clay" Island Fortress

2009-05-18T06:10:00.000-07:00

Por-Bajin (The square is supposed to be red. Go figure.

Por-Bajin - DigitalGlobe Image from Google Earth (1:2,500)

Por-Bajin - EEVS Map (1-3,500)

A map of an island fortress. Talk about romance, adventure and battles always won!

I read a brief article about Por-Banjin on World Island Info's website. This "House of Clay", the translation of Por-Bajin, is a hot spot for archeological research. Between 2007 to today, researchers and hundreds of students from Russia and a few other countries have made there way to this small island located on Lake Tere-Hole to attempt to understand and reconstruct this mysterious mandala like fortress. Follow this link to Ladybond's blog for an interesting series of photos of this small island.

My map of the island is based on DigitalGlobe imagery taken from Google Earth. I worked at a very large scale to digitize the various layers that make up the map. I show much more vegetation than the photos in Ladybond's blog shows.

This map is a preliminary cartographic sketch of the island, but one that clearly shows the curious Uighur fortress.

Enjoy!

Thoughts - Just Do It!

2009-05-14T07:42:00.000-07:00

Just Thinking About It

Back in 1964, I was checking out reference books at a library. I happened upon a Geographical Dictionary. Leafing through that dictionary, I came upon an entry describing a small obscure island, Eiao. The entry stated that this island was 8 miles by 4 miles with elevations of 3,000 feet in the island's central plateau. At one time the island was inhabited. During the later part of the 19th century, the French used the island as a prison. Now the island was overrun by feral animals which were decimating what little native vegetation remained.

From that single incident came my fascination with islands. Like many people with a keen interest in islands, my reasons are many and most of these reasons having nothing to do with geography (stress, explorer, master-of-my-domain, etc.). What I discovered early on was the absence of readily-available maps. There were a few WW-II maps in out-of-print books, but no available collection of island maps.

Scripps Institute of Oceanography and Maps

That led to Scripps Institute of Oceanography and their excellent map collection. SIO does ocean-oriented research throughout the world. Consequently, they have a paper map collection of the world oceans and islands that rivals the best in the world. During the early 1980s, I spent many weekend hours pouring over this collection of maps and charts. The map librarian and I became acquainted and he allowed me access to their entire map and chart collection. It was both a joy and a curse, a sensory overload. I had access to every island paper map in the SIO collection and all I could think was, "So many islands, so little time."

My first idea was to amass my own collection of paper maps. This was the pre-digital and pre-affordable computer age. I would need to copy thousands of maps. No way! At 15 cents a copy, it just wasn't practical or affordable. I thought I could trace the shorelines of islands. Too many islands, too complicated, too time-consuming. Again, No way! So I stopped. That's right, stopped any island map aquisitions activities and went about my non-island map life.

Affordable Computers...

Which takes us to the late 1990s, the time of affordable computers, mega-storage, www and information everywhere. This was a time of digitizing paper map collections and one of the first was the Perry-Castenada Map Collection at the University of Texas. I'm not sure of the precise date that their collection went on-line, but many paper maps were freely available as raster images. Anyone could download them and amass their own digital map collection. During this time, I downloaded 100s of island maps. It was great fun, but I knew there was more. Raster maps were okay, but what about vector maps. They were considerably smaller in size and offered greater flexibility. In 2001, I went the way of the vectors.

The Way of The Vector

Not having money to spend on software, I became the master of the freeware and shareware world. I finally settled on Marplot for my mapping software and World Vector Shorelines from the NGDC Coastline Extractor. I remember downloading 100s of vector tiles onto 1.4MB floppies, taking them to my computer where I uploaded them into Marplot. It took about a month and I managed to load all of the world shorelines at 1:250,000 scale, 20,000+ placenames of major cities, 86,000+ placenames of islands and various other opportunistic layers of information.

Free Landsat ETM+. Global mapper and Google Earth

It was about three years ago that I discovered free Landsat ETM+. Turns out Bill Clinton, at the urging of Al Gore and others, made Landsat ETM+ georectified photo mosaics available for free. I spent that summer downloading all of the Landsat ETM+ images that covered oceanic islands of the world. It was at this time that I actually spent hard currency on my mapping passion and purchased Global Mapper. This software can load Landsat ETM+ in MrSid format effortlessly and has an above average digitizing toolkit. The final piece to my mapping project puzzle was Google Earth with DigitalGlobe imagery. As more and more hi-res imagery comes online, the quality of my work will be greatly enhanced.

What Now? Just Do It!

Since 2004, I have been making island maps. Since 2005, I have been posting my island maps on to my blogsite. Since 2007, I have been producing high-quality vector maps of islands. To date I have produced close to 200 maps covering easily 1,000+ individual islands. People ask why I give these maps away. They suggest that I need to charge for my work. I say to them, "We'll see." What I mean to say is, "No, I will not charge for my raster images of maps." If you want them, you can download them and use them. Just give credit where credit is due.

Today and In To The Future

I would love to guide an international team of neo-cartographers to complete a world shoreline map, including islands, using Landsat ETM+ imagery. Yes, I know all about the NGA Prototype Global Shoreline. Trust me, my world shoreline will be more accurate. I would love to guide that same team of international neo-cartographers in fashioning the next-generation Digtal Chart of the World. I would love to make all of this information available for free. In the spirit of Google, free.

So that is what I do. I continue to make high quality island maps and post them to my website. I continue to actively solicit serious offers toward sponsoring a world shoreline mapping project using an international team of neo-cartographers. This passion is what drives me forward and forward is always the best direction to be moving.

Enjoy!

Thoughts - Bennet Island and Mi Vida Loca

2009-05-10T09:02:00.000-07:00

Bennet Island - Landsat Image N-54-75_2000 - A Partial View (1:44,260)

Bennet Island - EVS Precision Map - A Partial View (1:44,260)

It has been one very busy school year. As most of your know, I am a middle school teacher. Unless you are a teacher, you probably don't know how wild and crazy that life can be depending on the students, parents and staff. Well, this has been one of those crazy years. Not crazy bad, just crazy busy.

Computers in the Classroom

I am in the process of installing 30 Dell computers in my classroom. The goal is to have a computer with appropriate and consistent software for each student. The software the students will ultimately master consists of Open Office Writer and Impress. They will frequently use MS Paint, ImageForge, Inkscape, Google Earth, Marplot and QGIS or a similar mapping package. Each computer has a high-speed Internet connection, allowing the students opportunities to research projects using on-line resources. Using the suite of software I've installed, the students are able to accomplish almost all classroom tasks, submit completed assignments and receive graded assignments all without resorting to paper copy. My ultimate aim is to ensure each student masters word-processing and presentation software. I want them to prepare high school and college assignments and submit them with confidence derived from extensive experience.

Back to Bennet Island

I like what I've done with this ice covered island so far. At first I traced a shoreline that was an educated guess. The more I've mapped this island, the more I've decided that an ice covered island with rock outcroppings is best mapped as shown above. Map the land that is visible and leave the ice as ice. My busy life, mi vida loca, makes the completion of this map a distant dream. But, finish it I will. Yes, just as soon as I finish teaching my students, installing a room full of computers, cleaning my weed chocked backyard, paying my bills, etcetera, etcetera, etceteera...

Enjoy!

Comparison - NGA PGS to EVS Precision Vectors

2009-04-19T19:11:00.000-07:00

Comparison - NGA PGS to EVS Precision Vectors (1:6,250)

I know a good deal about global shoreline vector files. Specifically, global shoreline vector files that are free, available to the public and relatively easy to load and work with. This post's focus is a comparison of NGA's Prototype Global Shoreline (PGS) to Enhanced Vector Shoreline (EVS) Precision shorelines. This is not my first comparison of these two shorelines and it probably won't be my last, but here it goes.

NGA PGS vectors too often wobble off of the imaged coastline unnecessarily. The NGA PGS vectors were derived from Landsat ETM+ imagery, the same imagery I use to create EVS Precision shorelines. The above image is a small portion of Somalia's shoreline. The Landsat image is cloud free and the shoreline is easily distinguishable. NGA PGS used a complicated formula to determine the shoreline, but I don't see why their vectors misplot by as much as 41 meters from the imaged shoreline. No, this doesn't happen all of the time, but it happens enough, that if I am working at very large scales (1:50,000 to 1:12,500), I must redo the shoreline. Their shoreline is too far from image shoreline true.

I've been doing EVS Precision mapping for over 9 going on 10 years and my opinion concerning NGA PGS has not changed. Don't get me wrong, NGA PGS is the most detailed global shoreline available, one that I recommend heartily. However, for my work, creating detailed island maps, it isn't good enough.

Enjoy!

Jasiira Mayhd SO - A Home for Pirates or A Home for the Birds?

2009-04-18T22:45:00.000-07:00

View EVS Islands Projects in a larger map

Jasira Maydh - Landsat ETM+ Image N-38-10_2000 (1:25,000)

Jasira Maydh - EVS Precision Map (1:25,000)

SO002

JASIIRA MAYDH

	Country/Territory	Somalia
	Administrative region(s)	Sanaag
	Central coordinates	47^o 15' East 11^o 14' North Map
	Area	45 ha
	Altitude	0 - 124m
	Criteria	A4i, A4iii

Site description Jasiira Maydh or Mait island is located in the Gulf of Aden c.13 km offshore, to the north of the town of Maydh and hence adjacent to Daalo (site SO003). It is a little over 1.5 km in length with a maximum width of 300 m and an average height of 100 m. The long axis of the island is oriented from east-north-east to west-south-west. The island is steep-sided, rising abruptly out of the sea, and along the southern face rocky buttresses alternate with scree-filled gullies while the northern face is an unbroken precipice. The rock is granitic gneiss which is covered with guano deposits, and the surface is split in places by great fissures. The island is completely lacking in vegetation and there is no fresh water except after rain, of which there is only c.50 mm per year. The island lies within an area of seasonal coastal upwelling.

Land-use and percentage cover
other	-

Birds See Box for key species. In addition, Phalacrocorax nigrogularis has been recorded while other breeding species include Phaethon aethereus, Sula dactylatra, Sterna fuscata and S. anaethetus (the latter two in 'large numbers'). In the 1940s, the numbers of breeding birds present was estimated at c.100,000, but were reported then to be declining. The breeding season is June-September, after which nearly all birds leave.

Species	Season	Year	Min	Max	Quality	Criteria
Brown Noddy (Anous stolidus)	breeding	1979	20000	20000	-	A4i
A4iii (Species group - waterbirds)	breeding	0	0	0	unknown	A4iii

Conservation issues The island has been proposed as a marine protected area. Guano is collected from the island, but traditionally only from October to April, i.e. when the birds are absent. During the breeding season the seas are generally too rough to permit boats to land, which prevents disturbance. Rats and snakes are present on the island.

Citation BirdLife International 2008 BirdLife's online World Bird Database: the site for bird conservation. Version 2.1. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. Available: http://www.birdlife.org (accessed 19/4/2009)

__________________________________________________________________

Yes, I nabbed the above information from Birdlife International. It makes sense that an island would figure in as a safe habitat in the world of birds. Islands are typically safe havens for many of our feathered friends.

Mayhd town, located about 10 kms to the south of Mayhd Island is reputed to be one of many pirate strongholds along this coast of Somaliland. I suspect that if pirates use this island it would be as a shield prior to attacks on ships. May the pirates disappear and the birds remain forever.

Enjoy!

How To Make A Really Big Map

2009-04-17T09:05:00.000-07:00

New Britain Island - Landsat ETM+ S-56-00_2000 Image (1-375,000) Northwestern End

New Britain Island - EVS Precision Map (1:75,000) Northwestern End (Select image to see full-size)

I'm such a pushover when it comes to reader-requested mapping projects. Some of the projects are relatively simple (a single island with a couple of layers of information), others more complex (a single island with many layers of information) and finally the very complex or lengthy mapping project consisting of many layers of information or covering a large area with a variety of detail. My last mapping project, the northwestern end of New Britain Island, covered a large area and the reader was keenly interested in the offshore reefs.

Back in January 2009 the reader's initial query was deceptively simple, "Have you done any reefs in New Britain, Papua New Guinea?" During the summer of 2008, I had mapped all of the islands located between and including Papua New Guinea to the Cook Islands which consisted of over 10,000 island polygons using Landsat ETM+ as my base imagery. One of those islands was New Britain. I figured the project would be a snap. The reader was only interested in the northwestern end of New Britain. I would ensure my original island polygon was sufficiently accurate and then I would digitize and classify all reefs into a single vector layer called Reef Shallow. No problem!

