P3D v4 About WGS84 Images

[kmanning]

Hi,

Before you start moving airports around, I would first double (or triple) check that you placed the photo accurately. In most cases the problem is that the data has been placed wrong, while the airport is actually right.

I don't know where you got your imagery from. But to work in FSX it is easiest to have the data in WGS84 projection. If it is not, you might get offsets.

Hi Arno,

I was reading your post from January 25, 2012, and I understand you to say that WGS84 projection should be used in flight simulator in order to avoid offsets. How would I know if I'm using the WGS84 projection image? Is there a certain website I go to get this type of image? I really don't understand what WGS84 projection is and how it differs from the others. Could you explain these, and why I would get offsets if I use other types of images. I've been using the WGS Home Earth website and I some times use google earth. About a week ago, I downloaded a satellite image of KBHM form 1981, and even after lining up everything, the runway 5/23 from the 1981 image did offset a little. But using google earth, it lined up perfectly. But the runways were not the same length in 1981 as they are today, and there were streets, such as 37th avenue that I've traveled on hundreds of times were present in 1981. It's totally different now than what it was then.

Ken.

 

[arno]

Hi Ken,

Resample expects the input images to use the WGS84 coordinate system. If they are not in that coordinate system it might result in things not ending up where they actually are.

I have seen examples where not being aware of the coordinate system and trying to align them resulted in images that had an offset and a small rotation angle.

It depends a bit on the source of your images how you can check their coordinate system. If you downloaded geo referenced images, the coordinate system information is usually embedded in them. If you have just captured an screenshot or so, that will be harder. In that case trying to align with some reference points is probably the best you can do.

 

[GaryGB]

Hi Ken:

You may also wish to review the example images posted in your thread within the ADE forum ...here:

https://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/threads/adding-a-satellite-image-to-ade.445648/post-825753



To extrapolate from what IIRC, Arno has explained elsewhere, "warped" projectional distortion of source imagery in Geographic Projection / WGS84 Datum (EPSG:4326) is visibly greater at locations North / South of FS' theoretical "equilateral" terrain grid quad Latitude in the 3D world ...at / near 40 Degrees North.

https://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/threads/qmid-question.438142/post-752644

https://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/threads/scenery-object-offset.438439/post-755681


IIUC, when source data for scenery is submitted to the SDK compilers in the required cartographic GIS "projection" format, the FS run time rendering engine will correctly "warp" scenery content to precisely fit onto the variably-shaped FS terrain grid quad vertices / Area Points.

GaryGB

 

[Deleted member 12505]

I'm in a similar situation to Ken and I've been trying to use the Align Background Image documentation as a guide. There is an assumption the reader (me) understands the tools and sources for imagery downloads like QGIS (fortunately QGIS does have documentation/manual which I currently reading thru to acclimate myself). My immediate questions, how to setup QGIS so I can get image data to be used in 3DSMax as a reference plane?

QGIS seems to have many plugins and I have no idea which are needed or not needed. For example, I downloaded some data from TNM and got a JP2 file, drag and drop the file into QGIS ... now what?

Alternatively, I used Google image obtained from SBuilderX and dropped that BMP output (which includes the coordinates in TXT) into QGIS. Do I need to do any projection in QGIS? When I look at the properties of the data in QGIS:

Seems like I have my XY coordinates (assuming 1m with correct projection?) that I can plug into 3DSMax for surface plane and then set the textures based on BMP generated from SBuilderX without the need to calculate center coordinates? Or have I got this hopelessly wrong?

Cheers, Rob.

 

[GaryGB]

Hi Rob:

Imagery tiles selected in SBuilderX work-space are internally re-projected when output as a 1-piece *.BMP image into:

[SBuilderX install path]\Tools\Work sub-folder


...in Geographic (Lat-Lon) Projection / WGS84 Datum (aka "ellipsoid" or "spheroid"), as required by Terrain SDK Resample


FYI: These (2) GIS parameters define a Coordinate Reference System (aka "CRS") / Spatial Reference System (aka "SRS").

