EVS-Islands

Robinson Crusoe Island CL - When This Old World is Getting You Down or Two Other Maps

2009-06-30T11:00:00.000-07:00

Robinson Crusoe Island CL

Robinson Crusoe Island - Landsat ETM+ S-17-30_2000 (1:85,000)

Robinson Crusoe Island - DigitalGlobe Image from Google Earth (1:85,000)

Robinson Crusoe Island - EVS Precision Map (1:85,000)

When This Old World is Getting You Down

At times we all wish we could pull a "Robinson Crusoe", find some forgotten spot, seldom visited, yet replete with all the necessities of life - food, water, clothing and shelter. A place without financial pressures, martial woes, busy urban scene and no threat of crime spilling into our fragile lives. I'm not sure that place exists. Alexander Selkirk, the individual Daniel Defoe based his Robinson Crusoe character on, was so lonely by the end of his four year exile, he gladly rejoined the crew of the individuals who had originally abandoned him. His life on previously uninhabited Isla Mas a Tierra was often wretched. His diet was life sustaining, but challenging to gather. His clothing was handmade and unkept. His shelter is reputed to be a cave. He spent many lonely hours at his lookout scanning the horizon for a ship that might rescue him.

With that said, we still wish we could escape to his place. We all know in our heart of hearts we would do better. We would not grow lonely, but using our 21st century knowledge and preplanning, our island life would be a special time to reflect on the world and all of its mysteries and how we fit into them. When we grow tired of our adventure, we would merely dial our satellite phone and be whisked away, back to our previous lives.

Robinson Crusoe Island - Wikimedia Commons

Robinson Crusoe Island - Source Unknown (1:120,000)

Two Other Maps

A map is seldom an entirely unique creation. Robinson Crusoe Island has been mapped many times. Some of these are excellent compositions. I used two other maps to aid in the construction of my map. The first one, found in the Wikipedia article on Robinson Crusoe Island was used to gather feature names. The second map, source unknown, was used to confirm certain feature names and supply any new ones not found on the first "helper" map.

The vector files making up my EVS precision map were created using Landsat ETM+ and DigitalGlobe from Google Earth. The majority of the shoreline was extracted from DigitalGlobe imagery. Where clouds obscured the land, I used Landsat to map the underlying area. The 50-meter contours were derived from SRTM data. There is a problem with the elevations, some of the higher elevations are dramatically different than what they should be. El Yunque Peak is supposed to be 913-meters, but is shown to be approximately 650-meters using SRTM data. I did not correct the erroneous elevations in this version of my map. Perhaps, I'll correct them later.

Robinson Crusoe Island - Chilean Nautical Chart 5410 (1:50,000)

Finally, for all of you sailors that wish to explore Robinson Crusoe Island, the Chilean Hydrographic Office (SHOA) has a nautical chart you might wish to purchase. The above image is a copy of it.

Enjoy!

Thoughts - How Many Uninhabited Islands in the World?

2009-06-18T23:08:00.001-07:00

First one must define island. According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Part VIII:

1. An island is a naturally formed area of land, surrounded by water, which is above water at high tide.

2. Except as provided for in paragraph 3, the territorial sea, the contiguous zone, the exclusive economic zone and the continental shelf of an island are determined in accordance with the provisions of this Convention applicable to other land territory.

3. Rocks which cannot sustain human habitation or economic life of their own shall have no exclusive economic zone or continental shelf.

Now how about nations with lots of islands? Let's list those: Sweden 221,800; Finland 179,584; Canada 53,000; Norway 50,000; Indonesia 17,504; Philippines 7,107; Greece 6,000; Japan 3,000 and Maldives 2,000. In just these nine island rich countries, over 500,000 islands are accounted for. Now for the good news for all of you folks that wants to find your own uninhabited island. That place where you can get away from all of the worries of the world - an uninhabited island. Of the 500,000 islands located in these nine countries, only 11, 000 (2%) have a permanent population. That leaves 539,00 (98%) mostly very small islands that have zero population. So take heart all of you Robinson Crusoes, there is an uninhabited island just waiting for you to claim it.

Enjoy!

Wakhjir Valley & Pass AF - Marco Polo Sheep, Silk Road & A Lengthy Mapping Project

2009-06-18T05:45:00.000-07:00

Wakhjir Valley & Pass AF

Wakhjir Valley and Pass - EVS Precision Map N-43-35-2000 from Landsat ETM+ N-43-35-2000 (1-100,000)

This map is the culmination of over two weeks of digitizing glaciers, meandering streams, high mountain meadows and many hours of research. During the researching phase I learned about the Great Game, Marco Polo sheep and the Hindu Kush, Pamir, Karakoram mountain ranges. I learned that this valley is an offshoot of the primary valley, the Wakhan that slices between the Pamirs to the north and the Hindu Kush to the south. At the Wakhan's eastern terminus, one could head into the Wakhjir valley and cross over the Wakhjir Pass into China or one could continue east to northeast into Tajikistan and eventually into China. I have always liked the path less traveled, so I elected to study and map the Wakhjir Valley and Pass, a trekkers paradise.

Wakhjir Valley and Pass from Russian Topo J-43-101

First in conducting research, I discovered a site, Poehali!, offering 34,727 free Russian topographic maps (1:100,000). Not only do they offer the topos, but a corresponding MAP file to facilitate georectification. Like a kid in a candy story, I downloaded 11 topos with MAP files. I'm not the greatest at reading cyrillic, but using Google Translate, while comparing the topos to both Landsat ETM+ N-43-35-2000, which covers all of my target area and Google Earth imagery, I was able to make sense of the written data included on the topos.

During my study of the topos, I determined that the Russians had digitized the international borders with a greater accuracy than any of my border sources. Using their topos as base imagery, I digitized new international borders for this area.

The 100-meter contours were generated using void filled SRTM files and Global Mapper. They took about 30-seconds to create once all of the necessary files were loaded. The Russians used 40-meter contours. I think that is overkill. So I elected 100-meter contour intervals.

See all of the glaciers, meadows and streams? That's what took many hours to digitize. All of this data was taken from the Landsat ETM+ N-43-35-2000 imagery. It is virtually cloud free and snow free leading me to believe the imagery was taken during the short summer. It was a matter of how detailed I wanted my map to be. The glaciers were tedious to digitize. I was able to map all glaciers and snow banks that were imaged. The streams were the easiest to map and the least accurate. Landsat, at 14.5 meter resolution, makes that mapping difficult. If the streams/rivers branched, I created a layer called meandering riverbed. My final polygon layer high mountain meadows. The people living in this part of the world are herders. These mountain meadows are critically important as food for their domesticated animals, sheep and goats. These mountain meadows consisted of the lime-green colored vegetation layer located along the valley floors. Needless to say, these three polygon layers were challenging to map and time-consuming to digitize. I wanted to stop and move on to an island, but I counldn't bring myself to do it. Today, I am done! The map can still use work, but I am done.