Along with trying to be an attentive husband, loving father, generous grandfather, concerned and effective teacher and all-around good guy, my life got very busy. So busy that the New Britain Reef project got pushed behind my busy life. I informed the reader that I would have to table his project for the time being and since the project was "gratis", he waited. And so the New Britain Reef project resided in my computer waiting for my return. All of the shoreline was finished along with a portion of the reefs. My initial work had taken about 20-hours to complete. The week before last, the patient reader asked if I would have an opportunity to complete the project. Frankly, I had forgotten about it. Feeling guilty for not completing it way back when and knowing that I had a week's vacation coming, I promised to finish the project. And I did! It took about 10 more hours, but I finished it!

I studied my completed work and realized that this mapped area was really large. Since this reader did not require my vector files, I would have normally sent the reader a screenshot (raster image) the size of an 8.5 X 11 page of their project and that would be the end of it. However, this reader would be unable to appreciate the detailed reef information at that scale (1:350,000). I decided to construct a large format map at a scale of 1:75,000 giving the reader sufficient detail for his ultimate purpose, finding new fishing locations.

New Britain Island - EVS Precision Map (1-75,000) Northwestern End with Map Tile Labels

1 of 15 EVS Precision Map Tiles (W3)

I have constructed numerous image mosaics, but never a map mosaic. Using images from Global Mapper and mosaicking them into a single image using Image Forge software and finally constructing lat/lon grid lines in MS Draw, I created "a really big map" (thus the title of this post). All of you mapping professionals, calm down. I know mapping software exists that will make "a really big map" in a single step. Typically, it costs money and that's something I don't have much of. Anyway, back to my mosaicked map. "The really big map" consists of 15 tiles , each tile similar to the one displayed in the above image. My final map is 3050 X 4220 pixels in size or about 65 x 89 cms (25.5" x 35").

My final thought, I've got to start charging for my work! I spent 30+ hours on this project. At a modest fee of $20 per hour, I should have made $600 for this project. Instead, New Britain Island's northwestern end is mapped in great detail and I'm none the richer for it.

Enjoy!

Musandam Peninsula OM - A Revisit of a Previous Post

2009-04-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

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Oman - Landsat ETM+ N-40-25_2000 (1:175,000)

Musandam Peninsula - EVS Precision Map (1-175,000)

Musandam Peninsula - EVS Precision Map with 50-Meter Contour Intervals (1:175,000)

The above EVS Precision map project of the Musandam Peninsula was completed around the first week in September 2008. It was my last mapping "hurrah" before the start of this school year. I remember loving the look of this unusual piece of land calling it a "peninsula of peninulas.

Musandam Peninsula, Oman from Earth Observatory (EO)

It seems that the folks at EO dusted off a 2004 ASTER image of the Musandam Peninsula and posted it to their site today. The peninsula is still lovely to look at!

Enjoy!

The Great Blue Hole Located on Lighthouse Reef, Belize

2009-04-13T17:43:00.000-07:00

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Lighthouse Reef and The Great Blue Hole from Advanced Land Imager (ALI) on NASA’s Earth Observing-1 Satellite

On April 3rd the above image was posted to Earth Observatory's Image of the Day. I read the article with mild interest. I was aware of the these features, cenotes, being found throughout this part of the world. After downloading the 4 MB image of the entire reef, I figured that it would be an excellent island mapping project. I checked out the Landsat ETM+ image and it is cloud free and quite detailed. So, I began to map it.

Lighthouse Reef and the Great Blue Hole - Comparison Landsat to ASTER Images

The small cays that are located on the reef at first glance looked to be fairly simple. They were not! Wanting to do justice to the details shown on the base image, my digitizing was ultimately complex. I worked at scales between 1:25,000 to 1:12,500 for most of my digitizing.

Lighthouse Reef and The Great Blue Hole, Belize - Landsat ETM+ N-16-15_2000 Image (1-220,000)

Lighthouse Reef and The Great Blue Hole, Belize - EVS Precision Map Preliminary (1-220,000)

10-days and about 20-hours later, I am done. All of the layer colors used are my usuals, except for the ocean layer. I went with a darker blue. In my opinion, the deep blue ocean color accents the many shades of blue used in detailing the reef system.

Great Blue Hole from National Geographic

If you are curious about this feature follow the links found throughout this post. Wikipedia also has an informative article about the Great Blue Hole you might find interesting.

From a mapping perspective, I am pleased with my finished product. However, to truely appreciate the amount of detail included on the map one needs to study the vector map. It is really cool! Oh, well...I'm glad it's done. Now on to the north coast of New Britian and more reefs.

Enjoy!

Manihi Atoll FP - First Landfall in the Tuamotus

2009-03-24T06:10:00.000-07:00

Manihi Atoll Locator Map

Manihi Atoll - Landsat ETM+ Image S-06-10_2000 (1:110,000)

Manihi Atoll - EVS Precision Map (1-110,000)

Manihi Atoll is one of French Polynesia's premier destinations for the tourist wishing to view pearl farming first hand. According to the Tahiti Tourism North America, Manihi Atoll has over 60 working pearl farms. While one is looking for those perfect pearls, the Manihi Pearl Beach Lodge beckons. This atoll is one of the first landfalls for the visiting yatchsmen traveling from the Marquesas to Tahiti.

Manihi Atoll - Pacific-Image Map

In doing research for Manihi Atoll I came across the Pacific-Image map. As to names of the various motus, it is complete. As to cartographic quality, it looks like a map, it seems like a map, and it is a map, one designed for the tourist. If you are into high quality tourist maps of Pacific Islands, specifically the islands of French Polynesia, for only $237.60 you can purchase a CD loaded with 72 of these very attractive maps.

Manihi Atoll - Detail from Image Pacific Map

Manihi Atoll - EVS Precision Map - Detail Tairapa Pass and Paeua (1:30,000)

Although the Tahiti Pacific-Image maps are excellent for their purpose, I like mine better. Compared to the Tahiti Pacific-Image map, my EVS precision map of Manihi Atoll takes into account a wider variety of layers of information. In addition, my maps are vectors, whereas Tahiti Pacific-Image's maps are raster images.

As to the production of this map, it was not particularly difficult to digitize and ultimately create the island map. However, my very busy life caught up with me and what should have been a 10-hour project, took two weeks to complete. I have other island projects in the works, but they will be completed and posted at this much slower pace. Until then...

Enjoy!

Nisos Aegina GR - An Athen's Island Getaway.

2009-03-08T11:17:00.000-07:00

Nisos Aegina - Locator Map

Nisos Aegina - Landsat N-35-34_2000 (1:85,000)

Nisos Aegina - EVS Precision Map (1-85,000)

Nisos Aegina is located only 17.5 kilometers from Athens. The island serves as both a "bedroom" community for Athenians and as a summer getaway for city dwellers. Many of the homes located on this island are second homes of Athenians. Wikipedia has an in-depth article about the island.

Let's talk about the map. I have spent in excess of 6-hours on this map. The challenge was in determining the layers and finding a good color scheme that is pleasant to look at, yet imparts accurate and meaningful information. I used my entire suite of mapping software to complete this project - 1) Global Mapper to create vector layers and identify lat/lon grids. 2) MS Paint to draw the lat/lon grid lines and finally 3) ImageForge to complete the labels and their placement on the map. I realize most decent mapping packages come with these features all included. I am a creature of habit and like my end products. So if it isn't broken, why fix it!

Enjoy!

Thoughts - Lukuga River - A Water Road into Africa's Heart of Darkness

2009-03-05T21:50:00.000-08:00

Lukuga River - EVS Precision Map (1:1,122,800)

Lukuga River Composite - Each Image at scale 1:50,000

I remember spending long hours digitizing the many features on this river map. It is 290 kilometers in length and contains 989 river islands. When finished, I eagerly posted a few images of this grand river. I titled the post something about "the heart of darkness". The original Lukuga River post gets lots of views. I think it has to do with "the heart of darkness" label and less about the Lukuga River. Well, it hit me this evening. The reason the Lukuga River map doesn't get the respect it deserves is you the viewers have not seen the entire course of the river. So enjoy the slideshow entitled "Lukuga River - A Water Road into Africa's Heart of Darkness".

Thoughts - Bigger is Good, Smaller is Better

2009-03-04T12:06:00.000-08:00

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Nisos Aegina - Landsat Island Image Mosaic N-34-35_2000 (1-125,000)

I am currently reworking my map of Nisos Aegina. It is a bedroom island outside of Athens, Greece. A nice little getaway when life becomes too hectic in the big city. But this isn't the reason for this post.

You know that I construct island maps using Landsat ETM+ mosaics as my base imagery. I have a Landsat ETM+ digital library of all of the world's shorelines. I use Global Mapper software to digitize, creating vectors from which i construct my island maps. This software handles the Landsat ETM+ mosaics with ease. I have invested over $500 in Global Mapper and do not regret a cent of it. The software does exactly what I want it to do and Mike, the boss and software guru, keeps making improvements. But this isn't the reason for this post either.

This post poses the age-old question "Is Bigger Better?" as it applies to the world of imagery.

In the world of Landsat derived island specific orthorectified imagery, bigger is not necessarily better. This is the world of imagery anywhere from multi-GB files to a few hundred MB files. These very large image files test the limits of most software packages. Often their formats, (i.e., MrSID) require special handling to open and work with. Since I primarily work with island imagery, I figured that if I were to cut out the ocean and save the island and it's surrounding reefs at a scale allowing me to work at increasing zoom ranges, I could create the same high quality maps from much smaller sized imagery.

First I fashioned a series of Greek island mosaics (see above image). These were followed by a series of Tuamotu Atoll images. I call my creations Landsat Island Image Mosaics (LIIM). Here are a couple of examples showing the zoom capabilities using the Nisos Aegina LIIM as base imagery.

NIsos Aegina - Detail Western Shore LIIM N-34-35_2000 (1-25,000)

Nisos Aegina - Detail Aegina Harbor LIIM N-34-35_2000 (1-12,500)

I typically digitize shorelines and certain land use features at scales between 1:25,000 to 1:12,500. I know that this pushes far beyond the intended limits of Landsat-7, 14.5 meter resolution imagery. I have digitized at these limits for over four years. The resulting maps have a level of quality and precision that exceeds most widely available island mapping. My island maps have been used by a number of universities to further research and as a platform for spatial analysis by insurance companies.

The size advantage with these considerably smaller island images is significant. My LIIMs range in size from 2 MBs up to 45 MBs for very large islands. All of my LIIMs are saved as georectified JPGs. Nisos Aegina LIIM is 3.47 MBs and is a 15.8 MB Tif file. The Landsat image containing this LIIM, on the other hand, is 106 MBs. The image degradation is slight and barely noticeable. So, I will keep using my LIIM of a specific island from which to create my island maps. If you would like to use one of my LIIMs, drop me a line. I'll fix you up.

Enjoy!

Thoughts - Tahiti-Pacifique and Alex W du Prel

2009-02-27T07:13:00.000-08:00

Every so often I encounter a reader that shares first-hand information about an island I've mapped. An individual shared that an entrance to one atoll was no longer marked, as described by the Sailing Direction Pub 126. Another recounted their adventures, as a much younger person, planting coconut palms on a hurricane devastated atoll. And another shared observations while visiting Rapa Iti. All of these contributions are always welcome and, when appropriate, are shared with my readers.

That brings me to Alex W du Prel. He is a follower of my work and recently began sharing information that will bring my posts to a more current and accurate state. He is the publisher of the Tahiti-Pacifique Magazine.

The cover of the latest edition of Tahiti-Pacifique

Alex recently shared great information about Flint, Vostok, Eiao and Rapa Iti Islands. The information is typically derived from articles found in Tahiti-Pacifique. Along with the published information, he shares his personal on-island experiences as well.

In this age of digital information and the demise of the printed word, Tahiti-Pacifique offers one printed glimpses of Pacific islands. The articles are written in French (and no, there is no English language edition) and include gorgeous photos of the subject islands.

