Aerial imagery can be very useful in the classroom, public meetings, and land management planning and for general historical purposes. Aerial photography is one type of geospatial data that may require a large monetary investment. However, there are sources from which you may be able obtain aerial imagery for your area free of charge.
Most states have participated in national and statewide imagery programs since the middle 1990s (some have been involved even longer). Many of these states provide free …
What is the difference between land use and land cover?
Land use and land cover are classification systems that describe what is on the Earth’s surface at a given location. Often, land use and land cover are confused as interchangeable terms, but in actuality, they can describe very different characteristics of the landscape.
Land use describes activities, often associated with people, that take place on the land and represent the current use of property. Examples include multi-family residential homes, shopping centers, row crops, tree nurseries, state parks, reservoirs, etc.
Land …
How can I obtain an aerial or satellite image for my area?
There are many free and commercial Internet sources of georeferenced satellite imagery and aerial photography usable in GIS programs. Most state governments in the United States archive imagery on GIS clearinghouse Web sites providing downloadable data without charge to users. Internet searches for either satellite imagery or aerial photography associated with a state or locality will yield Web addresses for available imagery. Larger localities may have a GIS coordinator who can provide the information for you. Otherwise, contact the local …