Wakhjir Pass - Google Earth Pro Image

The above image shows the climb one would need to make in order to get to the pass and cross into China. Apparently, Marco Polo is reputed to have crossed at Wakhjir Pass on his historic trip into China. On the way he recorded a description of the sheep that takes his name, the Marco Polo sheep

Marco Polo Sheep (picture from Snow Leopard Conservancy)

Their numbers are dwindling due to lose of habitat, over hunting and weather extremes. George Schaller has worked tirelessly to save these endangered animals. He would rather not have these majestic animals hunted, but if they must be then the hefty fee of $25,000 per hunt, should be used to benefit the people of the Wakhan. He also is working to establish a 50,000 sq kilometer multinational park that will go far in protecting the Marco Polo sheep and their unique habitat.

Finally, for all of you visiting my site expecting to see my latest island map, I apologize and will endeavor to remedy the situation. For all of you who appreciate a nice map, select the top map image and see the map at full size. Pretty cool, huh?

Enjoy!

Thoughts - Props To Google Earth Education (GEEC)

2009-06-10T06:13:00.000-07:00

Google Earth Education just donated $12,000 worth of software to my school. The software consists of 30 1-year licenses for Google Earth Pro at $400 per licenses. How did I pull this off - let me explain.

Frank Taylor of Google Earth Blog was giving me a few pointers on how to load multiple map layers into Google Earth. He asked why I didn't just load the layers in as SHP files. I use and have used Google Earth for years now, but I could not afford the $400 for the GE Pro version. Also, the standard version of GE gave me everything I needed. That is, almost everything. I explained to Frank that I was trying to load raster images of my island maps into GE. So he patiently explained how I would add layers of info in correct order. But I was intrigued with this ability to load vector files into GE. I snooped around and explored the capabilites of GE Pro. The standard download site offered the 7-day GE Pro trial. I decided to give it a try. It sure did allow me to load a SHP vector file easily. The 7-day limitation and $400 price tag gave me serious pause. And then the GE Pro GEEC offer - any bonified educational institution merely need apply to the proper folks at Google supplying school and prospective use information. They would make a determination. If approved, they update your previously downloaded 7-day trial version with the keys to transform it into a 1-year license. So I gave it a try.

Five days later I got my answer. I stated in my request, that I would be using the software in my classroom to augment my Social Studies lessons, where I now have 30 Dell SX520s installed. Much to my suprise and delight they granted 30 1-year licenses. Wow!.

Teachers, if you are interested in this offer, drop me a line at pjminton@gmail.com and I will give all of the info you need in order to apply.

Enjoy!

Thoughts - DigitalGlobe Imagery in Google Earth and Island Mosaics

2009-05-27T15:13:00.000-07:00

Guadalupe Island - DigitalGlobe Mosaic from Google Earth (1:15,000)

I have been gently reminded, agressively scolded and accused of being an image thief. I appreciate the gentle reminders that DigitalGlobe imagery found in Google Earth is still the property of DigitalGlobe, yet is shared with all of us via the Google Earth platform. Let me explain.

A few years back as DigitalGlobe imagery began appearing in Google Earth, I did what many viewer did, I saved copies of high-resolution images of features I found interesting. My dilemma was my interest in islands, which most often require a number of images mosaicked together to create a detailed view of the island that I could then use to create my island maps. After creating my first DigitalGlobe high-resolution mosaic of an island with imagery taken from Google Earth I made my first phone call to Google Earth. I explained how I constructed my high-resolution base image using DigitalGlobe imagery found in Google Earth. I further explained that I used the georeferenced mosaic as my base image from which I would produce an island map for non-commercial purposes. A map that I would post to my website, EVS Islands. In addition, I would also post the mosaic to show readers my base image from which I produced my map. The magic word was "non-commercial". The gentleman I spoke with said that as long as the map was for non-commercial uses, Google Earth had no problem with my efforts, as long as I credited them when appropriate. He added, as far as the DigitalGlobe imagery was concerned, I needed to speak with them. Even though Google Earth hosts the imagery, I needed DigitalGlobe's okay to use their imagery as I was using it. So I called DigitalGlobe.

The individual I spoke with listened to my explanation of how I wanted to use their imagery. The "non-commercial" use of the imagery was again a key element of my intended use. I carefully explained how I took a series of DigitalGlobe images from Google Earth, mosaicked them, georeferenced the finished mosaic, digitized my vector layers of interest and finally posted both my finished map and an image of the DigitalGlobe high-resolution island mosaic to my website. He asked to see my map, the DigitalGlobe mosaic and the image of the mosaic. I emailed them to him. He checked them out and talked with his people. He emailed back that as long as my work derived from their imagery was for non-commercial purposes and I credited them as a source I was good to go.

It has been over two years since that first conversation. I have had a number of subsequent conversations with DigitalGlobe representatives concerning my use of their imagery. They have consistently advised that my use of their product and the crediting I give is acceptable.

Currently, I seldom use DigitalGlobe imagery to construct my island maps. I, almost exclusively use Landsat ETM+ as my base imagery. I hold out hope that somewhere, someone just might want to purchase my enhanced vector shoreline precision maps. So far, it is a "no go", but I hold out hope. In the meantime, I continue to admire the excellent high-resolution imagery made available through the joint efforts of DigitalGlobe and Google Earth. And if and when I need that high-resolution image of a large island, I'll go ahead and construct a DigitalGlobe image mosaic knowing that, so far, both Google Earth and DigitalGlobe representatives have given me the "okay".

Enjoy!

P.S. - Each use of DigitalGlobe's imagery found in Google Earth should be discussed with their representatives. They will determine the actual or potential impact upon their business. Be up front with them, giving a complete description of how you will use their imagery. My experience is that they will support most, not all, non-commercial uses of their imagery copied from Google Earth. The same goes for Google Earth. The problem comes in locating the right person to render a decision concerning your use of their product.

Thoughts - Continuing Yesterday's "Wow"!

2009-05-22T21:52:00.000-07:00

Arutua Atoll - Four EVS Precison Layers Loaded into Google Earth

A reader of EVS Islands suggested that I load my island maps into Google Earth. He had taken the Flickr image of Arutua Atoll and created a Google Earth overlay. He did all of this work by manually matching the EVS image to the GE base image. After viewing his work I had another Wow! moment. It turns out Global Mapper creates KML/KMZ files. I have generated GE KML/KMZ overlays previously, but I thought I would try something different. Using the Arutua Atoll vectors, I created a separate overlay for each vector layer using PNG image format's transparency function. I began with my Reef Shallow and the ocean as my first layer without any color transparency.

Arutua Atoll - Base Layer Reef Shallow with Ocean (1:75,000)

The other three layers would rest atop this base layer. The next three layers were EVS Island Polygons, Vegetation and Inland Water. I made the blue ocean the transparent color for these layers. This resulted in overlays consists of 12 georectified tiles per layer neatly positioning an EVS precision island map into GE.

Arutua Atoll - Four Layers Loaded into Google Earth (1:75,000)

Loading these four layers in proper order (Reef Shallow, EVS Island Polygons, Vegetation and Inland Water) one is able to switch layers on and off to view this atoll from a number of unique perspectives. Pretty cool!

Arutua Atoll - Four Layers in KMZ Files

I have posted the four layers and you are welcome to download them and try them out. They are at the following links: Reef Shallow, EVS Island Polygons, Vegetation and Inland Water. Remember to load Reef Shallow first, EVS Island Polygons second, Vegetation third and Inland Water last. The map is at a scale of 1:75,000. That allows you to view the map at the 4.00 kilometer center read using GE's scale bar. If you take the map below that scale it begins to get ugly fast (blurred lines and colors). Hope you find it interesting. Comments are appreciated, especially KML/KMZ types. I am certain there must be a way to load all layers within one KML/KMZ packet and still be able to retain the ability to pile layers on top of each other and exercise control over whether a layer is on or off. Thanks in advance.

