Image Search and Acquisition Services

Archer Geographic is a leading edge imagery provider focused on value added services, as distinct from a satellite or airborne system operator or raw data provider. We work with every commercial and public source of satellite and aerial imagery to provide client-driven imagery solutions. Other value added imagery providers typically align with one satellite operator, and therefore end up pushing one data source whether or not it is the best source for a project or client. Archer Geographic works for our clients only, not a data provider, with the needs of a particular project determining which imagery data source to utilize.

Archer Geographic offers a comprehensive image search and acquisition capability. We can search millions of image records to search for a particular site or location across the entire array of satellite and aerial image data providers in both the public and commercial sectors to find the optimal imagery for a project, based entirely on the needs and budget of the project. If suitable imagery for a project does not exist, we can task a satellite or contract with one of our aerial data providers to acquire the necessary imagery.

For attorneys and other legal professionals, our Satellite Image Evidence (SIE) Group offers specific image evidence searches. For clients with an ongoing need to image a site or location, Archer Geographic offers site monitoring services.

SATELLITE IMAGERY SOURCES

The following is a list of the primary imaging satellites, all of which Archer Geographic works with. As of 2008, there will be a constellation of nine super high resolution satellites in global operation with a spatial resolution of one meter or less. Additionally, there will be several others with around a two meter resolution, and two high resolution radar satellites offering all-weather capability. Medium resolution satellites are also useful in regional scale mapping and applications.

HIGH RESOLUTION IMAGING SATELLITES

• GeoEye-1 (Commercial/U.S., planned 2008, 41cm)

• WorldView-2 (Commercial/U.S., planned 2008, 45cm)

• WorldView-1 (Commercial/U.S., 2007-present, 45cm)

• Quickbird (Commercial/U.S., 2001-present, 60cm)

• EROS B (Commercial/Israel, 2006-present, 70cm)

• CARTOSAT-2 (India, 2007-present, 80cm)

• IKONOS (Commercial/U.S., 1999-present, 80cm)

• OrbView-3 (Commercial/U.S., 2003-present, 1m)

• KOMPSAT-2 (Korea, 2006-present, 1m)

• TerraSAR-X (Germany, 2007-present, 1m radar)

• EROS A (Commericial/Israel, 2000-present, 1.8m)

• FORMOSAT-2 (Taiwan, 2004-present, 2m)

• KVR-1000 (Russia, 1985-1992/1998/2000, 2m)

• SPOT 5 (Commercial/France, 2002-present, 2.5m)

• CARTOSAT-1 (India, 2005-present, 2.5m)

• ALOS (Japan, 2006-present, 2.5m)

• RADARSAT-2 (Canada, 4th Q. 2007, 3m radar)

MEDIUM RESOLUTION IMAGING SATELLITES

• SPOT 5 (Commercial/France, 2002-present, 5m)

• RESOURCESAT-1 (India, 2003-present, 5.8m)

• IRS-1D (India, 1997-present, 5.8m)

• IRS-1C (India, 1995-present, 5.8m)

• KOMPSAT-1 (Korea, 1999-present, 6.6m)

• RADARSAT-1 (Canada, 1995-present, 8m radar)

• SPOT 4 (Commercial/France, 1998-present, 10m)

• ASTER (U.S., 1999-present, 15m)

• Landsat 7 (U.S., 1999-present, 15m)

• ENVISAT (Europe, 2002-present, 25m radar)

• NASA EO-1 (U.S. 2000-present, 30m hyperspectral)

• Landsat 5 (U.S., 1984-2001, 30m)

• Landsat 4 (U.S., 1982-1993, 30m)

• IRS-1B (India, 1991-1999, 36m)

• IRS-1A (India, 1988-1995, 36m)

Archer Geographic also utilizes current and historical aerial photography to compliment satellite imagery in many projects. Sources of historical and current aerial photography for a site depend upon its region, state, and specific location, but generally include numerous private companies as well as a host of government sources. Federal sources of aerial imagery include the National Aerial Photography Program (NAPP) and its predecessor program the National High Altitude Photography Program (NHAP), the U.S. Geological Survey, NASA, and declassified satellite photos. State, county, and municipal governments are also often excellent sources of aerial photography.  

The needs of a specific project will determine the type of satellite and aerial imagery most suitable for a particular application. Archer Geographic specialists regularly work with all image types, with color imagery being the most prevalent, but also black and white (or panchromatic), color infrared, multispectral, hyperspectral, radar, and low resolution meterological imagery being utilized for many applications.