May 17 2024

NGS has traditionally used only airborne photography for its mapping missions. However, the advent of high resolution spaceborne imagery may be useful for precision mapping projects. NGS has recently used spaceborne imagery as a reconnaissance tool to evaluate the temporal accuracy of previously compiled shoreline data.

SPIN-2 Image of Tampa Florida

SPIN Image of Tampa, Florida

This image shows a SPIN-2 scene of Tampa, Florida, acquired from Microsoft's TerraServer. The spatial resolution of this image is approximately 2 meters. The vectors overlayed on the scene are different representations of the Mean High Water line. This experiment illustrates the value of using commercial spaceborne imagery to evaluate the temporal accuracy of NOAA's shoreline data. The SPIN-2 scene was imaged in 1998. After comparing this scene to the charted shoreline, NGS dispatched an aerial mapping mission to acquire high resolution metric photography of the area. The yellow vector represents the shoreline as it existed in July 1999.

NGS is experimenting with a wide variety of spaceborne commercial imagery to conduct similar studies of shoreline accuracy. 

IRS Image of Charleston, South Carolina

IRS Image of Charleston

 The image at left is a 5 meter resolution IRS scene taken over Charleston, South Carolina. The imagery was purchased from Space Imaging to facilitate research into shoreline mapping using spaceborne data sources. 
 

 

See more information about the Tampa, Florida project.