Enjoy

Thoughts - Wow! I Didn't Know Global Mapper Could Do That or Discoveries at 4:00AM

2009-05-21T05:13:00.000-07:00

Arutua Atoll FP - EVS Precision Map (1:170,000) - Upper Image

Arutua Atoll FP - EVS Precision map (1:75,000) - Lower Image

At first glance, except for a simple coordinate grid, use of a slightly different map scale and the addition of other necessary cartographic trappings, my original image of Arutua Atoll (upper) looks like the Arutua Atoll (lower). Although the images are both sized at 500 x 347 pixels, to fit into this web page, the two images are quite different. The upper image is JPG, whereas the lower image is PNG. I have been using PNG format images for my last few posts. Supposedly, they give one a better, sharper image at a much smaller size compared to JPG. Frankly, for what I am doing (posting an image of a vector map) the JPG format seemed to work fine. That is until I discovered my Global Mapper "Wow!".

I love my finished maps and enjoy sharing them with readers that appreciate my work. I believe most readers are often content to view an island image, read the brief article, ponder it and then go their merry way. As it should be. However, for the intrepid few that really want to check out the island map, that take the time to select the island image and view the original sized image in Flickr, have I got a treat for you!

If you select the lower Arutua Atoll image and follow it to Flickr, you will be able to view my original sized image of Arutua Atoll at a scale of 1:75,000. Global Mapper, my primary mapping software, allows me to capture a screen's contents to an image.

Global Mapper Image Capture

This is not a new discovery, as I have been using this option for years. But this morning I decided to changed the image size from a default of 1264 x 875 pixels to 2578 x 1750 pixels. This change transformed my 1:150,000 scaled island image into a 1:75,000 scaled island image. My original 1:150,000 scaled image will print on a standard 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper. To print my 1:75,000 scaled image would require a 21" x 14" paper. Within Flickr, the reader can view an image that more nearly displays the island at it's EVS precision viewing limits (between 1:75,000 to 1:50,000). Using Global Mapper to create my images, I am able to generate two additional files that allows one to view the island image with appropriate lat/lons (.pngw and .prj files).

My bottom line discovery - by varying Global Mapper's screen image capture size, I am able to quickly generate EVS precision island maps at meaningful viewing scales. And that's my 4:00 AM "Wow!"

Enjoy!

Thoughts - Atolls, Beautiful Daughters of the Reef

2009-05-20T14:48:00.000-07:00

The following is an article written by Alex du Prel, publisher of Tahiti-Pacifique magazine. He offers it for your reading pleasure. Enjoy!

A beach landing area on an islet on Bora Bora's fringing reef (AKK_1731.jpg)

"I love reefs because that's what creates atolls.

I am a nut about atolls. I live them with passion. "Stupid you," say some friends, "How can you be crazy about a pile of sand?"

Well, maybe. But an atoll is a different universe. It's fragile jewel. A new world altogether. A place of intimate communion with nature. For it's the only land on earth created by life. By a living organism, coral. And it's a clean living sphere, so rare today, where you can even walk barefoot all day without ever having muddy, dirty feet.

An atoll is not the result of the clashing of tectonic plates nor a piling up of some rocks. It doesn't erode, it grows. An atoll is the offspring of a secret pact between the noble elements of our planet. The fire of the bowels of Earth places the embryo; patience of time shapes it; water and sun nourishes it; the wind weans it.

Look at the Pacific Ocean. Huge. Vast, never ending. So vast. More than half our planet. Deep also, more than four kilometers deep, on average.

A small weak spot in the cold dark bottom of this endless blue water ocean. And the fire of genesis will slowly, patiently, step by step, push the magma up until, sometimes, it will breaks through the surface of the sea. This volcano then, a huge mass, from it's base to the sea level will be taller than the highest mountain on some continents.

The volcano will eventually run out of fire, will become extinct. Its weight, so massive and so lonely thousands of kilometers from any continent, will make it sink. Slowly. Inevitably. Erosion from rain and wind will help it disappear again below the sea.

But a small detail changes everything. Tropical polyps, the coral, will discover a perfect habitat on the slopes of that sinking mountain.

A solid base. A warm ocean. Lots of light, sunshine. And tons of oxygen provided by the endless surf produced by steady trade winds or storms in the far Roaring Forties.

As the volcano keeps sinking, the coral will keep growing. Generation after generation on top of the calcium skeletons of their ancestors. Soon all trace of the volcano disappear - just a ring of coral will continue to grow and a lagoon will be born. An oasis of teeming life in warm tropical waters known to lack nutrients

The never stopping swells of the huge ocean will then cuddle this fragile jewel with loving care. Stroke it with its waves. Feed it with its oxygen. For centuries, ages, eons. But nature, just like man, can turn momentarily insane, crazy, violent. Especially when it feels too hot. In its short folly it will try to destroy, maim, mutilate what it had nurtured with much patience, softness. This insane fit is called a hurricane, typhoon, cyclone, whatever.

Monstrous waves, like tremendous sledges, will then pound, break, smash the fragile and colorful underwater gardens. The nursing swell turned into a destructive ram will lift entire reef sections up, throw them on top of others; will grind coral and beautiful shells into sand. Worn out, the ocean will quiet and expose a view of desolation in proportion to its short fury. On the wounded reef large mounts of debris will rot and stink in the reappearing sun.

A few years later, the rains will have rinsed the salt out of these new dunes. Sea birds will joyfully discover a new roosting place. Their droppings will provide nitrogen and seeds. A few years later the dunes will be green with bush, grass and other vegetation. Some coconuts will be washed on these new shores and will find a place adequate to take root.

An atoll just has been born. An island consisting only of a sandy ring, one of these "islands full of water" with no trace of mineral soil. An island whose future entirely depends on the continuous growth of the reef. A reef which will repeatedly heal itself, continue to be the protective barrier for the fragile sand island and provide a never ending supply of new material. Without the ramparts made of billions of living polyps, the swell would just take one swallow of these storm leftovers.

There is all the ambiguity of an atoll : every time the weather has a fit, churns the ocean and tries to destroy it, this action only creates more debris that adds material to the atoll, providing more land. That's why an atoll, pure product of the reefs, is a living being that feeds on its environment, adapting to and thriving from its moods. Lots of time will pass. Lots. Eternity. The fringing islands (motu) on the circular reef will get large enough to permit a fresh water lens to establish itself, which in turn will allow the growth of taller trees, like the coconut tree or the pandanus tree (screwpine).

Then, some day, some men, lost on the endless sea, crowded in a fragile outrigger canoe, will be washed onto these remote shores. They will worship this life saving land. They will learn to survive, even prosper on these few and ever lonely acres. Learn to peacefully cohabit on it. They will figure out how to feed themselves, how to dress, how to heal with only coconut, fish, shells, taro and live that way for generations.