I frequently gather island information from two highly reliable sources: 1) Sailing Directions Pub 126 covering the Pacific Ocean and 2) Atoll Research Bulletin. Both are great sources of information for islands and specifically Pacific islands. The Sailing Directions give up-to-date maritime information and the Atoll Research Bulletin contains scientific research derived from expeditions at specific atolls. In the future, I shall include island information derived from Tahiti-Pacifique and Alex, its editor, as a reliable, highly competent source for island information.

Drop him a line and share your island interests. Best of all, subscribe to Tahiti-Pacifique and help to keep this window into the world of islands open.

Enjoy!

Flint Island KR - A Line Island Paradise Redo

2009-02-25T06:55:00.000-08:00

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Flint Island - EVS Precision Map (1":650-meters)

I have taken my original EVS Precision map and made it better. Using the DigitalGlobe image from Google Earth, I was able to add 4 small ponds. They are full of brackish water. It is said one could drink the water, but it is on the salty side.

During a circa 1974 expedition a fire was started. It burned a native stand of Pisonia Grande trees and smoldered for a few years. It is finally out, but the fire did lasting damage. However, deep damage was done to this small island during the late 19th century - that's when guano was mined. The mining leaves scares that deep into the island's surface.

I believe the above map is a significant improvement my original mapping efforts.

Enjoy!

P.S. - Thanks to Frank at Google Earth Blog for the reminder - "Please include an embed GE Map to help readers locate your mapped islands". Frank's a good man and offers helpful advice in a kind and gracious manner.

Flint Island KR - A Line Island Paradise?

2009-02-19T01:53:00.000-08:00

Flint Island - Landsat Image S-05-10_2000 (1" - 650 meters)

Flint Island - EVS Precision Map (1" - 650 meters)

"Flint Island is located about 740 kilometers (400 nautical miles) northwest of Tahiti, 190 km (100 nautical miles) south-southeast of Vostok Island, and 220 km (120 nautical miles) southwest of Caroline Island. The island is about 2.5 miles (4.0 km) long and 0.5 miles (0.80 km) wide at its widest point (4.0 by 0.8 km). It has a land area of 1 mi² (3 km ²) and rises to a height of 25 feet (8 m) above sea level. The island is surrounded by a narrow fringing reef and with no safe anchorage landing is difficult.

According to the U.S. Exploring Expedition (February 5, 1841), the island was thickly wooded, however the island is now mostly covered with planted coconut palms."

The above infornmation is taken from Wikipedia. The article contains a wealth of information about Flint Island. But my interest is different. My interest is about making a map of this island quickly, accurately and a quality presentation.

Here is the background. I will respect the privacy of the names of individuals contacting me and the publications they represent. I got an email today from a well-known individual representing a stellar publication gathering information on the Line Islands. I have done some mapping in this island group. I have not mapped Flint Island. I figured that I would map it and share my finished project with this individual. Certain they will be impressed by this effort, perhaps my maps might end up in this stellar publication's pages. Just maybe. Oh well, if nothing comes of this effort, I have made an interesting map and I like it. I hope all of you...

Enjoy!

Thoughts - Creating Little World Locator Maps

2009-02-16T13:56:00.000-08:00

Here is a Little World Locator Map in action. This one was created using a tool called the Global Map Projector. It is supplied by the Goddard Institute for Space Studies and is located in an area called Software Tools. It is freeware. One needs only to download and extract the files into their work area. Then it's a double-click on the G.Projector and follow directions. It does require Java in order to operate. Using the supplied sample world maps, one can create any number of global projections and center them to any longitude they desire. For example, the Little World Locator Map I created is a Wagner IV projection, centered on 150°E longitude. I'm not real crazy about the color and size of the locator dot, but I'll take care of that later. The important thing is, my Little World Locator Map looks pretty good. G.Projector is really a cool too!.

Oh, by the way, I am actually working on digitizing reefs off of the northern end of New Britain Island on this rainy Monday afternoon.

Enjoy!

Thoughts - Locating EVS Island Map Projects on Little Worlds

2009-02-08T13:36:00.000-08:00

NASA Earth Observatory Image Locator Map

NASA's Earth Observatory is one of my favorite sites. They not only post interesting imagery, but the text explaining the imagery is intelligent, challenging and understandable to the layman. It is a consistently great read. Some time back they revamped their site look and began using an image locator map. I've tried many types of locators for my maps and have not been thrilled with any. Google Maps, which I post to the top of my site, works but not for me. I spend too much time exploring and not enough time making island maps. I had chopped a black and white world map into 3 sections and used the sections when appropriate, but it just didn't work for me. After looking at EO's solution the answer might be to use a copyright free little world map as an island map locator. Two questions remain, Are there any copyright free little world maps available? and Which one will work best for my purposes?

NASA's Little World

I like this little world. The projection works and the color scheme is easy on the eyes. Adding my "island map is here" symbol would work on this map. I have tried to contact the NASA EO webmaster to see if this map is copyright free. To date, the individual has not answered my question. I suspect it is copyright free as almost all of NASA imagery has moved in that direction. Until I get an official answer from an official NASA webmaster, no dice on this map.

Wikimedia Commons Little Grey World

Originally posted as an SVG formatted world map in Wikimedia Commons, this map intrigues me. First it is Pacific centered. That is a major plus for plotting my work as the majority of the islands I map are located in the Pacific Ocean. The Indian Ocean is also well displayed. The Atlantic Ocean has few islands and those that I would map could be made to show up on this little grey world. This map is definitely in the running as my Little World Island Locator Map.

Wikimedia Commons Little Mercator World

Another Pacific centered map that divides the world at the Indian Ocean. I love the color scheme on this map. The yellow land masses show well against the soft blue oceans. The lan/lon grids do not seem to clutter the map. This map could definitely work as my Little world Island Locator Map.

Wikimedia Commons Little Eckert IV World

This little world is my favorite. I like the dusty yellow and blue color scheme. The lat/lon grids are a definite plus. The map is copyright free. I think I'm going to give this little world a try as EVS Islands newest feature, the Little World Island Locator Map.

Enjoy!

Ailuk Atoll RMI - 49 Named Motus Out of 57

2009-02-04T06:40:00.000-08:00

Ailuk Atoll - Locator Map from ARB-127

Ailuk Atoll - Map From ARB-127

Just a few more atolls to map to complete the Republic of Marshall Island (RMI), specifically the Radak Chain. This particular island is made up of 49 named motus out of 57 total. I labeled a few of the larger motus. The atoll is home to 488 people. They make their living from harvesting and the sale of copra, fishing andcatering to the few tourists that come their way.

Ailuk Atoll - Landsat Image N-59-10_2000 (1:165,000)

Ailuk Atoll - DigitalGlobe Image from Google Earth (1:165,000)

I began this mapping project using the Landsat image. The clouds obscure many of the motus and underlying reefs. I checked out Google Earth's imagery and found the above DigitalGlobe image. First I constructed an image mosaic from the DG data, georeferenced it using my Landsat image. Once finished, I digitized the following layers of information: Island Polygon, Vegetation, Reef Awash, Reef Break, Reef Shallow and finally Reef Deep. Due to the size of this atoll and to display the entire atoll on one page required a scale of 1:165,000.

Ailuk Atoll - EVS Precision Map (1-165,000)

And here is the finished map. I only labeled the larger motus. The map took about 10 hours to complete. The motus were mapped primarily using DG images from Google Earth except in the southern part of the atoll where no DG imagery is posted. Whereas the reefs were mapped primarily from Landsat N-59-10_2000 imagery.

I finished the map at 12:00 AM this morning. At the time, the map and the post looked pretty good. This morning I had to make a number of corrections to both the post and the map. A word of advice, don't map after midnight. Your judgement gets cloudy and can obscure your normally keen perception.

Enjoy!

Thoughts - An Uninhabited Island and What You'll Need To Inhabit it "Robinson Crusoe" Style

2009-01-31T11:39:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I received an email from a reader wanting to know the location of an uninhabited island far removed from the "cares of man". Actually, the person desires a habitable island that is currently uninhabited. In addition, it should be so far off the beaten track, no one visits it, ever!

I haven't answered the email directly, but I will answer it in this post.

Some Challenges of Living on an Uninhabited Island

You must have water! Three to five days without it and you are gone. On islands with vegetation, water does exist, most often in a fresh-water lens, a fragile structure that traps fresh water amidst sea water and rock. Since water is the most critical element for human survival, one must locate and tap into this water source and hope that it is stable (no mixing with sea water) and of sufficient size and quality to supply potable water at a rate necessary to sustain human, animal and flora life. Another source of water is rainfall. Of course one would develop their own rainwater catchment basin to collect nature's falling waters. To be completely safe, a portable saltwater to freshwater conversion device would be handy.

Once you have water, you need shelter and loads of shelter making tools. A shelter should allow one to escape the elements, when necessary. It should provide a secure resting place away from the creeping, crawling, buzzing and walking critters. It should keep you dry during rain and be a comfortable place to read a good book.

Food is next up. Your diet will be opportunistic - non-poisonous fish, coconuts, taro (if possible), breadfruit and any other edible plant or animal found on your paradise isle.

Learn how to make you own clothing. It is less about modesty and more about protection from the elements. If you really dig the "leather skin" look, minimal clothing will suffice. If you are an anti-skin cancer person, clothing and an umbrella are a necessity.

Let's see, we have water, shelter, food and fashion taken care of. How about medical attention? If you are off the beaten track, you become your own doctor and your own medical supply source. Try to account for every medical eventuality that might occur on your coral surrounded island home (and know that you won't) and supply appropriately. Be careful! If you are alone, a small "boo boo" can turn into a major medical problem fast. Know how to treat those common medical problems so that you can live a quality existence on your tropical isle.

Taongi Atoll - EVS Precision Map (1:110,000)

Let's discuss the merits of two types of uninhabited islands. The first and perhaps most romantic is the coral atoll. Taongi Atoll is uninhabited today. It is a possession of the Republic of Marshall Islands. It is located in the Radak Chain at their northern extreme. It is off the beaten path. The land area is of sufficient size to allow many, let alone one, to live in reasonable comfort. The weather is Pacific-balmy many months out of the year. When rain falls, it is enough to feed it's freshwater lens and should be of sufficient quantity to capture in your rainwater catchment basin. Taongi is covered with vegetation, which consists of native and non-native flora. One of your most important flora being coconut palms for food and shelter. It is a low island, not more than 5 to 10 meters above sea level. A good storm surge would swamp the island. A catagory-4 typhoon would do loads of damage. However, the vegetation and it's appearance suggests that this island is frequently spared the ravages of typhoons. However, it is visited occasionally by RMI islanders to gather copra. Perhaps when they arrive, you could hide.

Eiao Island - EEVS Precision Map (1:65,000)

Or you could head to Eiao Island. It is located at the northern end of the Marquesas. It is 8 x 3-miles and has an elevation of 500-meters plus. Is was inhabited, but is no longer. The island is overrun with feral animals (rats, goats, sheep, pigs, cattle and a few horses) and they eat the vegetation to the point of extinction. The island has a freshwater spring. The amount of standing vegetation suggest ample rainfall. This island is subject to droughts, so a freshwater catchment basin is a necessity. The same fundamental living challenges apply to a high island as they would to living on an atoll with one exception, the occasional typhoon will blow your house down and level trees, but you should survive as no storm surge will reach this island's heights.

Would I Want to be the Only Inhabitant on My Own Island?

When I was younger, yes, most definitely. I absolutely knew I could not only survive, but I would thrive. Now that I'm a mite bit older, I would still like to go, but with a large amount of the comforts of civilization along with a carefully selected group of friends and family. I won't share my list of "must-haves", but know that my shelter would rival that of the Swiss Family Robinson, the Disneyland version.

Enjoy!

Mejit Island RMI - Los Lonely Island

2009-01-29T21:07:00.000-08:00

Mejit Island

Mejit Island - Landsat Image N-59-10_2000 (1:31,250)

Mejit Island - EVS Precision Map (1:31,250)

The Marshall's are home to numerous atolls, many with a classic shape consisting of a deep central lagoon surrounded by shallow reefs and an occasional sliver of land with vegetation. That is except for islands like Mejit. It is a chunk of land between 5 to 10 meters high covered with lush vegetation and completely surrounded by a shallow reef. The shallow fringing reef makes landing difficult. There are 497 people living on Mejit. The islanders have an excellent school, medical facility and fishing is great. They also have a freshwater lake on their island that is supposed to be wonderful to swim in. Also, it seems that many of the coral atolls harbor poisonious fish, but the fish of Mejit are safe to eat.

