High Resolution Digital Aerial Photography

This came across a listserv. I've thought about this for years, but never heard of anyone actually doing it. Is there anyone else out there doing this?

We have had excellent success with FujiFilm 4700 and expect to have good success with Sony CyberShot DSC-T1. Our use has been primarily using our camera suspended 300 to 700 ft in the air, taking straight down photos that we stitch together with our GIS mapping software. After over 6000 photos, we can testify that these cameras are durable and reliable for high resolution digital aerial photography.

I wonder what platform they are using, kite, RC plane, or RC helicopter?

Wireless 911, Part 2

I was reminded of a tragic story from almost two years ago while writing the previous article about the missing family in Oregon. While searchers were able to use some cell phone signal data to narrow down the search area for the Oregon family, a cell phone was not enough to save this Nebraskan couple.

The young couple - likely because they were stoned - got lost in snowstorm. They were in the outer edge of the Omaha metro area (think of Eagle or Holy Hill area), so it wasn't that they were miles from civilization and help. They called 911, and spoke to the dispatchers five times, but because the couple couldn't adequately describe where they were (because they were disorientated because of being in an unfamiliar area, the snowstorm, and the drugs), and Phase II 911 location technology was not in place, no one could find them. They died. Their bodies where not found till days later. The story made national news and was even reported locally. Had the county had Phase II 911 at the time (they implemented it about year later), the couple would have likely ended up with (just) a DUI and possession arrest.

Thankfully, Wisconsin's first Phase II 911 story turned out much better as I previously wrote about.

Given the past week's snowstorm in southeastern Wisconsin, it is easy to imagine getting lost, stranded, and unable to clearly describe where you are. Phase II 911, which is dependent on GIS technology, will help find you.

In the News

Chances are you've heard the ongoing story about the missing family in Oregon. Emily C., emailed me saying,

I found this article interesting as I am familiar with that part of Oregon (my folks live nearby) and have driven through that mountain range. It is pretty treacherous even in summer/ good weather driving conditions. They don’t have snowplowing operations on those roads like we have in the Midwest so after snowstorms the non-Interstate mountain passes can be shut down for literally weeks.

Automobile mapping systems and driving direction websites were also referenced in a couple articles (although they didn’t mention if the family used them) as a possible explanation on how drivers can get easily lost in unfamiliar areas – the maps can give inaccurate route guidance that often mislead travelers. Fastest route doesn’t always equal best/ safest route – or best for poor weather conditions, etc.

We don't know if GPS directions played a part in this case, yet its a very blunt reminder that technology can only go so far, you still need to rely on common sense. On the lighter side of things, check out the GPS mis-adventures links on The Map Room for stories of people driving into sandpiles, staircases and train stations by just following their GPS directions.