-------- Original Message --------
Subject:        IndianaMap Orthophotography Now Available
Date:   Thu, 29 Jun 2006 07:37:57 -0400
From:   Zellmer, Linda R <[log in to unmask]>
To:     Maps, Air Photo & Geospatial Systems Forum <[log in to unmask]>



Hello,

The information below about the IndianaMap orthophotography is excerpted
from a press release from the Indiana Lt. Governor's office. About two
years ago (under a different state administration), Indiana began
planning for this project because there was a need for high resolution
aerial photography to help in disaster response. The project includes 1
foot resolution aerial photography for the entire state. Some counties
contributed money to "buy up" and get 6 inch resolution photography
done. The orthophotography project was funded with money from Homeland
Security funds that were allocated to the state. The photography was
flown in Spring of 2005 (leaf off).

The full press release is available on the Indiana.gov News web site (go
to _www.Indiana.gov_ <file://www.Indiana.gov> and click on News look for
the release on June 27). More information on the orthophotography
project is available at _http://www.in.gov/igic/projects/ortho/dist.html_.

One thing you might want to look for in the photography are some of the
school playgrounds. Through a project called Huck Finn, schools were
encouraged to decorate their playgrounds with chalk. So you might see
some colorful "paintings" in the schoolyards.

Wonder when Google will start offering this? Linda Zellmer

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Linda Zellmer
Head, Geology Library
Geology Building, Room 601
1001 E. 10th Street
Bloomington, Indiana 47405-1405
Phone: (812) 855-2275 Fax: (812) 855-6614
[log in to unmask]




Today Lt. Governor Becky Skillman and the state’s partners at the
Indiana Geographic Information Council announced that a detailed
computer map has been delivered to every Indiana county and is now
available on-line for all to see. In this monumental mapping project,
the entire state was mapped in the spring of 2005 with very high quality
aerial digital photography, called “orthophotography.” The maps have
been delivered to the state and counties, and are publicly viewable at
_www.indianamap.org_ <file://www.indianamap.org>

The mapping project is used as an essential part of advanced
governmental computer systems called geographic information systems
(GIS). Dozens of layers of mapped information go on top of the
orthophotography to improve government services and manage resources
efficiently. Communities across the state use GIS for everything from
locating a house during an emergency-911 call to save lives, to saving
millions of dollars managing the Emerald Ash Borer beetles for forest
protection. With these new maps, GIS is being used to help new
businesses find locations in Indiana.

The seamless photography will greatly enhance communication and
consistent information for decision-making. All levels of government
will have the highest quality base maps possible – with no restrictions.
The public, private sector, and non-governmental organizations will have
open access to one map for Indiana. And during large disasters when
federal relief comes in, the out-of-state responder will be looking at
the same maps that are available to the local volunteer fire fighter.

The orthophotography project is part of a public-private-university
initiative called the “IndianaMap.” The Indiana Geographic Information
Council is a managing partner of the project. The Indiana Geographic
Information Council (IGIC) is a nonprofit membership organization of GIS
users, professionals and educators. Administered by an elected board of
directors, IGIC is recognized as the statewide coordinating body for
Indiana geographic information.


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