-------- 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. --