Actually, unless you are an absolutely stupid urban dude, you cannot die of hunger on an atoll. Beside the plentiful fish and shells that thrive in the lagoon, the lobsters on the reef (on moonless nights), there are coconuts and land crabs on the motus next to many other plants that can be eaten as salad or as a snack. Not to mention the many birds, and their eggs. To obtain fresh water other than the one in coconuts, one takes a big shell and digs a hole in the sand in the center of a motu, a meter or so deep to find the fresh water lens.

This reminds a story. I had the luck to be the manager of a small atoll (5 km diameter) with just a tiny hotel on it, De Luxe Robinson Crusoe style, with no other population.

One day, after a long walk along the beaches, we discovered on the other side of the atoll a sailing yacht laying wrecked on the barrier reef. On the beach opposite the wreck, a terrified family with two teenage children was camping. They were in rather poor shape, emotionally as well as physically. They had crashed onto the reef one night 10 days earlier and, poor navigators (that's before GPS existed), they thought being stranded on an uninhabited island. They had stayed close to the wreck of their yacht because that's where their (canned) food, and their water were. But one must admit they did manage to open and eat a few coconuts. Would they have been just a little more adventurous and only have crossed the motu to it's lagoon side (about 200 meters), they would then have been able to see in the evening, across the lagoon, the lights of the restaurant where one could order quite a fine meal, fit for Western taste with even a good wine, if you please.

An atoll is also a place where cultural shock do happen. Like this gentleman from New York. Instantly transported with no preparation from Broadway to primitive nature thanks to the speed of jet airplanes, he suddenly discovers in front of him the splendor of the lagoon and it's thousands of shades of blues and greens. Stunned, he walks (in his city shoes) to it's edge, cups up a handful of water, looks at it while it runs through it's fingers, tastes it and walks up to me; -" Excuse me, Sir, may I ask a question ? - Pllease do. - Could you tell me what you put in the lagoon water to keep it so clear ?" True, authentic, no joke!

Another time, a very blasé wealthy gentleman and his young secretary-mistress spent the week-end on the atoll. I take them by boat to one of the bird islands. Standing on an immaculate and long white sand bank, before a background of thousands of coconut trees beyond the shades of blue, with hundreds of birds flying around us while other stand lined up on the beach looking at us, I realize the gentleman is impressed. This makes me proudŠ until he says : "How much an acre ?" The secretary-mistress hit him on the head with her "Night of the Iguana" style umbrella.

Or this young very nice Italian of good breed who arrives for honeymoon with his fresh wife, a socially "active" girl. While the groom immediately fell under the spell of the atoll and it's peace, the lady realizes no one is there to be jealous of her wardrobe or to be impressed by her importance. Thus, all week long she complains about everything, continuously nagging her husband, typical syndrome of people who cannot bear to be alone with themselves (that's why bars have much business). When the couple leaves, the Italian lets his wife get aboard the small plane and tells me : - "I'd like to apologize for her behavior." He adds , smiling : "Also, I'll be back soon, with another wife !" I answer : "Great, but make sure you bring her here BEFORE marrying her !"

Permanently living on an atoll is a dream for a person who has the right mentality. But it also has it's risks. Just go to the "highest" spot on one of these atolls in the Pacific Ocean and stand there to admire the thousands of shades of blue waters in the lagoon. After being dazzled by such beauty, you might also look at your feet. It's then that you realize that this highest spot of the island is just a little pile of gray coral chunks, only 3 meters above sea level, next to the pass, facing the breakers of an endless swell curling along the barrier reef. Now look to your right. Only ocean : 9000 kilometers of open ocean to the shores of South America. Look to your left : 7 000 kilometers of rolling swell to the beaches of Australia. Look behind you. 6 000 kilometers of stormy ocean till the icebergs of Antarctica. Look in front of you: another 9 000 uninterrupted kilometers to the Bering Straights, icy shores of Alaska and Siberia. You've just learned what isolation, real isolation, means.

Now think of these chunks of coral under your feet. You suddenly shudder. You just realized that it's the ocean that put the coral there. And that it can take it away just as easily. Three meters high in an ocean that spans half the planet is less than the tenth of the thickness of a cigarette paper floating in an Olympic swimming pool. Yep ! Andthe island is NOT floating.

A major cyclone. A tsunami created by some big earthquake in Chile, in Alaska or Japan. A major underwater volcanic eruption. A big meteorite falling into the sea. Any of these events can generate a wave that would just roll over this pile of broken coral, without even noticing, flushing into the open sea everything, sand, trees, shells and people. Everything. It has happened many times, and will happen again in one hour or in ten thousand years. Who dares say that guys like me who escape to these sand islands are cowards running from the reality of life ? This must be one of the most dangerous spots on earth. Living here is like playing continuous Russian roulette. But isn't risk the spice of life ?

Sometimes it can even get funny, unbelievable. Like getting flooded by fresh water, yes, fresh water, on an island surrounded by ocean, without a lake, a river, not even a tiny creek : It happens about every 20 years in the Tuamotu archipelago : a huge swell created by some major storm in the North Pacific arrived in the Northern Tuamotus, 8000 kilometers to the South, and raises the sea level to such a point that the freshwater lenses of the atolls get flushed up, out of the ground and inundates villages of many atolls.

But whatever, I'd rather be on an atoll.

Moorea, Tahiti tahitipm@gmail.com

Published (in German translation) in "Mare Magazin", April 2009.

Por-Bajin - Republic of Tuva's "House of Clay" Island Fortress

2009-05-18T06:10:00.000-07:00

Por-Bajin (The square is supposed to be red. Go figure.

Por-Bajin - DigitalGlobe Image from Google Earth (1:2,500)

Por-Bajin - EEVS Map (1-3,500)

A map of an island fortress. Talk about romance, adventure and battles always won!

I read a brief article about Por-Banjin on World Island Info's website. This "House of Clay", the translation of Por-Bajin, is a hot spot for archeological research. Between 2007 to today, researchers and hundreds of students from Russia and a few other countries have made there way to this small island located on Lake Tere-Hole to attempt to understand and reconstruct this mysterious mandala like fortress. Follow this link to Ladybond's blog for an interesting series of photos of this small island.

My map of the island is based on DigitalGlobe imagery taken from Google Earth. I worked at a very large scale to digitize the various layers that make up the map. I show much more vegetation than the photos in Ladybond's blog shows.

This map is a preliminary cartographic sketch of the island, but one that clearly shows the curious Uighur fortress.

Enjoy!

Thoughts - Just Do It!

2009-05-14T07:42:00.000-07:00

Just Thinking About It

Back in 1964, I was checking out reference books at a library. I happened upon a Geographical Dictionary. Leafing through that dictionary, I came upon an entry describing a small obscure island, Eiao. The entry stated that this island was 8 miles by 4 miles with elevations of 3,000 feet in the island's central plateau. At one time the island was inhabited. During the later part of the 19th century, the French used the island as a prison. Now the island was overrun by feral animals which were decimating what little native vegetation remained.

From that single incident came my fascination with islands. Like many people with a keen interest in islands, my reasons are many and most of these reasons having nothing to do with geography (stress, explorer, master-of-my-domain, etc.). What I discovered early on was the absence of readily-available maps. There were a few WW-II maps in out-of-print books, but no available collection of island maps.