This CRS / SRS is more conveniently referenced via (1) European Petroleum Survey Group integer (aka: "EPSG:4326")

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spatial_reference_system


WGS84 GIS file format is "warped", and will more closely fit onto FS / P3D 3D world terrain grid of quad tile vertices.

https://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/threads/wgs84-imagery-stretched.445878/post-827518



3D Modeling uses a "non-warped" GIS format, so 're-project' your SBuilderX 1-piece *.BMP image to EPSG:3857

This will output your image in a non-warped GIS format that uses a numeric (Cartesian) CRS / SRS with units in Meters

Use updated Metadata for EPSG:3857 re-projected images to enter numeric (Cartesian) coordinates in GMAX/3DSMAX


BTW: EPSG:3857 as a "non-warped" GIS format using numeric (Cartesian) coordinates / units in Meters = "Flat Earth" in:

https://www.fsdeveloper.com/wiki/index.php?title=Align_background_image_in_3D_editor


PS: A 3D model exported to MDL via MCX, has its base modified automatically by MCX to fit onto FSX' / P3D' "curved Earth" terrain surface; this inserts 'breakpoint edges' at ~100 Meter intervals.

Hope this helps as an 'initial overview' of the topic for your current task.

GaryGB

 

[Deleted member 12505]

Hi Gary,

Thanks for your time, that helps considerably. But of course more questions...

Here is what I performed along with error output log:
1. Generate SBuilderX BMP (WGS84 format) - L18X84366X84403Y202232Y202277.BMP
2. Drag and Drop L18X84366X84403Y202232Y202277.BMP into QGIS Desktop 3.8.1
3. In QGIS I select "Raster | Projections | Warp" and enter options and hit Run

Unfortunately I get an error (see attached log) that prevents BMP output even if indicated there is output (there is none).

ERROR 1: The transformation is already "north up" or a transformation between pixel/line and georeferenced coordinates cannot be computed for D:/SBX315/Tools/Work/L18X84366X84403Y202232Y202277.BMP. There is no affine transformation and no GCPs. Specify transformation option SRC_METHOD=NO_GEOTRANSFORM to bypass this check.

QGIS Drag and drop options dialog:

Any suggestions of what I might have done incorrectly?

Cheers, Rob.

 

[GaryGB]

Hi Rob:

Although I have not yet allocated time to learning how to use QGIS (I use Global Mapper), it might be helpful to your current task to know that the L*.TXT Geo-referencing "world" file output by SBuilderX (which has the same matching file name prefix as the accompanying L*.BMP), contains (EPSG:4326) Geographic coordinate data to use manually as that L*.BMP is "Rectified" upon import to QGIS.

NOTE: The L*.TXT Geo-referencing "world" file output by SBuilderX is a proprietary format, so QGIS does not know how to read it ...as it is NOT a 'GIS standard' format world file.

Thus, one must manually use the L*.TXT Geo-referencing "world" file info when that L*.BMP is "Rectified" upon initial import to QGIS


After that L*.BMP is "Rectified" / imported to QGIS in its existing (EPSG:4326) format, it might be helpful to first export a copy of the image from QGIS as a GeoTiff in (EPSG:4326) format.

Then, try importing that GeoTiff in its existing (EPSG:4326) format into a blank project before then attempting to re-project it into (EPSG:3857) format.

Possibly this may allow QGIS will be able to read a GeoTIFF *.TFW Geo-referencing 'world' file in a 'GIS standard' way.


When I get some additional time free (later today ?), I will try to study your QGIS error log to see if I can discern if it is only unable to read the SBuilderX proprietary L*.TXT Geo-referencing 'world' file for the SBuilder L*.BMP, or if it also is not satisfied with the command line structure for this re-projection process.

As Arno is reportedly still on vacation, perhaps in the mean time rhumbaflappy (Richard Ludowise) or Holger Sandmann might also be more immediately familiar with how to use QGIS for this type of procedure (...as they are reportedly familiar with QGIS and its tool-set).

Hope this info helps get you farther along with this task in QGIS.

