Radar mapping

Don't know if anyone is interested in this but being a map user I found it pretty interesting.

Today one of our customers came in (Canadian bloke - hell of a nice guy) to pick up part of a job we are doing for them. We are manufacturing RF Reflectors for them for digital mapping. I asked them exactly what they do so he explained it all.

First they survey points on the earth's surface and log the positions. Next they drive out and place the reflectors in a grid pattern. In this case they are in a 60 - 100km grid, that is 60 - 100km apart. They're placed at the survey point and aligned with the impending flightpath. Next (at some stage in time) the aircraft flies over in a grid pattern and maps the earth's surface using radar and the reflectors. Once the mapping is complete they verify the data then go out and pick up the reflectors so they can be used again. And that's pretty much it apparently.

I said "if you need someone to go and put them out give me a call". He said "hey man, that's my job". Apparently this time they are going to be working somewhere sort of northeast of Broken Hill.

What a job! These guys fly all around the world doing this and they probably see more of our country than most Australians do. Here's a link to their website.Intermap

Cheers, Louie