Scripps Institute of Oceanography and Maps

That led to Scripps Institute of Oceanography and their excellent map collection. SIO does ocean-oriented research throughout the world. Consequently, they have a paper map collection of the world oceans and islands that rivals the best in the world. During the early 1980s, I spent many weekend hours pouring over this collection of maps and charts. The map librarian and I became acquainted and he allowed me access to their entire map and chart collection. It was both a joy and a curse, a sensory overload. I had access to every island paper map in the SIO collection and all I could think was, "So many islands, so little time."

My first idea was to amass my own collection of paper maps. This was the pre-digital and pre-affordable computer age. I would need to copy thousands of maps. No way! At 15 cents a copy, it just wasn't practical or affordable. I thought I could trace the shorelines of islands. Too many islands, too complicated, too time-consuming. Again, No way! So I stopped. That's right, stopped any island map aquisitions activities and went about my non-island map life.

Affordable Computers...

Which takes us to the late 1990s, the time of affordable computers, mega-storage, www and information everywhere. This was a time of digitizing paper map collections and one of the first was the Perry-Castenada Map Collection at the University of Texas. I'm not sure of the precise date that their collection went on-line, but many paper maps were freely available as raster images. Anyone could download them and amass their own digital map collection. During this time, I downloaded 100s of island maps. It was great fun, but I knew there was more. Raster maps were okay, but what about vector maps. They were considerably smaller in size and offered greater flexibility. In 2001, I went the way of the vectors.

The Way of The Vector

Not having money to spend on software, I became the master of the freeware and shareware world. I finally settled on Marplot for my mapping software and World Vector Shorelines from the NGDC Coastline Extractor. I remember downloading 100s of vector tiles onto 1.4MB floppies, taking them to my computer where I uploaded them into Marplot. It took about a month and I managed to load all of the world shorelines at 1:250,000 scale, 20,000+ placenames of major cities, 86,000+ placenames of islands and various other opportunistic layers of information.

Free Landsat ETM+. Global mapper and Google Earth

It was about three years ago that I discovered free Landsat ETM+. Turns out Bill Clinton, at the urging of Al Gore and others, made Landsat ETM+ georectified photo mosaics available for free. I spent that summer downloading all of the Landsat ETM+ images that covered oceanic islands of the world. It was at this time that I actually spent hard currency on my mapping passion and purchased Global Mapper. This software can load Landsat ETM+ in MrSid format effortlessly and has an above average digitizing toolkit. The final piece to my mapping project puzzle was Google Earth with DigitalGlobe imagery. As more and more hi-res imagery comes online, the quality of my work will be greatly enhanced.

What Now? Just Do It!

Since 2004, I have been making island maps. Since 2005, I have been posting my island maps on to my blogsite. Since 2007, I have been producing high-quality vector maps of islands. To date I have produced close to 200 maps covering easily 1,000+ individual islands. People ask why I give these maps away. They suggest that I need to charge for my work. I say to them, "We'll see." What I mean to say is, "No, I will not charge for my raster images of maps." If you want them, you can download them and use them. Just give credit where credit is due.

Today and In To The Future

I would love to guide an international team of neo-cartographers to complete a world shoreline map, including islands, using Landsat ETM+ imagery. Yes, I know all about the NGA Prototype Global Shoreline. Trust me, my world shoreline will be more accurate. I would love to guide that same team of international neo-cartographers in fashioning the next-generation Digtal Chart of the World. I would love to make all of this information available for free. In the spirit of Google, free.

So that is what I do. I continue to make high quality island maps and post them to my website. I continue to actively solicit serious offers toward sponsoring a world shoreline mapping project using an international team of neo-cartographers. This passion is what drives me forward and forward is always the best direction to be moving.

Enjoy!

Thoughts - Bennet Island and Mi Vida Loca

2009-05-10T09:02:00.000-07:00

Bennet Island - Landsat Image N-54-75_2000 - A Partial View (1:44,260)

Bennet Island - EVS Precision Map - A Partial View (1:44,260)

It has been one very busy school year. As most of your know, I am a middle school teacher. Unless you are a teacher, you probably don't know how wild and crazy that life can be depending on the students, parents and staff. Well, this has been one of those crazy years. Not crazy bad, just crazy busy.

Computers in the Classroom

I am in the process of installing 30 Dell computers in my classroom. The goal is to have a computer with appropriate and consistent software for each student. The software the students will ultimately master consists of Open Office Writer and Impress. They will frequently use MS Paint, ImageForge, Inkscape, Google Earth, Marplot and QGIS or a similar mapping package. Each computer has a high-speed Internet connection, allowing the students opportunities to research projects using on-line resources. Using the suite of software I've installed, the students are able to accomplish almost all classroom tasks, submit completed assignments and receive graded assignments all without resorting to paper copy. My ultimate aim is to ensure each student masters word-processing and presentation software. I want them to prepare high school and college assignments and submit them with confidence derived from extensive experience.

Back to Bennet Island

I like what I've done with this ice covered island so far. At first I traced a shoreline that was an educated guess. The more I've mapped this island, the more I've decided that an ice covered island with rock outcroppings is best mapped as shown above. Map the land that is visible and leave the ice as ice. My busy life, mi vida loca, makes the completion of this map a distant dream. But, finish it I will. Yes, just as soon as I finish teaching my students, installing a room full of computers, cleaning my weed chocked backyard, paying my bills, etcetera, etcetera, etceteera...

Enjoy!

Comparison - NGA PGS to EVS Precision Vectors

2009-04-19T19:11:00.000-07:00

Comparison - NGA PGS to EVS Precision Vectors (1:6,250)

I know a good deal about global shoreline vector files. Specifically, global shoreline vector files that are free, available to the public and relatively easy to load and work with. This post's focus is a comparison of NGA's Prototype Global Shoreline (PGS) to Enhanced Vector Shoreline (EVS) Precision shorelines. This is not my first comparison of these two shorelines and it probably won't be my last, but here it goes.

NGA PGS vectors too often wobble off of the imaged coastline unnecessarily. The NGA PGS vectors were derived from Landsat ETM+ imagery, the same imagery I use to create EVS Precision shorelines. The above image is a small portion of Somalia's shoreline. The Landsat image is cloud free and the shoreline is easily distinguishable. NGA PGS used a complicated formula to determine the shoreline, but I don't see why their vectors misplot by as much as 41 meters from the imaged shoreline. No, this doesn't happen all of the time, but it happens enough, that if I am working at very large scales (1:50,000 to 1:12,500), I must redo the shoreline. Their shoreline is too far from image shoreline true.

I've been doing EVS Precision mapping for over 9 going on 10 years and my opinion concerning NGA PGS has not changed. Don't get me wrong, NGA PGS is the most detailed global shoreline available, one that I recommend heartily. However, for my work, creating detailed island maps, it isn't good enough.

Enjoy!

Jasiira Mayhd SO - A Home for Pirates or A Home for the Birds?