How would you like to live and die on this small island? It is approximately 1 sq mile in area. To live your entire life within 1 sq mile seems confining. I am confident Mejit has had residents that have lived on this piece of coral from birth to death. Were they frustrated by their island's size limitation? Or were they so caught up in their daily lives that the size of their island never really entered their minds? Who knows!

If it appears the map was simple and fast to construct, you are right. It is a simple map, but the vectors are EVS precise and that makes for a good map.

Enjoy!

Vatican City - A Sovereign State and an Urban Island

2009-01-28T06:45:00.000-08:00

Vatican City - DigitalGlobe Image Mosaic from Google Earth (1-580000)

My evening began innocently enough. A friend wanted to know something about an island in the Northern Mariana Islands. My first search involved Google Earth. After a few hours devoted to looking at islands scattered about the Pacific Ocean , I began to wander, you know "Google Earth wandering". Before long I was following the southern coast of France and Italy. And before I knew it, I was looking at Vatican City. Follow the preceding link and you can read an article about Vatican City. What I want to discuss is inspiration and hi-res imagery in Google Earth.

As I viewed Vatican City it appeared as a small island (44 hectares). The borders used in GE poorly track the city boundaries. I knew I could do better. First I needed to construct a DigitalGlobe image mosaic from which I could digitize a new border, a more accurate one. I could have drawn the polyline in GE, but what fun is that when you can spend a few hours constructing your very own image mosaic. I took a total of 30 screen shots at a scale of 1:250 from GE. Using ImageForge software I created a canvas 6000 x 4000 pixels to accommodate my finished mosaic. Using Irfanview software from which to select portions of images, I worked through 30 cut and pastes, ending up with the above image. My final image is 12.5 MBs and is 4980 x 3560 pixels in size. After georectifying, I zoomed about Vatican City to my heart's content. Maybe I'll try my own map of Vatican City later and maybe not.

It is just fun to construct one of these DigitalGlobe image mosaics using their hi-res imagery found in Google Earth. Take care and...

Enjoy!

Utirik & Taka Atolls RMI - One With and One Without, People That Is.

2009-01-27T07:30:00.000-08:00

Utirik & Taka Atolls

Utirik & Taka Atolls - EVS Precision Map (1:170,000)

Utirik Atoll - Landsat N-59-10-_2000 Image (1:100,000)

Utirik Atoll - EVS Precision Map (1:100,000)

Utirik Atoll is the northernmost RMI atoll with a permanent population. 490 people harvest copra, catch fish and work at any other means to put food on the table and maintain a quality of life suitable for them and their families.

Taka Atoll - Landsat N-59-10_2000 Image (1:100,000)

Taka Atoll - EVS Precision Map (1:100,000)

About 6-miles away is the uninhabited Taka (or Toke) Atoll. People from Utirik Atoll periodically visit Taka Atoll to harvest copra and catch fish.

The maps took 6-hours to complete. If you study the maps closely you will notice two additional reef layers of information. I added Reef Awash for very shallow reef and Reef Break for the area of reef marked by breaking waves. All other layers, Island Polygon, Vegetation, Reef Shallow and Reef Deep are included as well. This was a satisfying map making effort.

Enjoy!

Eiao Island FP - Still Revising My Maps

2009-01-19T13:52:00.000-08:00

Eiao Island - Google Earth Image (1-60,000) as of March 2007

Eiao Island - Digital Globe Mosaic (1-60,000)

Google Earth and all of us end users have sure benefited from their relationship with DigitalGlobe. From the first blurry image in GE to the exquisite DG mosaic, Eiao Island has never looked better.

Eiao - Map (1:60,000) as of May 2006

Eiao Island - EEVS Precision Map (1-65,000)

My first map of Eiao Island constructed from WVS vector files. In May 2006, I had yet to discover the full extent of resources available to all of us neo-cartographers. I routinely use Global Mapper as my mapping platform. My imagery comes from my Landsat ETM+ library of all the world's shorelines or from DigitalGlobe imagery found in Google Earth. My final island map products are getting better and better. And that's good.

Enjoy!

Thoughts - The Rat, The Mouse, The Cat and The Rabbit Who Ate The Bird or Should Macquarie Island Be Saved?

2009-01-16T06:40:00.000-08:00

Cats Love Birds

Cats Love Rabbits Too

It seems that some silly eco-dudes messed up again (see BBC article). Macquarie Island, a World Heritage Site containing a fragile eco-system, is a possession of Australia and is located in the Southern seas. Before people came on the scene, life was simple for the birds and plants that populated this island. The birds would fly into and out on their annual migrations. Some of the birds decided to stay. Since they occupied the top of the food chain on the island, they decided that walking was better than flying. So they walked and forgot how to fly. Life was swell for all of the birds. And to help the island, they ate the seeds from plants and walked about pooping them so that new plants would grow where the seed landed. Life was swell, then we arrived.

Most probably the first human visitor was a transient, perhaps a wandering Maori. This hardy soul realized that life for humans would be harsh on this island. After a brief stay, he left and sailed home. Later, whalers and seal hunters came to establish a base from which they could land and rest before they ventured out to capture and process more whales and seals. They brought the first uninvited feral residents, the rat and mouse. Rats and mice know how to make babies. Before long rats and mice were everywhere. They didn't mind the harsh climate. They had plenty of food from plants and delicious treats found in bird's nests, like eggs or baby birds. They loved the place.

Someone got the bright idea to introduce cats to control the rats and the mice. Well, the cats ate the rats and the mice and unfortunately the birds too. Cats also know how to make lots of baby cats. Before long, Macquarie Island had too many cats, rats, mice and fewer birds.

Back in 1878 one of the seal hunters got homesick for rabbit stew so he brought a cage full of rabbits. He ate a few and some of the lucky survivors escaped into the wilds of Macquarie Island. Rabbits really know how to make baby rabbits. It wasn't long before Macquarie Island had too many cats, rats, mice, rabbits and fewer and fewer birds. Also, those rabbits loved to eat the plants. Not some of the plants, but everything that grows. What a mess!

How should we fix this mess? Someone, during the 1960's, suggested to the Australian government that they knew how to get rid of the uninvited guests, those feral critters - cats, rats, mice and rabbits. They proposed a "killer" idea - infect the rabbits with myxomatosis, a rabbit killing disease. It worked! The rabbit population plunged to 10,000. So the cats, hungry for rabbits, supplemented their diet with more birds.

In 2000 a program to eradicate the cats was implemented and it worked. All of the cats were removed leaving behind rabbits, rats, mice and fewer birds. Without the cats, the myxomatosis resistant rabbits thrived. In eight years their population increased tenfold and they were hungry.

This year the rest of the uninvited guests, rabbits, rats and mice, will be eradicated. They will be systematically poisoned. It is hoped that only the rabbits, rats and mice will eat the poison and the birds will not. Also, this phase of the eradication program will cost $24 million AUS. Big bucks in this difficult economic time.

If you do a Google search for "Macquarie Island Rabbits", you will locate many news articles describing the fate of Macquarie Island and it's uninvited feral guests. Most articles suggest that the cat removal was an enormous mistake causing "catastrophic damages". The real mistake will be to not complete the job. If this island is considered to be a world treasure, then restoration to it's pristine state is a necessity, a costly one, but a necessity. If, on the other hand, we really don't think Macquarie Island is worth this costly restoration effort, we should standby and watch this island be "catastrophically damaged" by rabbits, rats and mice.

Enjoy and SAVE MACQUARIE ISLAND!

Bikar Atoll FM - Another Uninhabited Tropical Isle

2009-01-11T12:21:00.000-08:00

Bikar Atoll RM (ARB-127)

Bikar Atoll (H.0. 6024) ARB-127

This is the second atoll within the Radak Group that I have mapped in EVS precision. The first atoll was Taongi and now Bikar. Using the maps contained in ARB-127 as inspiration, I have decided to busy myself with maps in this group of atolls. Bikar, like Taongi, is small with only 0.9 sq km of land area. The atoll does contain vegetation, a small forest dominated by pisionia grandis trees. Other than that, the vegetation is scrub size and lower. The atoll is a great nesting place for seabirds.

Bikar Atoll - Landsat Image from N-59-10_2000 (1-75,000)

Bikar Atoll - EVS Precision Map (1-75,000)

The Landsat image used as my base is cloud free and excellent in detail. I did my digitizing at 1:12500 scale, one not practical for viewing, but good for map making. The map took about 2-hours to complete.

Enjoy!

Thoughts - I Wonder If They Have Layoffs at North Sentinel Island?

2009-01-09T17:11:00.000-08:00

North Sentinel Island - EVS Map (1:62,500)

During this difficult economic time throughtout the industrialized world, I am curious if more remote regions are escaping the more dire consequences - the layoff from your job. Friends and family are undergoing this economic rite - to be told you are no longer needed in your economic contributions. Those contributions generate an income that you and your family require, but your employer does not. What a mess!

Do you think the Sentinelese of North Sentinel Island have layoffs? I suspect that as long as they are able to contribute to the good of the group, typically 30 to 50 individuals, they remain as members. They are allowed to gather food and game to sustain the life of the group. No need for flat screen TVs, no electricity. Homes are simple shelters that provide protection for a family. They might banish a law breaker for acts harmful to the group and justifiably. But because times are difficult they would not abandon a member of their group. No they would find ways to solve their problem by productively employing all members of their group, not by selectively removing members.

Where did we go wrong? Why does civilization, industrialized civilization, marginalize members through their removal from economic contributions?

I am just rambling. Sorry for the rant, but it has been a rough week for my family and there are times that the life of a Sentinelese looks very attractive.

Take care, friends.

Taongi Atoll - Uninhabited, H-Bombs and My EVS Precision Map

2009-01-04T22:15:00.000-08:00

ARB-127 Ornithology of the Marshall and Gilbert Islands

Taongi Atoll (H.O. 6024) ARB-127

Marshall and Gilbert Islands ARB-127

I enjoy reading the Smithsonian Atoll Research Bulletin available at the above link as PDF documents. First encountering them at Scripps Institute of Oceanography's library, I most especially enjoyed the detailed discussion of specific atolls. The articles are scholarly in content, yet accessible to the interested public.

A few years ago I took a class on how to work with enamel. It was instant gratification. Coat the copper plate with different colors of enamel, cook for about 1-minute at 1500°, let cool for 5-minutes and you have your finished work of art. You'll never guess what I made, my very first project was a map of an atoll, Taongi Atoll. I used the ARB-127 map based on chart H.O. 6024. It turned out nice. Why Taongi, why not!

Last week I was browsing my collection of ARB's and was looking at the collection of maps of all of the Marshall and Gilbert Islands which make up a significant portion of ARB-127. I studied the Taongi Atoll map and decided that I would make an EVS precision map of the island. Using Landsat N-59-10_2000 as my base image I constructed my map in about 4-hours. The bulk of the time was spent digitizing the coral heads scattered throughout the lagoon. But more on that later.

Operation Hardtack - Proposal to include Taongi Atoll as H-bomb test site

While researching the atoll, I came across a once classified document proposing that Taongi Atoll be used as a site to explode atomic bombs. This atoll would have been the third atoll besides Bikini and Enewetak, to be catastrophically damaged by slowly desolving nuclear radiation. Cooler heads prevailed and Taongi Atoll was spared. The ordinances intended for Taongi Atoll were exploded at the Nevada test site.

Taongi Atoll - Landsat Image from N-59-10_2000 Standard Landsat ETM+ Colors (1:110,000)

Taongi Atoll - Landsat Image from N-59-10_2000 Modified Colors for Reef Digitizing (1:110,000)

Now for my map. I was convinced I could create a map that would be far superior to the H.O. 6034 version in ARB-127. Looking at the standard Landsat image, I could see that the mapping would be uncomplicated. Curious soul that I am, I decided to play around with colors. After a number of color tweaks, I discovered the puke green image. The shallow reef was a lighter puke green and the deep reef a different shade of green. As a bonus this color tweak turned the island vegetation into a reddish pink. In addition, this color scheme allowed for a greater number of coral head to be digitized.

