Global Design

How the PhotoMaps Were Created

   The US Virgin Island PhotoMaps were compiled from over 300 separate photos each to achieve the highest resolution possible. The original sizes are 7x12 feet for the St. John Map and 10x22 feet for the St. Thomas Map.

   Google Earth is a virtual globe, map and geographic information program that was originally called EarthViewer 3D, and was created by Keyhole, Inc, a company acquired by Google in 2004.  Keyhole, Inc, founded in 2001, was a pioneering software development company specializing in geospatial data visualization applications.  Initially launched as a spin-off of Intrinsic Graphics, first round funding came from a Sony venture capital fund and others.  Additional capital came from an NVIDIA bundling deal, from the CIA (via its venture-capital appendage, In-Q-Tel) and from angel investor Brian McClendon (who later came on as a board member and VP).  Keyhole’s marquee application suite, Earth Viewer, emerged as the highly successful Google Earth application in 2005.  The name “Keyhole” is also a homage to the KH reconnaissance satellites, the original eye-in-the-sky military reconnaissance system now some 30 years old.  Many people use the applications to add their own data, making them available through various sources, such as the Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) or blogs.

   The St. John and St. Thomas PhotoMaps were produced from images on Google Earth from Europa Technologies, TerraMetrics, DigitalGlobe, and the U.S. Geological Survey.  Global Design VI assembled the captured images and then working from pre-existing maps added graphics calling out most every bay and beach on St. John and St. Thomas.  Much of the oceans, bays, islands, and keys were non-existent on Google Earth and required additional work for the maps to be presentable. The added information was produced as faithfully as possible through PhotoShop methods. 

 

   Global Design VI makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of any content or the products.