2009-04-18T22:45:00.000-07:00

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Jasira Maydh - Landsat ETM+ Image N-38-10_2000 (1:25,000)

Jasira Maydh - EVS Precision Map (1:25,000)

SO002

JASIIRA MAYDH

	Country/Territory	Somalia
	Administrative region(s)	Sanaag
	Central coordinates	47^o 15' East 11^o 14' North Map
	Area	45 ha
	Altitude	0 - 124m
	Criteria	A4i, A4iii

Site description Jasiira Maydh or Mait island is located in the Gulf of Aden c.13 km offshore, to the north of the town of Maydh and hence adjacent to Daalo (site SO003). It is a little over 1.5 km in length with a maximum width of 300 m and an average height of 100 m. The long axis of the island is oriented from east-north-east to west-south-west. The island is steep-sided, rising abruptly out of the sea, and along the southern face rocky buttresses alternate with scree-filled gullies while the northern face is an unbroken precipice. The rock is granitic gneiss which is covered with guano deposits, and the surface is split in places by great fissures. The island is completely lacking in vegetation and there is no fresh water except after rain, of which there is only c.50 mm per year. The island lies within an area of seasonal coastal upwelling.

Land-use and percentage cover
other	-

Birds See Box for key species. In addition, Phalacrocorax nigrogularis has been recorded while other breeding species include Phaethon aethereus, Sula dactylatra, Sterna fuscata and S. anaethetus (the latter two in 'large numbers'). In the 1940s, the numbers of breeding birds present was estimated at c.100,000, but were reported then to be declining. The breeding season is June-September, after which nearly all birds leave.

Species	Season	Year	Min	Max	Quality	Criteria
Brown Noddy (Anous stolidus)	breeding	1979	20000	20000	-	A4i
A4iii (Species group - waterbirds)	breeding	0	0	0	unknown	A4iii

Conservation issues The island has been proposed as a marine protected area. Guano is collected from the island, but traditionally only from October to April, i.e. when the birds are absent. During the breeding season the seas are generally too rough to permit boats to land, which prevents disturbance. Rats and snakes are present on the island.

Citation BirdLife International 2008 BirdLife's online World Bird Database: the site for bird conservation. Version 2.1. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. Available: http://www.birdlife.org (accessed 19/4/2009)

__________________________________________________________________

Yes, I nabbed the above information from Birdlife International. It makes sense that an island would figure in as a safe habitat in the world of birds. Islands are typically safe havens for many of our feathered friends.

Mayhd town, located about 10 kms to the south of Mayhd Island is reputed to be one of many pirate strongholds along this coast of Somaliland. I suspect that if pirates use this island it would be as a shield prior to attacks on ships. May the pirates disappear and the birds remain forever.

Enjoy!

How To Make A Really Big Map

2009-04-17T09:05:00.000-07:00

New Britain Island - Landsat ETM+ S-56-00_2000 Image (1-375,000) Northwestern End

New Britain Island - EVS Precision Map (1:75,000) Northwestern End (Select image to see full-size)

I'm such a pushover when it comes to reader-requested mapping projects. Some of the projects are relatively simple (a single island with a couple of layers of information), others more complex (a single island with many layers of information) and finally the very complex or lengthy mapping project consisting of many layers of information or covering a large area with a variety of detail. My last mapping project, the northwestern end of New Britain Island, covered a large area and the reader was keenly interested in the offshore reefs.

Back in January 2009 the reader's initial query was deceptively simple, "Have you done any reefs in New Britain, Papua New Guinea?" During the summer of 2008, I had mapped all of the islands located between and including Papua New Guinea to the Cook Islands which consisted of over 10,000 island polygons using Landsat ETM+ as my base imagery. One of those islands was New Britain. I figured the project would be a snap. The reader was only interested in the northwestern end of New Britain. I would ensure my original island polygon was sufficiently accurate and then I would digitize and classify all reefs into a single vector layer called Reef Shallow. No problem!

Along with trying to be an attentive husband, loving father, generous grandfather, concerned and effective teacher and all-around good guy, my life got very busy. So busy that the New Britain Reef project got pushed behind my busy life. I informed the reader that I would have to table his project for the time being and since the project was "gratis", he waited. And so the New Britain Reef project resided in my computer waiting for my return. All of the shoreline was finished along with a portion of the reefs. My initial work had taken about 20-hours to complete. The week before last, the patient reader asked if I would have an opportunity to complete the project. Frankly, I had forgotten about it. Feeling guilty for not completing it way back when and knowing that I had a week's vacation coming, I promised to finish the project. And I did! It took about 10 more hours, but I finished it!

I studied my completed work and realized that this mapped area was really large. Since this reader did not require my vector files, I would have normally sent the reader a screenshot (raster image) the size of an 8.5 X 11 page of their project and that would be the end of it. However, this reader would be unable to appreciate the detailed reef information at that scale (1:350,000). I decided to construct a large format map at a scale of 1:75,000 giving the reader sufficient detail for his ultimate purpose, finding new fishing locations.

New Britain Island - EVS Precision Map (1-75,000) Northwestern End with Map Tile Labels

1 of 15 EVS Precision Map Tiles (W3)

I have constructed numerous image mosaics, but never a map mosaic. Using images from Global Mapper and mosaicking them into a single image using Image Forge software and finally constructing lat/lon grid lines in MS Draw, I created "a really big map" (thus the title of this post). All of you mapping professionals, calm down. I know mapping software exists that will make "a really big map" in a single step. Typically, it costs money and that's something I don't have much of. Anyway, back to my mosaicked map. "The really big map" consists of 15 tiles , each tile similar to the one displayed in the above image. My final map is 3050 X 4220 pixels in size or about 65 x 89 cms (25.5" x 35").

My final thought, I've got to start charging for my work! I spent 30+ hours on this project. At a modest fee of $20 per hour, I should have made $600 for this project. Instead, New Britain Island's northwestern end is mapped in great detail and I'm none the richer for it.

Enjoy!

Musandam Peninsula OM - A Revisit of a Previous Post

2009-04-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

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Oman - Landsat ETM+ N-40-25_2000 (1:175,000)

Musandam Peninsula - EVS Precision Map (1-175,000)

Musandam Peninsula - EVS Precision Map with 50-Meter Contour Intervals (1:175,000)

The above EVS Precision map project of the Musandam Peninsula was completed around the first week in September 2008. It was my last mapping "hurrah" before the start of this school year. I remember loving the look of this unusual piece of land calling it a "peninsula of peninulas.

Musandam Peninsula, Oman from Earth Observatory (EO)

It seems that the folks at EO dusted off a 2004 ASTER image of the Musandam Peninsula and posted it to their site today. The peninsula is still lovely to look at!

Enjoy!

The Great Blue Hole Located on Lighthouse Reef, Belize

2009-04-13T17:43:00.000-07:00

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Lighthouse Reef and The Great Blue Hole from Advanced Land Imager (ALI) on NASA’s Earth Observing-1 Satellite

On April 3rd the above image was posted to Earth Observatory's Image of the Day. I read the article with mild interest. I was aware of the these features, cenotes, being found throughout this part of the world. After downloading the 4 MB image of the entire reef, I figured that it would be an excellent island mapping project. I checked out the Landsat ETM+ image and it is cloud free and quite detailed. So, I began to map it.

Lighthouse Reef and the Great Blue Hole - Comparison Landsat to ASTER Images

The small cays that are located on the reef at first glance looked to be fairly simple. They were not! Wanting to do justice to the details shown on the base image, my digitizing was ultimately complex. I worked at scales between 1:25,000 to 1:12,500 for most of my digitizing.