Taongi Atoll - EVS Precision Map (1:110,000)

And here is my finished map. The scale is 1:110,000 (1 cm = 1.1 km). My finished EVS precision map of Taongi Atoll contain my normal vector layers; island polygon, vegetation, shallow reef and deep reef. I tried something different when labeling. I used a feature in Global Mapper to assign text to a specific point and in this way I assigned lat/lons. The island names and other text were also assigned using Global Mapper. I used MS Draw to construct the lat/lon lines. I think this is a good mapping effort.

Today, the atoll is a nature preserve and remains uninhabited. Thanks to some unknown beaurecrat, the island remains nuclear radiation free!

Enjoy!

Thoughts - Rapa Iti's Hydrographic Layer

2008-12-30T20:21:00.000-08:00

Rapa Iti Island - Ikonos Image (1-55,000)

Rapa Iti Island - Other Precision Map (Ikonos Image) Hydrography Layer (1-55,000)

I believe Rapa Iti's hydrographic layer is almost complete. I always QC my digitizing before I determine a layer finished. I am watching the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl (score Okla St 31 and Oregon 42) and composing this post. A few moment ago my mother-in-law asked what my map showed. I explained that I had mapped all of the places where water would flow during a rain storm. She thought that was interesting, but liked the colors best.

The QC of this layer will involve a final classification of the streams. They will be classified as permanent streams identified by vegetation, stream width and visible water. Any or all of these characteristics evident will cause me to classify the stream as permanent. All other streams will be classified as intermittent streams.

This system of classification will have to do short of me visiting the island for a month during the rainy season and spending the time hiking to various points about the island to study water flow. Oh well, one can dream.

Enjoy! And Happy New Year!

Thoughts - Boston Globe's Mapping Article and My Titan Map

2008-12-29T06:25:00.000-08:00

PIA10008

Titan's Unnamed Methane Sea (1-750,000)

On 12/28/2008 Drake Bennet of the Boston Globe published an article entitled "The Year in Maps - A cartography boom offers new ways to see the world". Like most bloggers, I use a tracking system that allows me to see who visits my website and to determine which of my map projects generates the greatest interest.

For the past week someone from the Boston Globe visited my site to look at the above images of Titan's Unnamed Methane Sea. I figured they might be doing research for an upcoming article. And they were! Like many bloggers, I harbor desires that my work will be acknowledged in mainstream publications, but realize that island mapping is not exactly mainstream fodder. On the other hand, mapping an extraterrestrial unnamed methane sea just might peak a mainstream writer's interests.

This morning I visited Planet Geospatial and read about the Boston Globe article in All Points Blog. I followed the link to the article and noted the PIA10008 image of Titan's methane seas (see image above). I expected to see an image of my Titan map, no dice! I expected to see my Titan mapping efforts mentioned, no dice! Instead, I read the following - "Some of the most mesmerizing maps of the year, though, were of as-yet-uninhabitable places. NASA's unmanned Cassini spacecraft continued sending back imagery of Saturn and its moons - among them Titan, with its enormous lakes of methane and ethane - for extraterrestrially minded mapmakers to work with." I guess I was one of those "...extraterrestrially minded mapmakers...".

So it goes... Almost, but no dice! I keep reminding myself that I do what I do (make maps of islands) because I like what I do. My site gets between 50 to 100 plus visits per day. To all of these loyal readers, I do what I do because I like what I do and hope you find my island maps useful and entertaining.

Oh, yes! And to Drake Bennet and the Boston Globe, thanks for the article...us map makers loved it.

Enjoy! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Thoughts - Digitizing Rapa Island's Hydrography Layer

2008-12-29T00:05:00.000-08:00

Rapa Island, North Shore - Ikonos Image with Digitized Hydrography Layer (1:1,250)

Rapa Island, North Shore - Other Precision (Ikonos) Map with Digitized Hydrography Layer (1:1,250)

Sure, I've been busy with family, friends and 12 dozen tamales served all day Christmas day at my home. Come Christmas evening I was still entertaining guests and wishing I could continue working on my current mapping project, Rapa Island. I have mapped this island a number of times, each time not completely satisfied with the finished project. So I've decided to work on this island one more time. First I redigitized the shoreline working at scales between 1:1,250 to 1:850 using a hi-res Ikonos image. After completing the shoreline, I decided to work on the island's hydrographic layer. Initially I've classified each valley as a potential stream course. The island has a number of permanent streams fed by frequent rain storms and springs. Most of the streams I've currently mapped will be reclassified as intermittent.

Rapa Island - Other Precision (Ikonos) Map with Hydrography Layer (1:52,500)

I've mapped most of the hydrographic layer over the last 5-days, actually over the last 5-evenings. The hydrography of the western portion of the island remains to be digitized. I hope to have the layer completed within the next few days. When it is finished, I intend to digitize the vegetation layer next. I'll keep you informed as to my progress.

Enjoy! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Coronado Islands MX - For The Birds and Fishermen

2008-12-22T14:25:00.000-08:00

View Larger Map

Coronado Islands - Spot Image from Google Earth (1-35,000)

Coronado Islands - Other Precision Map Using Spot Image From Google Earth (1:35,000)

Located about 25 kilometers south of the entrance to San Diego bay, these Mexican islands are often mistaken as US possessions. Most San Diegans know of these islands and a few of the stories associated with them. For instance, we know that there was a gambling establishment on South Island that was a going concern well into the Depression. We know that the islands were used as a haven for Prohibition smugglers. Today there is a small Mexican military detachment stationed on South Island to keep an eye out for human smugglers and fishing poachers. The islands are visited daily by fishermen, divers and numerous sea birds, especially brown pelicans.

I first saw the islands as a young boy back in 1954. From that perspective they appeared to be two buffaloes. To others they look like coffins. To me they are always a welcome site.

The map was constructed from an image mosaic I created using the Spot image found in Google Earth. From this georeferenced mosaic I was able to work at a scale of 1:5,000. As a result, the shoreline details are excellent. I tried using SRTM 30-meter to generate contours and the results were not satisfactory. I knew of a series of geologic maps of the islands containing 20-meter contours on a San Diego Geology website. I georeferenced the contour containing images and copied the 20-meter contour intervals. When necessary, the contours were adjusted to align with the underlying Spot image.

Because my digitizing work was done at a scale of 1:5,000, the zoom factor for these islands gives one excellent details. I would suggest using Google Earth imagery to take a detailed tour of the islands. To enjoy an excellent map of the islands, this is the place.

Enjoy!

Thoughts - Generating Reliable Contours from SRTM Data

2008-12-17T07:08:00.000-08:00

Isla la Plata - Other Precision Map (1-20,000)

Here is a comment and question concerning my use of SRTM data...

I am working on a similar project, in some aspects, about generating contours, and was wondering when the contours do not line up with your coastline (having 25 m intersect the shoreline of your polygon) do you alter the polygon or the raster data before generating the contours? Anyways, I think you work is beautiful, keep it up.

Here is my response...

Thank you for your kind words. I love making maps of islands and to be able to add meaningful contours is a great benefit. However, my experience with the SRTM 30-meter and 90-meter data is as follows. After loading both a georectified image and an SRTM file into Global Mapper, I am able to quickly generate contours at an interval I deem appropriate for the scale I am working with. In nearly every instance the lower level contours do not conform to the actual imaged shorelines. I end up manually realigning the contours to best match the imaged shoreline. As a result my lower level contours are reasonable, but suspect.

When I am dealing with a very large void that cannot be handled by combining SRTM 30-meter with SRTM 90-meter data or be filled with existing void-filling software (I use SRTMFill), I end up guesstimating alignments of contours. Consequently, all of my maps containing contours are as good as the underlying SRTM data - sometimes excellent (upper elevations of Isla la Plata map) and less reliable (10-meter to 30-meter contours and northern contours due to a void).

I am not practiced enough to correct the underlying SRTM ASCII data, so I rely upon working with software (SRTMFill), imagery to contour reconciliation, or when cloud-obscured, an educated guess using secondary imagery.

Hopefully, this answers your questions. Perhaps you have techniques or know of SRTM void-filling software that might correct many of my issues concerning misaligned or voided elevation data. I do believe that SRTM 30-meter and Landsat ETM+ at 14.5-meter resolution can work reasonably well together. However, combining SRTM 30-meter with 1-meter resolution imagery most often creates many slight, but consistent contour misalignments.

SRTM elevation data, as stated above, gives us a reasonable idea of the topography of the underlying land. I would use it to go hiking, but I sure would not bid a construction job based on it.

Enjoy!

Isla la Plata - Ecuador's Bird Island

2008-12-07T21:40:00.000-08:00

View Larger Map

Isla la Plata - Landsat Image S-17-00_2000 (1:20,000)

Isla la Plata - DigitalGlobe Island Mosaic from Google Earth (1:20,000)

A group that removes feral animals from islands asked if I could help them with a map of Isla la Plata located off the coast of Ecuador. I said sure and began to search for a map or image of the island. The only map was something that was painted on a sign posted on this island. Not very accurate, but colorful. I tried the Landsat ETM+ image and found it to be obscured by clouds at a number of points on the island. I finally looked into Google Earth and found the DigitalGlobe image that covers the island. Except for clouds over the northern tip of the island, the image is exquisite. To create the above mosaic which is 12.4MBs and 4500 x 4120 lines, I copied 24 images (1280 x 911) and pieced them together. This image was georectified using Global Mapper, Landsat ETM+ and Google Earth coordinates.

Isla la Plata - Other Precision Map (1-20,000)

This is the resulting map. The parties wanting to use the map did not require a vegetation layer so all that I had to map was the island shoreline. That took about 4-hours to map, not just the shoreline, but all of the offshore rocks as well. Finally, using SRTM 90-meter and 30-meter data, I generated 10-meter contour intervals. As so often happens, the 10-meter to 30-meter contours ended up in the ocean. I spent another 4-hours adjusting contours so that they resided on the island and not in the deep blue sea.

This map is done. I hope the party using it will find it helpful. I reminded them that they could not publish this map without permission from DigitalGlobe. It is my experience that DigitalGlobe is very open to allowing maps derived from their data to be used for educational research and perhaps for the removal of feral animals from fragile islands.

Enjoy!

Desecheo Island - Puerto Rican National Wildlife Refugee

2008-12-05T06:34:00.000-08:00

View Larger Map

Desecheo Island - Google Image

Desecheo Island - EVS Precision Map (1:8,000)

Last summer I came across an aerial image of Desecheo Island on the front of a PDF document produced by a group representing Desecheo Island National Wildlife Refugee. I had been asked to make a map for a person intending to do wildlife research on the island. I called a person connected with the refugee and asked if I could use the image to create a map. He said that the image was property of the Federal Wildlife Service and since the image was federal government property, I could use the image to create my map. The map was completed and delivered to the researcher. End of story. Not quite.

I was reading from one of my favorite website, 425 DX News, a publication that gives all of the latest news about intended trips to far out places that radio amateurs will be broadcasting from, like Desecheo Island in February 2009. I decided to upgrade my Deseceo Island map. The upgrade took about 2-hours, but the image was another story.

I could not find my original image anywhere on my computer. The new Desecheo Island NWR PDF document has been reworked and the island overview image was missing. The old image is shown in a Google image search, but the link is gone. I decided to look in Google Earth and, lo and behold, there is the original Desecheo Island NWR image I had mapped from. It is now part of Google Earth. The image is not credited to any source, save Google. I downloaded a Google imaage of the island and it is posted above.

Really, not a lot of drama connected to this post, just an interesting image story, as far as images go. In fact the NWR image of Desecheo Island still exists on their reworked website (see above link). It is just interesting how it is not credited in Google. That's all.

Finally, I intend to offer my Desecheo Island map to the DX'ers that will be operating from the island in the February 2009 time frame. I wish them well and hope QSLs abound!

Enjoy!

Ahe Atoll - Crusing Tourists & Black Pearls

2008-12-03T06:45:00.000-08:00

Ahe Atoll

Ahe Atoll - Landsat Image S-06-10_2000 (1:100,000)

Ahe Atoll - EVS Precision Map (1:100,000)

Ahe Atoll occupies a favorable position within the Tuamotus. It would be a potential first landfall for sailors departing from Hawaii heading south. The atoll has a single village with a population of approximately 100 hearty souls. The other 300 plus inhabitants live on the many small motus ringing the atoll's lagoon. Primary sources of income are black pearl farming and tourism, to a lesser degree.

