This lesson provides a procedure for obtaining a color infra-red (CIR) digital orthophoto quadrangle  of a given location from the Microsoft TerraServer.  The image is provided by the US Geological Survey.   

Engaging Questions

• What landmarks can you use to find you school location?

• What is the smallest feature you can see with the image at maxium zoom?

• If you improved your image with image processing software, is the resolution higher? That is, can you now see smaller objects?

Teacher Goals

• The learner will use web resources to locate an orthoquad aerial photograph of her or his location.

• The learner will copy the image from the source and store it as an image on his or her computer.

• No Description Available

Required Resources

• Internet access to TerraServer web site. 
  
  This site provides access to both images and topograhic maps linked to a search engine.

• Ability to store the image on computer disk.

• Image viewing software.
  
  One's computer must have software to view and/or print JPEG images.

• No Description Available

  • Obtaining and Printing an Aerial Photograph

Steps

1. Go to the TerraServer web site.

   Go to the TerraServer web site.

   • MSR Maps

2. Use "Advanced Find."

   This link will take you to a "Search" engine, of which there are four types. The easiest to use, and usually the most effective, is "Address." Select "Address," fill in the boxes, and click on "Go."

3. Enter information about your school.

   Select "Address," fill in the boxes, and click on "Go." The search engine uses US Geological Survey place names so your school may not be in this data base.  If you cannot find your school, try searching using you town's name. You should enter both state and country in the appropriate fields. 

   The return page will indicate whether images are available for your address. There are usually two types of images available, a "USGS Aerial Photograph" and a "USGS Topo Map." Select the aerial photograph.

    

   You may also click on the map to get close to your location. 

4. Move around image until you locate your school grounds.

   Move around image until you locate your school grounds.

5. Set the image to the large size.

   See the supplement to locate the "Size Feature" and select the "Larger" size.

6. Save and/or Print the image.

   Set the image size to large (see supplement). Then use the "Download" feature (just to the right of the Print feature; scroll all the way to the right) to save an image to your computer.  

   Those using computers with Windows operating systems should follow the on-screen instructions.

    

   Those using computers with Macintosh operating systems must (a) position the mouse over the image, (b) hold the mouse down until an instruction box opens, (c) select "Download to disk," and (d) change the end of the file name to jpg.

    

   You may also use the web site's "Print" feature to print a copy of the image at this point or you can use your image processing software to enhance the quality of the image before printing it.

7. (Optional) Use image software; enhance the image.

   Open the image in an image editing software. Use the software's features to obtain the maximum clarity for the image. You may want to make the image larger. Print you improved image.

8. (Optional) Make a map of your school grounds.

   Consider having students use the Aurora lesson "Mapping: Making a Map with a Local Photograph" to extend this activity.

Teacher Notes

• This same procedure can be used to get a topographic map of your location. Instead of the USGS Aerial Photograph image, choose "USGS Topo Map."

• The activity entitled "Mapping: Making a Map with a Local Photograph" has students use the aerial view to construct their own maps of the school grounds.

• This can be a homework assignment if your students have adequate technology skills, a home computer, and home Internet connection.

• Duration will depend on how proficient students are in the use of the Web. The activity could be as short as 15 minutes or as long as a class period.  

Learner Notes

• See if you can locate an image of your home using the same procedure.

Mentor Notes

• This activity aids your daughter or son in learning the use of information technology for locating and retrieving information resources.

• Working with visual representation of the earth's surface develops map-reading skills.