Lighthouse Reef and The Great Blue Hole, Belize - Landsat ETM+ N-16-15_2000 Image (1-220,000)

Lighthouse Reef and The Great Blue Hole, Belize - EVS Precision Map Preliminary (1-220,000)

10-days and about 20-hours later, I am done. All of the layer colors used are my usuals, except for the ocean layer. I went with a darker blue. In my opinion, the deep blue ocean color accents the many shades of blue used in detailing the reef system.

Great Blue Hole from National Geographic

If you are curious about this feature follow the links found throughout this post. Wikipedia also has an informative article about the Great Blue Hole you might find interesting.

From a mapping perspective, I am pleased with my finished product. However, to truely appreciate the amount of detail included on the map one needs to study the vector map. It is really cool! Oh, well...I'm glad it's done. Now on to the north coast of New Britian and more reefs.

Enjoy!

Manihi Atoll FP - First Landfall in the Tuamotus

2009-03-24T06:10:00.000-07:00

Manihi Atoll Locator Map

Manihi Atoll - Landsat ETM+ Image S-06-10_2000 (1:110,000)

Manihi Atoll - EVS Precision Map (1-110,000)

Manihi Atoll is one of French Polynesia's premier destinations for the tourist wishing to view pearl farming first hand. According to the Tahiti Tourism North America, Manihi Atoll has over 60 working pearl farms. While one is looking for those perfect pearls, the Manihi Pearl Beach Lodge beckons. This atoll is one of the first landfalls for the visiting yatchsmen traveling from the Marquesas to Tahiti.

Manihi Atoll - Pacific-Image Map

In doing research for Manihi Atoll I came across the Pacific-Image map. As to names of the various motus, it is complete. As to cartographic quality, it looks like a map, it seems like a map, and it is a map, one designed for the tourist. If you are into high quality tourist maps of Pacific Islands, specifically the islands of French Polynesia, for only $237.60 you can purchase a CD loaded with 72 of these very attractive maps.

Manihi Atoll - Detail from Image Pacific Map

Manihi Atoll - EVS Precision Map - Detail Tairapa Pass and Paeua (1:30,000)

Although the Tahiti Pacific-Image maps are excellent for their purpose, I like mine better. Compared to the Tahiti Pacific-Image map, my EVS precision map of Manihi Atoll takes into account a wider variety of layers of information. In addition, my maps are vectors, whereas Tahiti Pacific-Image's maps are raster images.

As to the production of this map, it was not particularly difficult to digitize and ultimately create the island map. However, my very busy life caught up with me and what should have been a 10-hour project, took two weeks to complete. I have other island projects in the works, but they will be completed and posted at this much slower pace. Until then...

Enjoy!

Nisos Aegina GR - An Athen's Island Getaway.

2009-03-08T11:17:00.000-07:00

Nisos Aegina - Locator Map

Nisos Aegina - Landsat N-35-34_2000 (1:85,000)

Nisos Aegina - EVS Precision Map (1-85,000)

Nisos Aegina is located only 17.5 kilometers from Athens. The island serves as both a "bedroom" community for Athenians and as a summer getaway for city dwellers. Many of the homes located on this island are second homes of Athenians. Wikipedia has an in-depth article about the island.

Let's talk about the map. I have spent in excess of 6-hours on this map. The challenge was in determining the layers and finding a good color scheme that is pleasant to look at, yet imparts accurate and meaningful information. I used my entire suite of mapping software to complete this project - 1) Global Mapper to create vector layers and identify lat/lon grids. 2) MS Paint to draw the lat/lon grid lines and finally 3) ImageForge to complete the labels and their placement on the map. I realize most decent mapping packages come with these features all included. I am a creature of habit and like my end products. So if it isn't broken, why fix it!

Enjoy!

Thoughts - Lukuga River - A Water Road into Africa's Heart of Darkness

2009-03-05T21:50:00.000-08:00

Lukuga River - EVS Precision Map (1:1,122,800)

Lukuga River Composite - Each Image at scale 1:50,000

I remember spending long hours digitizing the many features on this river map. It is 290 kilometers in length and contains 989 river islands. When finished, I eagerly posted a few images of this grand river. I titled the post something about "the heart of darkness". The original Lukuga River post gets lots of views. I think it has to do with "the heart of darkness" label and less about the Lukuga River. Well, it hit me this evening. The reason the Lukuga River map doesn't get the respect it deserves is you the viewers have not seen the entire course of the river. So enjoy the slideshow entitled "Lukuga River - A Water Road into Africa's Heart of Darkness".

Thoughts - Bigger is Good, Smaller is Better

2009-03-04T12:06:00.000-08:00

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Nisos Aegina - Landsat Island Image Mosaic N-34-35_2000 (1-125,000)

I am currently reworking my map of Nisos Aegina. It is a bedroom island outside of Athens, Greece. A nice little getaway when life becomes too hectic in the big city. But this isn't the reason for this post.

You know that I construct island maps using Landsat ETM+ mosaics as my base imagery. I have a Landsat ETM+ digital library of all of the world's shorelines. I use Global Mapper software to digitize, creating vectors from which i construct my island maps. This software handles the Landsat ETM+ mosaics with ease. I have invested over $500 in Global Mapper and do not regret a cent of it. The software does exactly what I want it to do and Mike, the boss and software guru, keeps making improvements. But this isn't the reason for this post either.

This post poses the age-old question "Is Bigger Better?" as it applies to the world of imagery.

In the world of Landsat derived island specific orthorectified imagery, bigger is not necessarily better. This is the world of imagery anywhere from multi-GB files to a few hundred MB files. These very large image files test the limits of most software packages. Often their formats, (i.e., MrSID) require special handling to open and work with. Since I primarily work with island imagery, I figured that if I were to cut out the ocean and save the island and it's surrounding reefs at a scale allowing me to work at increasing zoom ranges, I could create the same high quality maps from much smaller sized imagery.

First I fashioned a series of Greek island mosaics (see above image). These were followed by a series of Tuamotu Atoll images. I call my creations Landsat Island Image Mosaics (LIIM). Here are a couple of examples showing the zoom capabilities using the Nisos Aegina LIIM as base imagery.

NIsos Aegina - Detail Western Shore LIIM N-34-35_2000 (1-25,000)

Nisos Aegina - Detail Aegina Harbor LIIM N-34-35_2000 (1-12,500)

I typically digitize shorelines and certain land use features at scales between 1:25,000 to 1:12,500. I know that this pushes far beyond the intended limits of Landsat-7, 14.5 meter resolution imagery. I have digitized at these limits for over four years. The resulting maps have a level of quality and precision that exceeds most widely available island mapping. My island maps have been used by a number of universities to further research and as a platform for spatial analysis by insurance companies.

The size advantage with these considerably smaller island images is significant. My LIIMs range in size from 2 MBs up to 45 MBs for very large islands. All of my LIIMs are saved as georectified JPGs. Nisos Aegina LIIM is 3.47 MBs and is a 15.8 MB Tif file. The Landsat image containing this LIIM, on the other hand, is 106 MBs. The image degradation is slight and barely noticeable. So, I will keep using my LIIM of a specific island from which to create my island maps. If you would like to use one of my LIIMs, drop me a line. I'll fix you up.