If you followed the above link to Wikipedia, you will notice that the article has not been modified with my island article changes. I have been too busy. Give me a day or so and I'll make the changes to the Ahe Atoll Wikipedia article.

Ahe Atoll - Lagoon Entrance

My complements to Ekrem Inoru and his excellent set of photos detailing Ahe Atoll. I have included one photo from Ekrem's Ahe Atoll set showing the entrance to Ahe lagoon. Ekrem states that there is an 8-knot flow at lagoon entrance. This would be a challenge as tides flow in or out of the lagoon. Have a look at the entire set of Ekrem's Ahe Atoll photos found at Flickr. Just follow the link.

Enjoy!

Tematangi Atoll - Updated Map and Wikipedia Entry

2008-12-03T06:40:00.000-08:00

Tematangi Atoll

Tematangi Atoll - Landsat Image S-07-20_2000 (1:70,000)

Tematangi Atoll - EVS Precision Map (1:70,000)

Tematangi Atoll is located at the southern end of the Tuamotus. I've posted an article dealing with this atoll previously. This post contains a redo of my original map and a locator map.

This atoll is of interest to Muslims as the antipode of the Qibla is about 50-kms NW. At this precise position one could face any direction and still be facing the Qibla.

I hope you find the reworked map useful.

Enjoy!

Thoughts - EVS Islands and Wikipedia

2008-11-28T11:46:00.000-08:00

How To Get Back To Page One On Google Search Results

One gets spoiled having your posts consistently showing up on page one of Google search results. Having recently (11/01/2008) undergone the shame of having my posts moved from page one to page fifty-one, I have pondered how best to get back to page one. I think I have a way - Wikipedia, both praised and reviled, but consistently it's articles are page one on most Google search results.

Aratika Atoll Wikipedia Page (Old Style)

Enter Aratika Atoll and Google returns the Wikipedia entry at page one number two. Go to the entry and previous to my rework of the Wikipedia article, you would have seen the above. An Astronaut Photograph of the atoll, a brief text entry, along with a few Reference links make up the entire article. Frankly, it's okay. However, I decided these atoll / island entries needed a few changes.

Aratika Atoll Wikipedia Page (New Style)

This is the same article with my changes that not only benefit the reader by adding consistent image content, but also applies some formatting to aid in the flow of information. Let's see what I've done.

Aratika Atoll Wikipedia Page (New Style - Top)

Up top I've included a Tuamotus Locator Map (see the red arrow). It will allow the reader a view of the island within a broader spatial context. I've not added anything to the text portion.

Aratika Atoll Wikipedia Page (New Style - Bottom)

I've added a section called Images & Maps. It is in this section that I post any Wikipedia qualified image or map of the entire atoll. For sure I include the EVS precision map and Landsat image and when available, the ISS (Astronaut Photograph) of the atoll. The External Links section now lists links to the appropriate posts/image/article in EVS Islands, Astronaut Photography and Oceandots.com. Any other links of value would be added, but the first three will always be included.

In my opinion, these changes gives the article a more respectable look and the additional image/map content provides the reader with important spatial information. So far I've modified Wikipedia articles for Aratika, Apataki, Arutua and Tikehau Atolls. I believe what I've done is good for Wikipedia and good for EVS Islands. You know - Win / Win! What do you think?

Aratika Atoll - A Butterfly Shaped Island Jewel

2008-11-23T17:28:00.000-08:00

Aratika Atoll - Landsat S-06-15_2000 (1:115,000)

Aratika Atoll - EVS Precision Map (1:115,000)

Aratika Atoll, at first glance looks to be a pretty place with little of significance save balmy breezes and lazy days. There are about 240 inhabitants living on the atoll with the majority living in the village of Paparara. The island is not a usual tourist destination. Now for some interesting facts.

One of the founders of modern physical oceanography, Charles Wilkes, visited Aratika Atoll on Sept 3, 1839. Wilkes was given command of the United States Exploring Expedition that was to explore the southern oceans. For the next 3-years his team circumnavigated the globe gathering legions of information. Due to some unfortunate actions on Wilkes part, he was court-martialled for cruelty to members of his crew. He was acquitted of most charges. His later years were spent organizing and writing the results of this expedition.

One other interesting fact associated with this island has to do with two children using their inheritence to invest in a pearl farm on the atoll. A brother and sister made the investment and in 1997 the sister, Dora Fourcade took over the entire pearling operations. Today her company is a success. She is one of only a handful of women in this male-dominated industry.

So what started as just another Tuamotu atoll proved to be rather interesting after all.

Enjoy!

Thoughts - Mapping Truk Atoll and Still Frustrated and Angry With Google

2008-11-22T16:13:00.000-08:00

Truk Atoll - EVS Precision map (1:350,000)

Truk Atoll - EVS Precision Masp (1:100,00)

Yes! I'm still making maps. This latest unfinished project resulted from a conversation with the Chief Machinist on a ship that travels periodically to Truk Atoll, now known as Chuuk Atoll. It was the site of a devastating air raid, Operation Hailstorm, that sunk 70 Japanese ships. Aircraft and ground fortification were also targeted. The attack was a total success and viewed by some as America's revenge for Pearl Harbor. Today, divers from around the world travel to this lagoon of ghost ships to explore the relics of war. The young man said charts of the lagoon were of poor quality. I promised him a high quality map (not nautical chart) of the atoll. In addition, I intend to plot sunken ship locations.

GOOGLE, YOU REALLY MESSED WITH MY VISIBILITY

I finally figured out why I am so frustrated first and angry second with the folks at Google. On November 1st someone at Google made a change that negatively affected my post's page rankings. Let me share what I've discovered about the ranking of just one of my past mapping efforts, Anaa Atoll, which previous to Nov 1st, was on Google's page 1 search results.

Anaa Atoll shows up in the number 8 position on page 1 of Yahoo! search results and in the number 3 position on page 1 of MS Live Search results. Yet, it shows up in the number 10 position on page 12 of Google's search results. I am sorry, but that's messed up! The 120 sites pushed ahead of mine are largely of little value (weather, airfares, hotels, etc.) to a person wanting to learn something of substance about this atoll.

I don't want to sound pompous, but my map work is of a high quality and I share it with any and all. I work hard at perfecting my mapping craft and ensure my Google website maintains the highest quality. And now, someone at Google made a change that negatively affected the ranking of information from my site. As a result, my European and Asian readership is down to 4 or 5 pageviews a day and was previously 30 to 50 pageviews a day. My USA readership is down to 10 to 20 pageviews per day and was previously 100 plus pageviews per day and growing. All of this because a Google techie made a change that has wreaked havoc on my website's visibility.

I've checked my "robots.txt" file and it seems to be in order, but even if it wasn't I couldn't change it. Google controls that. I've emailed twice to the black hole called Google Webmaster and was assured someone would read my email, but would not contact me with their solution. Google is so good on so many levels, but truely sucks when it comes to resolving an issue such as mine. They allow you to email, but do not answer. They never give you a name, a phone number...

Argh! I'm just really frustrated. I've worked very hard for the past 3-years building the quality of my website. Things were great. My hard work and the quality mapping projects produced were paying off with increasing pageviews. Now, because somebody at Google made a change affecting my website on Nov 1st, my 3-years of hard work have been virtually erased. I am back to square one, trying to figure out a Google-less way to share my island mapping projects. But, if Google isn't in the picture, neither is your work. Damnit!@

Thoughts - Google, What Is Going On!!!

2008-11-15T14:51:00.000-08:00

My site visitors went from 100 to 150 per day down to 10 to 20 per day. I figured there was some sort of Google hiccup and things would get straightened out on their own. I don't think they will. For whatever reason, none of my posts show up in a Google search. A for example, Dao Bach Long Vi, an island located in the Gulf of Tonkin between Vietnam and Hainan. Previously, a Google search for Dao Bach Long Vi brought up my post at the top of the list. Now, it doesn't show up anywhere. A Yahoo! search shows the post at the very top of their search results and so does MS Live Search. So, what is going on with Google? Are they playing hardball? If I don't run Google Ads, for example, then my posts are excluded from their search results. Has anyone else run up against this problem? Google, what is going on?

Apataki Atoll FP - Another One Bites The Dust

2008-11-11T06:30:00.000-08:00

Apataki Atoll FP - Landsat ETM+ S-06-15_2000 (1:225,000)

There are ten islands within the Palliser Islands. With the completion of Apataki Atoll, I have mapped nine of the ten. Still to do is Rangiroa Atoll, the largest in the Tuamotus and one of the largest in the world. It will have to wait for another day.

Apataki Atoll is 27-km wide by 36-km long and approximately 105-km in circumference. It has a population of 430, with the majority living in the village of Niutahi. The lagoon has at least two entrances permitting larger sailing vessels passage into and out of the lagoon. There is an airfield located adjacent to the village. The island does have accomodations for visitors.

With all that said, lets get to the real joy - the EVS precision map of the atoll!

Apataki Atoll FP - EVS Precision Map from Landsat S-06-15_2000 and DigitalGlobe (1:225,000)

Using two base image sources, Landsat ETM+ and DigitalGlobe, this project took approximately six hours to complete. The map consists of 192 island polygons. If Landsat shows a vegetation color signature, I map it as a portion of the vegetation layer. The other two layers consist of a shallow reef and a deep reef. Once the EVS precision mapping was completed, I finished my work using ImageForge, which allows me to add lat/lon, legend, north arrow and credits.

Apataki Atoll FP -Niutahi Village - Landsat ETM+ S-06-15_2000 (1:7,500)

This is an extreme closeup of Niutahi village. I do have an EVS precision map of this portion of the atoll, but I decided to work with a DigitalGlobe overlay to provide additional details to the village area.

Apataki Atoll FP - Niutahi Village - Georectifying DigitalGlobe Image using Global Mapper

Finding the atoll in Google Earth and determining that DigitalGlobe imagery exists for the atoll, I zoomed in and saved an image of the village proper. In order to georectify the image to create an overlay that would align with my Landsat base image, I had to import the DigitalGlobe image into my mapping software, Global Mapper. Using GM's georectifying tool, I determined that the triangulation method using seven GCPs would create the best alignment.

Apataki Atoll FP -Niutahi Village - Georectified DigitalGlobe Image from Google Earth (1:7,500)

Once georectified, the DigitalGlobe image aligned quite well over my base Landsat image. Using the triangulation georectifying method, which requires a minimum of 5+ GCPs, allowed for image distortion, which was necessary. This method allowed the DigitalGlobe image to be stretched and tugged into place.

Apataki Atoll FP -Niutahi Village - EVS Precision Map from DigitalGlobe Image from Google Earth (1:7,500)

I was able to map Niutahi village at 1:7,500 scale. I could have pushed to a finer scale, but for my purposes, this scale worked just fine. I did add a road layer (orange lines) and an airfield layer (grey polygon).

In the center of the lagoon the Landsat image has cloud issues. I was not able to map any of the central lagoon coral heads which I identify as shallow reef, otherwise this EVS precision island map is done.

Enjoy!

Thoughts - EVS Precision Island Vectors on EarthBrowser

2008-11-06T11:38:00.000-08:00

Arutua Atoll FP - EVS Precision Map From Landsat S-06-15_2000 (1-170,000)

I really like my finished island mapping projects. I like my mapping accuracy, the attention to detail and the color scheme. EVS precision island mapping consists primarily of four layers of information - island polygons, vegetation, reef shallow and reef deep. Occasionally I will map an urban layer or a manmade feature layer. But for the most part, my focus is to produce a quality map using Landsat ETM+ imagery as my base layer.

My constant dilemma is how to display my vector map files so that their true dynamic power can be appreciated by all. I've tried the Google KML file route and have less than satisfactory results. The finished map is a poor representation of my actual map. I've explored OSM, but I would lose copyright control of any layer of information I post to their site.

And then came EarthBrowser and Matt Giger.

EarthBrowser - Home Page

Matt has been a long time viewer of EVS Islands. In fact, he offered to host my finished map products on his server when this site was in it's infancy. I knew of his EarthBrowser product and admired his hard work and inventiveness to create, nurture and support his product to a growing customer base.

