Abstract: Michael Scofield, ESRI

“Interpreting Satellite Imagery for Clues About Culture and the Economy”

Wednesday, May 21, 2008, 4:00 p.m., ESRI, Building L, Fourplex

 

 

After a brief introduction to some of the techniques used for satellite and aerial photography, we will look at images from all over the world clustered by theme.  We will first look at what shadows tell us about objects on the ground, and some in the air.  Imagery is full of clues about the strength or weakness of a country’s economy.  Clues also tell us something about the culture, including forms of recreation.  Of particular interest are changes in wealth, patterns of agriculture, forms of housing, and methods of transportation.  For example, a freeway interchange in a city we never heard of may be a clue regarding future demand for petroleum.