One of the most detailed terrain maps of the world has been recently published, created by 1.3 million images that were provided by both NASA and the Japanese trade ministry. Theses images were taken by Japan’s Advanced Space borne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (Aster) that are aboard the Terra satellite
The result is a map known as the Global Digital Elevation Map that covers 99 percent of the earth’s surface and will be free to download and use. The Terra satellite is usually used and committed to monitoring the earth regarding volcanic eruptions through to rapid increase of algae in aquatic systems, known as algal blooms.
For the Aster map measurements, local altitude was mapped at points just 30 m apart, Woody Turner a NASA programme scientist said ‘This is the most complete, consistent digital elevation data yet made available to the world.’ Turner has been working on the Aster mission.
‘This unique global set of data will serve users and researchers from a wide array of disciplines that need elevation and terrain information.’
Before the Aster map, the most detailed topographic map was NASA’s Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which covered an impressive 80 percent of the earth’s surface. However that mission’s results were less accurate in areas of steep terrain and deserts.
NASA is now working to combine previous data with the new Aster results to improve the detailed map even further.
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