Arutua Atoll FP in EarthBrowser - All Layers

A few days ago Matt suggested that I send my vector files over for a recently completed island and he would post them to a EarthBrowser map layer containing the OSM map product. I said "Sure!" and sent my four vector files that make up the Arutua Atoll. He imported them into the OSM layer of EarthBrowser, put in a few buttons to turn layers on and off and voila, my vector files brought Arutua Atoll to life. Granted the colors are different and a few polygons got lost in translation, but he was able to import enough to bring the island to life. To view them one needs Flash 9.0 or newer installed.

Arutua Atoll FP in EarthBrowser - All Layers - NW Motus

Now one is able to not only view the entire project, but can zoom to whatever resolution they desire. Once the importing process is complete, the above image would consist of my four primary layers of information. These layers would be superimposed on top of the OSM NGA PGS layers of information. The fun part comes with the buttons.

Arutua Atoll FP in EarthBrowser - All Layers Except Vegetation - NW Motus

By merely selecting the button Vegetation, for example (Vegitation should be Vegetation), the vector layer can be turned off or on. Try it out, it is pretty cool.

Matt is working to allow for an embeded map of his product to be active on your website (see his blog). For me it would be a great venue from which my finished maps could be shared with the world. I will keep you posted on the progress made. This represents a way to share my finished maps, yet I still maintain control of vector file distribution.

Enjoy!

Thoughts - What If EVS Precision Maps Were Included in OpenStreetMap?

2008-10-31T22:25:00.000-07:00

OpenStreetMap - Arutua Atoll - NGA PGS Shoreline Map

I've been making EVS Precision island maps for well over three years. Using Landsat ETM+ imagery as my base image from which I have created most of my 10,000 plus island polygons. All of my island maps currently reside on my E-Drive and on my I-Drive. Lots of islands doing few people any good. About three weeks ago a person from Google contacted me and wanted to discuss EVS Islands. I continue to hold out hope that my EVS Precision island maps will be licensed by one of the big three map folks. So far, I still have the 10,000 islands on my computer.

A number of readers have suggested I upload my island map files into OpenStreetMap. I have resisted the suggestion. I keep thinking that someone will want to pay me a fee to use my island maps.

The question I pose to my knowledgeable readers, "Who owns my map files if they are posted to OpenStreetMap? Do I continue to own them? Could I sell them to another user, yet still keep them on OpenStreetMap?

OpenStreetMap - Arutua Atoll - EVS Precision Map

If EVS Precision island maps were posted to OpenStreetMap this is what the user could view. That is if all four to five layers of information were included. I would suggest an ocean color change. My ocean blue looks a lot better than OSM's puke green color.

Depending on the answers to my previously posed questions will help me to determine whether I should post my EVS Precision island maps. Any answers?

Enjoy!

How To Digitize EPIP's Four Atoll Layers

2008-10-31T05:55:00.000-07:00

What is EPIP?

Enhanced Vector Precision Island Polygons - Using Landsat ETM+ ortorectified image mosaics as my base images, I digitize various layers of information, most typically from islands. I use Landsat ETM+ because: 1) It is free. 2) It is typically cloud-free. 3) It is consistent in quality. 4) It covers the earth. 5) It is virtually copyright free. This is the degree of precision over 8,000 South Pacific island polygons have been digitized to. This level of digitizing precision over such a broad expanse (South Pacific) is quite an accomplishment. What does this level of digitizing precision entail? What are the layers of information being captured?

Atoll Digitizing - First Layer Vegetation (Hi-Lo)

The first layer I digitize is vegetation. Working at a scale of between 1:25,000 to 1:15,000, I carefully digitize layer outlines. Working with the vegetation layer, I have been known to make a number of vegetation classifications. For the purposes of EPIP, I make one classification - Vegetation (Hi-Lo). This broad classification focuses primarily on land vegetation. I am reasonably certain I digitize some patches of reef vegetation as well.

Atoll Digitizing - Second Layer Island Polygon

My second layer of information is the island polygon. As the name implies, this should be any above-water land feature. When digitizing an atoll made up of many small motus located on a complex reef that is often awash the difference between above-water, reef awash and below-water can get fuzzy. It is within this layer that I am certain I include reef features that are either awash or just below water. In this layer, I prefer to digitize too much as opposed to too little. Perhaps the next generation of Landsat imagery will allow for a clearer land vs reef determination. Until then, I'll digitize in as consistent a manner as possible.

Atoll Digitizing - Third Layer Reef Shallow

This is another layer that I have used a number of classification. For the purposes of EPIP, whatever is visible (shade of blue) that I have not classified as a island polygon, makes up my Reef Shallow layer. This layer on the outer reef edge is typically defined by waves and/or a faint blue area along the shore. The inner reef shore also contains this blue area in varying shades and thicknesses. All of these blue areas are classified as Reef Shallow for the puposes of EPIP.

Atoll Digitizing - Fourth Layer Reef Deep

The final layer is Reef Deep or the central lagoon. It is basically everything within the atoll that isn't an island polygon or reef shallow. A crude classification, but it works well for EPIP.

I do all of my digitizing using Global Mapper. It is: 1) dependable 2) fairly inexpensive 3) simple to use 4) produces consistent product and 5) is serviced by Mike, absolutely the best customer service/owner of a product.

Atoll Digitizing - EPIP's Four Atoll Layers

And there you have it, EPIP's four atoll layers in all their glory. I'll share a few of my recently completed atolls with you. North is up and I realize they are unfinished maps without lat/lon, titles, north arrow and such, but they make the point, EPIP is a quality product.

Tahanea Atoll - EPIP (1:200,000)

Motutunga Atoll - EPIP (1:100,000)

Tunake Atoll - EPIP (1:50,000)

Tepoto Atoll - EPIP (1:25,000)

Enjoy!

Arutua Atoll FP - Beautiful Atoll and Long Mapping Hours

2008-10-29T23:20:00.000-07:00

Arutua Atoll FP - Base Image From Landsat S-06-15_2000 (1:170,000)

Arutua Atoll FP - EVS Precision Map From Landsat S-06-15_2000 (1:170,000)

According to a Wikipedia entry, Arutua Atoll has a population of 500 with the majority living in Rautini Village. These hearty souls earn their living off of copra, fishing and pearling.They do have a small airfield located on their island.

Let's talk about what went into the construction of this map. I worked in excess of 12-hours on this map over a period of 4-days. The excessive amount of time devoted to this project had to do with the size of the atoll (31-km by 24-km). This map consists of 812 unique features. The majority of these unique features are motus (small island polygons) and coral heads within the lagoon. The trick to digitizing this atoll is determination, patience and cloud-free imagery. I initially worked off of the Landsat ETM+ mosaic, digitizing at scales between 1:25,000 to 1:12,5000. The digitizing process was tedious and tiring, but the final map looks great.

Arutua Atoll FP - Rautini Village From DigitalGlobe Image (1:6,800)

Arutua Atoll FP - Rautini Village in Other Precision Map From DigitalGlobe Image (1:6800)

Just for the fun of it, I digitized Rautini village using a DigitalGlobe image from Google Earth as my base image. The village took about 2-hours to complete. I added the road layer as a bonus feature.

All in all, I am pleased with this series of maps and I hope you find them interesting.

Enjoy!

Spinalonga Island Crete - Site of One of Europe's Last Leper Colonies

2008-10-18T17:11:00.000-07:00

Spinalonga Island - Locator Map

Spinalonga Island Crete - DigitalGlobe Image from Google Earth (1:3,500)

Spinalonga Island Crete - Other Precision Map - DigitalGlobe Image from Google Earth (1:3,500)

Once the site of a Venetian fortress built to protect the harbor to the southwest. For decades this fortress turned away invading forces, pirates and unwelcomed visitors. As happens to all fortresses, this one was ultimately overrun and then abandoned. For years this small island was home to no one. At the turn of the last century the island was reinhabited. From 1903 to 1957 the island's guests were lepers. Where other inhabitants had abandoned Spinalonga for new homes, these poor souls were abandoned to the island, outcasts from society. Those of you interested can find an article about Spinalonga Island on Wikipedia. Now days the island is a popular tourist destination. I'm not sure it would be high up on my list of "sites to see" as I travel about the Greek islands. But, everyone to their own desires.

Spinalonga Island - Looking at it from west to east.

I worked off of the DigitalGlobe image taken from Google Earth to create my Other Precision map of Sinalonga Island. As the island is quite small, the 1-meter resolution imagery allowed for a detailed study of the island to include remains of the fortress and the leper colony. The mapping took about 3-hours from start to finish.

Enjoy!

Thoughts - NSA Monitoring EVS Islands Blog

2008-10-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

My EVS Islands blog is a unique source of one-of-a-kind island mapping. I map islands scattered around the world and as a result my site attracts people from all over the world who regularly visit my site to look at my island maps and read my thoughts concerning my work.

I use a tracker to stay abreast of who is visiting my site. This tracker gives me an IP address and other standard information. I use this information to determine the reach and relevancy of my posts. I never have and never will misuse this information. My site gets between 100 to 150 page views a day. Again, from people all over the world.

This morning I was checking my hits for the day and stumbled upon an IP that originated from NSA (National Security Agency), specifically a department identified by the initials MD. I thought, "How cool! Someone at NSA is checking my work out." Then I noticed the amount of daily page views, since Sep 15th my site has been viewed at least 100 times a day with each page view lasting 2 - 20 minutes. Since Sept 15th that is between 2,500 to 3,000 page views. I thought, "Wow! I'm on someone's list and it's not a good list."

Just to give you an idea of the amount of time NSA spends viewing my site - at approximately 500 minutes per day and over a period of 30 days - that is 15,000 minutes! Way too much time to spend looking at island maps!

I attempted to copy the long list of page views. I selected it and tried a right click to copy the list and my computer locked up. I was unable to copy the list. I got the message that two tabs had experienced a problem and would be shut down. After they closed, I went back to my original list of daily IPs and the NSA MD IP was gone. Over 100 page views a day and the IP does not show up. I am certain what I viewed was a screwup by my tracking provider. I obviously saw something I shouldn't have seen.

Am I angry with NSA. Yes and no. Yes, that NSA spends 500 minutes a day checking out my website. I think that is a bit excessive. No, they are welcome to check out my website anytime. Am I angry with my tracking company. Yes, that they have this level of activity on my site and surpress it. Hell, they are Netherland's based. Why not let me know NSA likes to view my site, not just alittle, but alot - like 500 minutes a day.

Would that affect my content. No, I would continue publishing my island maps and comments. And anyone, even NSA, is welcome to view my posts.

Enjoy!

Comparison - 14.5-meter vs 1-meter and Monoplotted Shorelines

2008-10-14T06:30:00.000-07:00

Landsat ETM+ and DigitalGlobe from Google Earth (1:18,000)

I have heard from many readers that maps derived from 14.5-meter resolution are useable between 1:125,000 to 1:62,500. To push them down to scales below 1:62,500 would render the map virtually useless.

Palmerston Atoll - Bird Islands (1:15,000)

That was before I discovered a LINZ produced map of Palmerston Atoll at a scale of 1:25,000. My EVS precision shoreline was a very close approximation of the LINZ product. It was so similar that it was as if LINZ might have used the 14.5-meter resolution imagery to produce their island map. I asked them and never got a satisfactory answer. My guess is that they did make use of the 14.5-meter imagery to produce their 1:25,000 scale map. Just a guess, but a good one.

EVS Precision and EEVS Precision Shorelines with Reefs (1:18,000)

Using the first image in Global Mapper, I digitized both shorelines at 14.5-meter resolution and 1-meter resolution. The left map (less vegetation layers) was created from 14.5-meter imagery. The map on the right was created from 1-meter imagery. I am certain DigitalGlobe's 1-meter imagery is the best hi-res imagery currently available, thanks to Google Earth. I confidently acknowledge that shorelines, reefs, vegetations layers and other layers of information derived from 14.5-meter resolution imagery is good mapping information. As with any imagery, one needs to make mapping compromises. Perfection at tracing a dynamically shifting shoreline is impossible. Tha shoreline's ultimate delineation can be approximated, at best. My EVS precision work allows me to create and use mapping products at scales far below 1:62,500 - like 1:25,000.

Enjoy!

