DigitalGlobe
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Archaeologists want you to spot ancient sites from your PC
Checking Twitter can get pretty traumatic these days, so why not use your time making a groundbreaking discovery instead? That's now possible using GlobalXplorer, a "citizen science" platform that lets you check high-res satellite images for signs of ancient civilizations. The site was conceived by National Geographic Fellow and "Space Archaeologist" Dr. Sarah Parcak, and won the $1 million TED Prize last year.
Uber will use high-res satellite imagery to improve pickups
Uber will soon use high-resolution satellite imagery from DigitalGlobe to help drivers find passengers. According to a press release from DigitalGlobe, the ridesharing company will use its satellites "to help identify and improve pickup and drop-off locations." Uber recently bought mapping company deCarta and is using Microsoft's Bing vehicle imagery tech, so the DigitalGlobe deal will further extend its mapping efforts.
The Big Picture: Infrared satellite images reveal the true extent of a forest fire
DigitalGlobe's recently launched high-res imaging satellite isn't just in orbit for the sake of creating pretty pictures; it can also uncover things that you might never see at all. As proof, the company has posted before-and-after imagery of a California forest fire that shows off the advantages of WorldView-3's shortwave infrared sensor, which can easily see past clouds and smoke. Suffice it to say that the sensor's effect is dramatic -- areas that would have been completely obscured are suddenly in plain sight, revealing both the perimeter of the blaze and its intensity. The hope is that firefighters will use overhead shots like these to pinpoint areas where they're needed most, saving people and whole regions. It could be a while before emergency teams are pulling up satellite views at a moment's notice, but it won't be surprising if aircraft-based fire recon eventually becomes obsolete.
High-res imaging satellite shows off with crystal clear pics of Madrid
DigitalGlobe's WorldView-3 satellite has only been in space for less than half a month, but it's already proven itself capable of shooting high-res images just like the company promised. Just a few days after Lockheed Martin flew it to orbit, the satellite quickly went to work, snapping pictures of Madrid, Spain. As you can see in the gallery below, it's pretty easy to spot vehicles, rooftops and landmarks in these images. DigitalGobe says its services can benefit companies and governments that want to assess vehicles and monitor a region's development (housing, infrastructure and road networks), among other things. Conservationists can also use it to monitor natural resources. While these first set of images are already great, the company will start delivering even clearer, closer satellite snapshot to all its customers by February next year.
First satellite with high-resolution public imaging launches on August 13th
If you've been wondering just when a company would take advantage of the US' relaxed rules for accurate satellite imaging, you now have a date to mark on your calendar: Lockheed Martin has set the launch of DigitalGlobe's high-resolution WorldView-3 satellite for August 13th. You won't see results from it right away, but its creators can start selling extra-sharp pictures (with detail down to the 10-inch level) six months after the craft is up and running. The data should lead to much nicer imagery in online mapping services from companies like Google and Microsoft (both of which are DigitalGlobe customers), although it's not just cosmetic. Higher-res photos will help track large farms, spot mineral deposits and otherwise deliver a clearer view of our planet that has previously been limited to the government -- don't be surprised if it's easier to spot landmarks on a map without using markers.
US government lifts restrictions on high-detail satellite imaging
The US government will now allow the likes of Google and Microsoft's Bing to use satellite images containing far more detail. Previous restrictions stopped anything smaller than 50 cm (1.64 feet) being shown on satellite photos. Imaging company Digital Globe was behind the request, and reckons it could well take shots from space that capture things as small as 31 cm. Lawyer Marc Daultich told the BBC that this could raise security concerns, although this restriction didn't really encompass the blurring or otherwise obscuring of sensitive locations. Digital Globe plans to launch new satellites following the decision and says it'll be able to take thrilling photos of "key features such as manholes and mailboxes". And hopefully something a little more interesting, too.
Google Earth gets assisted by new satellite
Sure, you may be able to waste hours on end controlling Google Earth imagery with your Wiimote, but you can plan on killing days -- nay, months -- after a brand new "high-resolution satellite" launches on Tuesday in an attempt to "boost the accuracy of its satellite images and flesh out its archive." The new craft, labeled WorldView I, will team up with DigitalGlobe's existing Quickbird sat to nab "over 600,000 square kilometers of imagery each day," and it should also "provide far more accurate data." Those still sitting around with gaped jaws can even head to Boeing's website to watch the launch live, and if all goes as planned, WorldView II should join the ever-growing party in late 2008.
