A Popular Culture Example of Elevation Data Use

EarthData International, one of the larger firms in the remote-sensing/aerial imagery/LiDAR firm-cloud, had a role in the creation of Oliver Stone's film "World Trade Center."

According to press coverage of EarthData's part in the film (Md. office makes big impression on film), the LiDAR data collected by EarthData in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks helped producers recreate the World Trade Center for the film.

EarthData, a mapping company that has created detailed models of some of the country's largest cities, supplied the film's visual effects team with 3-D renderings of the towers, which were created by combining architectural blueprints with aerial laser terrain models taken during the days following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

EarthData's data also helped in planning for the film.

While writing the script, Paramount used the company's detailed 3-D model of New York to plan shooting angles and logistics for certain scenes.

This story is a reminder of how important up to date and accurate elevation data was in the response to those attacks. It also highlights the many ways that elevation data can continue to add value to a wide range of efforts after it has been collected.

Another Argument For Aerial Imagery

An article in the Sunday New York Times (Why Some Homeowners May Not Be Smiling for These Cameras) takes a look at the value of regularly updated aerial imagery to local governments. This one focuses on the use of imagery in maintaining up-to-date property assessments.

Surrender, Jack! Surrender!

A bit of what might be called "over the top" advertising by 3001, the GIS/Photogrammetry/Remote Sensing company, was apparently mis-read by some folks in San Diego last week.

A sky-written "3001" over the ESRI User Conference outdoor party Thursday evening was reportedly seen by some as "BOO!" Adena Schutzberg has the story.

Folks from my state who were out at the UC say they knew what was up, even if some people outside the GIS community may have worried that this was a message related to the recent aerial terrorism arrests in England.

New Book on Mapping Sciences

The National Academies Press offers a new book that looks at the need to improve support for the mapping sciences in the US.

Entitled Beyond Mapping: Meeting National Needs Through Enhanced Geographic Information Science, the book is available for on-line review or purchase.