Enjoy!

Thoughts - Tahiti-Pacifique and Alex W du Prel

2009-02-27T07:13:00.000-08:00

Every so often I encounter a reader that shares first-hand information about an island I've mapped. An individual shared that an entrance to one atoll was no longer marked, as described by the Sailing Direction Pub 126. Another recounted their adventures, as a much younger person, planting coconut palms on a hurricane devastated atoll. And another shared observations while visiting Rapa Iti. All of these contributions are always welcome and, when appropriate, are shared with my readers.

That brings me to Alex W du Prel. He is a follower of my work and recently began sharing information that will bring my posts to a more current and accurate state. He is the publisher of the Tahiti-Pacifique Magazine.

The cover of the latest edition of Tahiti-Pacifique

Alex recently shared great information about Flint, Vostok, Eiao and Rapa Iti Islands. The information is typically derived from articles found in Tahiti-Pacifique. Along with the published information, he shares his personal on-island experiences as well.

In this age of digital information and the demise of the printed word, Tahiti-Pacifique offers one printed glimpses of Pacific islands. The articles are written in French (and no, there is no English language edition) and include gorgeous photos of the subject islands.

I frequently gather island information from two highly reliable sources: 1) Sailing Directions Pub 126 covering the Pacific Ocean and 2) Atoll Research Bulletin. Both are great sources of information for islands and specifically Pacific islands. The Sailing Directions give up-to-date maritime information and the Atoll Research Bulletin contains scientific research derived from expeditions at specific atolls. In the future, I shall include island information derived from Tahiti-Pacifique and Alex, its editor, as a reliable, highly competent source for island information.

Drop him a line and share your island interests. Best of all, subscribe to Tahiti-Pacifique and help to keep this window into the world of islands open.

Enjoy!

Flint Island KR - A Line Island Paradise Redo

2009-02-25T06:55:00.000-08:00

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Flint Island - EVS Precision Map (1":650-meters)

I have taken my original EVS Precision map and made it better. Using the DigitalGlobe image from Google Earth, I was able to add 4 small ponds. They are full of brackish water. It is said one could drink the water, but it is on the salty side.

During a circa 1974 expedition a fire was started. It burned a native stand of Pisonia Grande trees and smoldered for a few years. It is finally out, but the fire did lasting damage. However, deep damage was done to this small island during the late 19th century - that's when guano was mined. The mining leaves scares that deep into the island's surface.

I believe the above map is a significant improvement my original mapping efforts.

Enjoy!

P.S. - Thanks to Frank at Google Earth Blog for the reminder - "Please include an embed GE Map to help readers locate your mapped islands". Frank's a good man and offers helpful advice in a kind and gracious manner.

Flint Island KR - A Line Island Paradise?

2009-02-19T01:53:00.000-08:00

Flint Island - Landsat Image S-05-10_2000 (1" - 650 meters)

Flint Island - EVS Precision Map (1" - 650 meters)

"Flint Island is located about 740 kilometers (400 nautical miles) northwest of Tahiti, 190 km (100 nautical miles) south-southeast of Vostok Island, and 220 km (120 nautical miles) southwest of Caroline Island. The island is about 2.5 miles (4.0 km) long and 0.5 miles (0.80 km) wide at its widest point (4.0 by 0.8 km). It has a land area of 1 mi² (3 km ²) and rises to a height of 25 feet (8 m) above sea level. The island is surrounded by a narrow fringing reef and with no safe anchorage landing is difficult.

According to the U.S. Exploring Expedition (February 5, 1841), the island was thickly wooded, however the island is now mostly covered with planted coconut palms."

The above infornmation is taken from Wikipedia. The article contains a wealth of information about Flint Island. But my interest is different. My interest is about making a map of this island quickly, accurately and a quality presentation.

Here is the background. I will respect the privacy of the names of individuals contacting me and the publications they represent. I got an email today from a well-known individual representing a stellar publication gathering information on the Line Islands. I have done some mapping in this island group. I have not mapped Flint Island. I figured that I would map it and share my finished project with this individual. Certain they will be impressed by this effort, perhaps my maps might end up in this stellar publication's pages. Just maybe. Oh well, if nothing comes of this effort, I have made an interesting map and I like it. I hope all of you...

Enjoy!

Thoughts - Creating Little World Locator Maps

2009-02-16T13:56:00.000-08:00

Here is a Little World Locator Map in action. This one was created using a tool called the Global Map Projector. It is supplied by the Goddard Institute for Space Studies and is located in an area called Software Tools. It is freeware. One needs only to download and extract the files into their work area. Then it's a double-click on the G.Projector and follow directions. It does require Java in order to operate. Using the supplied sample world maps, one can create any number of global projections and center them to any longitude they desire. For example, the Little World Locator Map I created is a Wagner IV projection, centered on 150°E longitude. I'm not real crazy about the color and size of the locator dot, but I'll take care of that later. The important thing is, my Little World Locator Map looks pretty good. G.Projector is really a cool too!.

Oh, by the way, I am actually working on digitizing reefs off of the northern end of New Britain Island on this rainy Monday afternoon.

Enjoy!

Thoughts - Locating EVS Island Map Projects on Little Worlds

2009-02-08T13:36:00.000-08:00

NASA Earth Observatory Image Locator Map

NASA's Earth Observatory is one of my favorite sites. They not only post interesting imagery, but the text explaining the imagery is intelligent, challenging and understandable to the layman. It is a consistently great read. Some time back they revamped their site look and began using an image locator map. I've tried many types of locators for my maps and have not been thrilled with any. Google Maps, which I post to the top of my site, works but not for me. I spend too much time exploring and not enough time making island maps. I had chopped a black and white world map into 3 sections and used the sections when appropriate, but it just didn't work for me. After looking at EO's solution the answer might be to use a copyright free little world map as an island map locator. Two questions remain, Are there any copyright free little world maps available? and Which one will work best for my purposes?

NASA's Little World

I like this little world. The projection works and the color scheme is easy on the eyes. Adding my "island map is here" symbol would work on this map. I have tried to contact the NASA EO webmaster to see if this map is copyright free. To date, the individual has not answered my question. I suspect it is copyright free as almost all of NASA imagery has moved in that direction. Until I get an official answer from an official NASA webmaster, no dice on this map.

Wikimedia Commons Little Grey World

Originally posted as an SVG formatted world map in Wikimedia Commons, this map intrigues me. First it is Pacific centered. That is a major plus for plotting my work as the majority of the islands I map are located in the Pacific Ocean. The Indian Ocean is also well displayed. The Atlantic Ocean has few islands and those that I would map could be made to show up on this little grey world. This map is definitely in the running as my Little World Island Locator Map.

Wikimedia Commons Little Mercator World

Another Pacific centered map that divides the world at the Indian Ocean. I love the color scheme on this map. The yellow land masses show well against the soft blue oceans. The lan/lon grids do not seem to clutter the map. This map could definitely work as my Little world Island Locator Map.

Wikimedia Commons Little Eckert IV World

This little world is my favorite. I like the dusty yellow and blue color scheme. The lat/lon grids are a definite plus. The map is copyright free. I think I'm going to give this little world a try as EVS Islands newest feature, the Little World Island Locator Map.

Enjoy!