Aerial Mapping?

[vfrpilot]

I just read a post where someone showed a track log super-imposed over a aerial photo

 

Very cool -

 

I didn't want to take the post off topic by inquiring too much - the poster did link to the software (which I'm in the process of downloading), so I fiquired I'd inquire in a new thread.

 

But what can everyone tell me about this overlay?? Is it difficult to set up?

I have a 60c

 

Thanks!

[peter]

I just read a post where someone showed a track log super-imposed over a aerial photo...

Is it difficult to set up?

I have a 60c

 

USAPhotoMaps (http://jdmcox.com) makes it very easy. Here's an example of a tracklog in pretty heavy tree cover:

and here's one more in the open where you can see the accuracy of the registration:

 

GoogleEarth also lets you see your GPS tracklogs and waypoints - and it also displays the tracklogs in a video format as if you were in a small plane about 2400' above ground level following right along the track.

Edited February 16, 2006 by peter

[+hardwire]

It its pretty easy with the right software.... I use TopoFusion (SoftwareSite ), but there are other goods ones...

 

Basically you download the track from the GPS, choose arial, topo, or urban maps and export the picture... like

 

 

Edited February 16, 2006 by hardwire

[+Airmapper]

vfrpilot, I downloaded that program also, it's amazing! You'll need to find the mapping for your state through it's GIS site. I found 1 meter color aerial photos for rural Kentucky. You better have higher speed internet if you want it to go well, I have dial-up and it is a pain to D-load mapping.

 

Does anyone know if I can get color imagery for rural KY using USAPhotomaps?

[+Renegade Knight]

These programs use free arial photo's from the net. Rural areas tend to get hosed when it comes to the color and some of the higher resolution photos.

 

You can use the trial version of TopoFusion and see what's available for your area.

[peter]

Does anyone know if I can get color imagery for rural KY using USAPhotomaps?

 

Not yet AFAIK. USAPhotoMaps depends on the TerraServer data and that only provides color images for some major metropolitan areas and surroundings.

[+Airmapper]

Does anyone know if I can get color imagery for rural KY using USAPhotomaps?

 

Not yet AFAIK. USAPhotoMaps depends on the TerraServer data and that only provides color images for some major metropolitan areas and surroundings.

Thanks peter and RK.

 

I know where the online database is for the photos, it covers the entire state. They are "big" (for dial-up) at around 15MB per data block. (~5 Sq. Mi. ???) I would assume other states have similar projects. It is an impressive Database, the photos are pretty current, taken in summer 2004.

Edited February 16, 2006 by Airmapper

[Grasscatcher]

Note that on USA Photomaps you can also download the USGS quad maps. Whatever data (tracks/waypoints/routes) you download /overlay onto the APs is also shown on the Topos.

[+naviguesser74]

does USA Photomap run only on a PC? Is there something similar for Macs?

[+allory]

does USA Photomap run only on a PC? Is there something similar for Macs?

I don't know enough about USA Photomap to say what's similar, but its no problem to overlay tracks and points on photos with MacGPS Pro, GPSy or TopoDraw.

[vfrpilot]

vfrpilot, I downloaded that program also, it's amazing! You'll need to find the mapping for your state through it's GIS site. I found 1 meter color aerial photos for rural Kentucky. You better have higher speed internet if you want it to go well, I have dial-up and it is a pain to D-load mapping.

 

Does anyone know if I can get color imagery for rural KY using USAPhotomaps?

 

AirMapper,

 

I d/led [uSAMap - if thats what you're talkin' about] it - but can only get un-zoomed aerials in black & white -

Its cool though.

Managed to configure my 60c within 20 minutes - downloaded tracks & superimposed on the map - but as I said; they are b/w & taken from higher altidude than what I'm seeing the other guys posting

 

I can't even come close to the parking lots - roads are barley distinguishable

I also d/led GlobalMapper - but can't get THAT to work at all

Plus - the high res images are not available for New Jersey / Philadelphia

[vfrpilot]

I know where the online database is for the photos, it covers the entire state. They are "big" (for dial-up) at around 15MB per data block. (~5 Sq. Mi. ???) I would assume other states have similar projects. It is an impressive Database, the photos are pretty current, taken in summer 2004.

 

WHERE??

Do they have NJ & PA. ??

 

Please share....

Edited February 17, 2006 by vfrpilot

[+Airmapper]

vfrpilot,

 

Even though the USAphotomaps are in B&W, they should have 1 meter resolution. Not as good as the photos in this thread, but roads should be clear.

 

I'll look real quick for some GIS sites in your state.

--------

I'm back,

 

Here, is the New Jersey GIS homepage, under Downloads is THIS page, which is where you can download blocks of mapping for the Global Map viewer. The downside to the **UNREGISTERED** Global Mapper is that you will only be able to display 3 tiles and a GPS data file at one time. Registered is unlimited.

 

Global Mapper is pretty intense, but what it has the ability's to do is phenomenal. The downloads will probably be in formats you've never seen, but Global Mapper can read them. I've been playing with it and can display an aerial shot, overlay a full color terrain chart, and overlay a Tiger streets, waterways, and Census info, and then put a Lowrance Data file on top. (4 files, maxed out.) If I was rich, I'd register this thing. (About $130)

Edited February 17, 2006 by Airmapper

[+Airmapper]

Global Mapper with no overlay, 1 meter color aerial image. (It's a shot of one of my caches)

 

Here is the same color image, with a terrain chart faded into the background for added effect, and an open terrain profile from my cache to a nearby swamp.

[+Airmapper]

For comparison, this is a USAPhotomaps 1 meter Black and White image of the same location. (Images are downloaded from Terraserver)