Comparison - LINZ 1:25,000 Map to EVS Map

2008-10-14T06:29:00.000-07:00

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 resolution reputed to be 14.5-meters at best. The way it has been explained is that each pixel resolves 14.5-meters of the earth, rendering Landsat ETM+ imagery as a satisfactory base from which to create maps at scales between 1:125,000 to 1:62,500.

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

Close comparison of my EVS precision map and the LINZ Palmerston Atoll map are strikingly similar. Our shorelines are nearly identical. Our depiction of vegetation and reef layers are near mirror images.

I asked a representative of the LINZ cartographic group if Landsat ETM+ imagery was used in the production of their Palmerston Atoll map. He promised to get back to me with an answer. He never did. I suspect that LINZ cartographers used Landsat ETM+ imagery as an important foundational layer in the production of their Palmerston Atoll map. I, on the other hand, used Landsat ETM+ as my ONLY foundational layer.

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, perhaps, give more credibility to Landsat ETM+ imagery. It seems that Landsat ETM+ base imagery can be made to work at 1:25,000 and EVS precison mapped shorelines are damn good!

Enjoy!

Pulau Sematan ID - Kidney Bean Shaped Island

2008-10-06T22:30:00.000-07:00

Pulau Sematan ID - Offshore Island Near Pulau Sulawesi

Pulau Sematan ID - Image From Landsat ETM+ N-50-00_2000 (1:62,380)

Located off of the northern coast of Pulau Sulawesi, is Pulau Sematan. After much research I have learned it is a dive destination and home to a few hardy fishermen. It is covered with lush vegetation and based on it's proximity along the equator, it is most likely, hot, humid and wet.

Pulau Sematan ID - EVS Precision Map With 50-Meter Contour Intervals (1:62,380)

The map itself was fast to do. From start to finish it took about 3-hours. Nothing particularly challenging, just a nice EVS precision map of a small island.

Enjoy!

Dao Bach Long Vi VN - Another Look at a Past Project

2008-10-04T09:02:00.000-07:00

Dao Bach Long Vi - Landsat Image N-48-20_2000 (1-17,500)

Dao Bach Long Vi - Marplot Map (1-17,500)

I haven't posted one of these in a long time. It is an Enhanced Vector Shoreline of a Vietnamese island. It seems that I posted this before, but I'll be darned if I can find it on my site. Oh, well.

Dao Bach Long Vi is a potential Marine Protected Area. For now, it is home to a lighthouse and a small population of fishermen. There are a series of photos posted in Google Earth that show interesting views of places about this island. It is home to military, fishermen and an occasional tourist.

Dao Bach Long Vi - Marplot Map (1:17,500) - A Fancy Map

Yes siree, this is a fancy map. I took my original map, less lat/lon and scale box, and worked it over in my free paint program, ImageForge. I am still experimenting with fonts and text (credits and such), but the overall composition looks good. It took an extra two-hours to complete this project, but it is well worth it.

View Dao Bach Long Vi on Google Maps

Enjoy!

Thoughts - 125,000 Named Islands

2008-10-02T07:36:00.000-07:00

125,000 Named Islands

Prior to beginning my island mapping blog, I downloaded country name files and extracted all names that applied to an island. I ended up with 125,000 island names.

I have mapped 10,000 plus or minus at EVS precision over the last 5-years. I only have another 115,000 named islands left to map. I should finish in about 60 years at my current rate. I think I might need some help. Any takers?

Enjoy!

Musandam Peninsula OM - 50-Meters Contours Using Plans One Through Four

2008-10-01T07:20:00.000-07:00

Musandam Peninsula - EVS Precision Map (1-175,000)

I posted the above map of the Musandam Peninsula a few weeks ago. The geography is fascinating. However, I knew more work had to be done to complete my map. Specifically, I wanted to create contours to overlay onto the area.

My first attempt, Plan One, was straightforward - download the SRTM HGT file, load it into Global Mapper, generate contours and I would be finished . . . Whoops! Not so. It turns out that the SRTM HGT file for this area is full of voids, those nasty little holes of nothing. With voids my generated contours were grossly inaccurate.

I've been at this mapping business long enough to know that if one source doesn't work, there is most probably another, like Plan Two - the CGIAR-CSI SRTMs. These are void filled versions of the HGTs. I downloaded the appropriate SRTM tile, loaded it, generated contours and . . . Whoops! Not quite right.

Still not to be deterred, I went to Plan Three - using a void-filling piece of software called Void Killer 2 I tacked the contour generating problem once more. I am aware of a number of freeware SRTM void fillers, but I wanted to try the trial version of VK. I downloaded the trial copy, unzipped it and loaded the requisite SRTMs . . . Whoops! Won't let me make a copy and I didn't want to spend $43 to test it's claim as the best void filling software.

Musandam Peninsula - EVS Precision Map with 50-Meter Contour Intervals (1-175,000)

Plan Four to the rescue. In order to use Void Killer 2, it was necessary to convert the CGIAR-CIS SRTM tile from TIFF into DEM format. I loaded this DEM tile on top of the void peppered HGT file and generated contours . . . voila! It worked. Somehow the combination of the two sandwiched together allowed GM to generate contours without voids. Some of the 50-meter contours spill across water versus land, but that can be cleaned up. The HGT voids were filled with reasonable contours. The combination of SRTM HGT and SRTM DEM did the trick.

I would caution the state of Oman - Gentlemen, don't embark upon a multi-million petro-dollar project based upon these contours. However, I am confident that GM's contour generating algorithm is sound for the intrepid Omani backpacker, who could rely on these contours with a fair level of confidence.

Enjoy!

Thoughts - Ultima Thule, Gravel Bars and Curiosity

2008-09-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Peary Land, Greenland - The Image That Started My Search

On Sunday morning, while drinking my morning cup of coffee and checking my "usual websites", I came upon the above image of the northern shoreline of Greenland posted to NASA's Earth Observatory. I should have just kept right on moving, but I didn't. One image identified a point of land called Point Morris Jessup in the north center of the image. I decided that it would be loads of fun to check this part of the world out in more detail. About 8-hours worth of research, georectifying and jotting notes later and this is what I've learned . . .

Peary Land, Greenland - Kaffeklubben and Oodaag Islands

Kaffeklubben Island

The Ultima Thule is an island. Explorers from the ancient Greeks to those within the last few years, have searched for the northernmost land, Ultima Thule. Within the last 100 years, modern explorers think they have found it located off the northern coast of Greenland. In 1900 Peary sighted Kaffeklubben Island, but never landed. A Danish explorer, Lauge Koch, landed and named this lichen splattered spot of land after a coffee bar located in a Danish museum. The above aerial photo shows an oblique view of the island. It turns out the northern tip of the island is 750-meters farther north then Cape Morris Jessup, making it the Ultima Thule.

Oodaag Island - Ultima Thule?

That is until the above island, located 1360-meters north of Kaffeklubben Island, was located. Using aerial and satellite imagery, groups have pushed even farther north, by a few kilometers, finding more of these gravel bar islands.

(Before I move on I want to credit the source for the images, Arctic Thule. This site details the search for the northernmost land. It contains well written accounts of the latest efforts to identify the Ultima Thule.)

Here is my question - When is an island an island? Having mapped thousands over the past few years, I know that an island is a naturally formed area of land, surrounded by water, which is above water at high tide (per Article 121, Part 8). Based on that definition, Kaffeklubben Island is an island, but Oodaag Island is not as it comes and goes. Seems that once found in the 70's it was lost for a number of years and only recently rediscovered. It would seem that these gravel bar constituted islands to the north of Kaffeklubben Island are gravel bars first and, at best, temporary islands at least.

And finally, curiosity. I have spent way too much time on this topic. It is time to get ready for school and a classroom of middle school students. And I think I'm curious. You ought to spend time with young people, their curiosity is insatiable.

Enjoy!

Spain and Portugal - 1:100,000 Shoreline Image Tiles

2008-09-22T06:15:00.000-07:00

Spain and Portugal Shorelines - 1:5,000,000 Landsat ETM+ Images (6-Images)

The above image of the Iberian Peninsula is a composite made up of six Landsat ETM+ mosaics. As an island person, I'm not much interested in most of this composition. In fact, I am only interested in the shorelines plus or minus 5 to 10 kilometers.

Spain and Portugal Shorelines - 1:100,000 J2 Tiles

So, I decided to create a shoreline image of the Iberian Peninsula. I first tried creating a series of 1:50,000 scale images of the coastline. It took way too many images and the scale did not include enought shoreline detail. I upped the scale to 1:100,000 and systematically created a series of 120 tiles to cover Spain and another 51 tiles to cover Portugal. Whereas the Landsat ETM+ images are 865 MBs in size, the 1:100,000 tiles for the entire Spanish and Portugese shorelines are 190 MBs in size (each tile about 1 MB).

N-31-40_2000 (100) ES - 010 J2 (1:400,000)

Let's zoom in and see what one of these shoreline tiles allows us to view. Keep in mind the resolution is 14.5 meters per pixel. So here it goes...

N-31-40_2000 (100) ES - 010 J2 (1:100,000)

N-31-40_2000 (100) ES - 010 J2 (1:50,000)

N-31-40_2000 (100) ES - 010 J2 (1-25,000)

How about that zoom capability? If the 1:100,000 image were of a shoreline I wanted to digitize, it would work just fine. I typically do most of my digitizing work at 1:25,000 to 1:12,500. These tiles would allow the end-user the ability to zoom into shorelines at sufficient scale to accomplish EVS precision shoreline mapping.

If you are interested in Spanish or Portugese shoreline mapping work, these 1:100,000 scale image tiles would do the trick.

Enjoy!

Thoughts - NASA Earth Observatory and an Interesting Array of Island Images

2008-09-16T07:12:00.000-07:00

Ischia and Procida IT (ISS017-E-09734)

Socotra YM (amo_2008155) Modified

The first image is of two Italian Islands and the bottom image is of Socotra Island located opposite the Horn of Africa. They are two sets of islands that I have not mapped, but the imagery is great. The NASA Earth Observatory posts a new image daily. Quite often, to my delight, it is of an island. The images are from a wide array of imaging sources. The posts contain a text portion that explains the contents of the image. The NASA EO site constitutes one of my daily visits.

Enjoy!

Melilla Border Fence Limits Study

2008-09-14T22:04:00.000-07:00

Melilla Enclave

I enjoy enclaves. The Portugese scattered these trading ports along the costs of Africa and India. The Spanish were more into settling, however in the case of Morocco, they established enclaves - Ceuta and Melilla. Above is an aerial photo of the limits of Melilla looking from the port toward the northwest.

Melilla Enclave Border Fence Limits Study - Landsat ETM+ N-30-35_2000 (1:40,000)

Melilla Enclave Border Fence Limits Study - DigitalGlobe Image from Google Earth (1:40,000)

Using the above two base image sources, I created a shoreline map of Melilla. Working first off of Landsat, I created a rough EVS precision shoreline map. Working with DigitalGlobe imagery from Google Earth, I decided to not only track the shoreline using 1-meter resolution imagery, but also to determine the course of Melilla's border fence.

Melilla Enclave Border Fence Limits Study - DigitalGlobe Image from Google Earth - The Border Fence

Melilla Enclave Border Fence Limits Study - BBC Image_40847408_twosides220afp

Back in 1977, I travelled to Berlin on business. While there, I visited Checkpoint Charlie and viewed the Berlin Wall. I hated that wall! It stopped what should have been normal flow of peoples and goods within Berlin. I get the same feelings when I look at the Melilla Border Fence. It was built to keep Africans out. Not only out of Melilla, but ultimately out of Europe. It seems the "Haves" cannot accomodate the "Have Nots". The world just has too many hungry people for all of us to care for. I'm sorry. I'll get off of my soapbox and get back to my map.

Melilla Enclave Border Fence Limits Study - EEVS Precision Map (1:40,000)

My international borders come from the NGDC Coastline Extractor. Specifically from the dataset called WDBII International Borders. These borders are used in many global mapping packages. They work, kind of. In my above map I traced the Melilla Enclave Border Fence from start to finish. I'm not sure if that represents the actual border between Melilla and Morocco, but it seems pretty final to me. My Melilla map shows the WDBII borders (orange line) and the fence line (green line).

So, if you want to create the definitive Melilla - Morocco border, I'd say the fence line seems to be a natural dividing line. I wait for the day border fences that separate people unnecessarily can be removed and allow us to move freely as we wish and as we should.

Enjoy!