To begin a mapping project you will typically start with a base image of which there are two primary types; aerial photos and satellite imagery.
Satellite Images
Satellite images provide far better imagery with sub 1 meter resolution becoming common. While they are more expensive, the quality of the image may be worth the extra expense.
Aerial Photos
Aerial photos, if captured using modern camera systems can be as good, if not better than satellite imagery for both accuracy and resolution. This is not always the case however as older camera systems can produce high levels of distortion in the image. They often require you to set the co-ordinates of the image from which area and distance calculations are generated and for the image to align with GPS information.
Phoenix Mapping supports ECW,_v8.png2000, TIFF, GeoTIFF, IMG,_v8.png, BMP, SID and BIL image file formats. There are many other formats supported as well. Check in the program for other formats as the list continually grows.
Image Servers
An alternative source for imagery is provided through in the inbuilt Spatial Data Library. Providing you have a suitable internet connection, imagery can be served directly into your map project through the internet. There is imagery available for anywhere in the world that is constantly being updated. Generally it is very good quality however, it does vary.
NB: AGDATA Australia negotiates licence arrangements with image providers. Access to image servers cannot be guaranteed indefinitely and can change or be withdrawn without notice.