GaryGB

 

[Deleted member 12505]

Hi Gary,

QGIS is reading the SBuilderX L*.BMP on a drag and drop operation ... that's the first image I posted above ... which I then specify coordinate system where I select WGS 84 EPSG:4326 which I believe is the format of the L*.BMP file generated by SBuilderX per your information unless I mis-understood?

I'm not sure where in QGIS I would enter the L*.TXT data ... assume this is what you mean by "Rectified"?

Cheers, Rob.

 

[GaryGB]

Hi Rob:

Just got a few minutes free on a I-Pad.

Which version of QGIS are you using ?

FYI: There a number of different QGIS 'flavors' online out in the wild.


If you would be so kind as to post a link to the download used for your QGIS installer, that would be helpful also.


BTW: While awaiting a reply, I found these pertinent QGIS tutorials on Google:

https://gdal.org/programs/gdalwarp.html

https://www.qgistutorials.com/en/docs/using_plugins.html

http://www.duweis.com/support/viewdoc.html?l=en&f=qgis&k=georeference

https://docs.qgis.org/3.4/en/docs/user_manual/plugins/plugins_georeferencer.html

https://www.qgistutorials.com/en/docs/advanced_georeferencing.html


..On the road again...

GaryGB

 

[GaryGB]

Hi Rob:

IIUC, the GDAL command:

gdalwarp -s_srs EPSG:4326 -t_srs EPSG:3857 -r near -of BMP

..tells gdalwarp to re-project: D:/SBX315/Tools/Work/L18X84366X84403Y202232Y202277.BMP

...using Nearest Neighbor Resampling (default, fastest algorithm, worst interpolation quality)

...and to output into:

C:/Users/Rob/AppData/Roaming/QGIS/QGIS3/profiles/default/processing/outputs/KCCR_FULL_BASE_3857.bmp


I'm not sure I understand use of "backward Back-Slashes" (aka "Forward Slashes" commonly referred to as: Slashes (/) in paths ?


In Windows, a Folder and/or File path would be written with Back-Slashes (\), thus avoiding "Slash backlash", so, IIUC:

Source path:

D:/SBX315/Tools/Work/L18X84366X84403Y202232Y202277.BMP

...should instead be:

D:\SBX315\Tools\Work\L18X84366X84403Y202232Y202277.BMP


...and:

Target path:

C:/Users/Rob/AppData/Roaming/QGIS/QGIS3/profiles/default/processing/outputs/KCCR_FULL_BASE_3857.bmp

...should instead be:

C:\Users\Rob\AppData\Roaming\QGIS\QGIS3\profiles\default\processing\outputs\KCCR_FULL_BASE_3857.bmp



AFAIK, GDAL command syntax to re-project your L*.BMP above would instead be this: (...using Bilinear Resampling / GeoTIFF file format)

gdalwarp -s_srs EPSG:4326 -t_srs EPSG:3857 -r bilinear -of GTiff


..which tells gdalwarp to re-project:

D:\SBX315\Tools\Work\L18X84366X84403Y202232Y202277.BMP

...using:

Bilinear Resampling (better than default interpolation quality for Raster imagery)

...and to output into:

GeoTIFF *.TIF file format: (also outputs accompanying *.TFW "world" file in 'GIS standard' format

C:\Users\Rob\AppData\Roaming\QGIS\QGIS3\profiles\default\processing\outputs\KCCR_FULL_BASE_3857.tif


Assuming I interpreted GDAL documentation on gdalwarp syntax correctly, I hope this may be a successful command string to test.

GaryGB

 

[Deleted member 12505]

Hi Gary,

I'm using QGIS Desktop v3.8.1 obtained from HERE. Windows standalone installer 64bit.

I'm not sure I understand why the log indicated "/" slash either, this isn't something I entered manually ... it's all UI based so no command line.

I was trying to avoid doing command line work as it's so prone to user entry error (aka me) and I just hate typing it in (I hate it so much I use Notepad to enter the command string to save file and execute a bat file).

I'll test GDALWARP command line tomorrow and see if 3DSMax likes the TIF output.

One other question, where are you getting center lat/lon values from per this document? Will they be contained in the Metadata from .TIF output?

Cheers, Rob.

 

[GaryGB]

https://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/threads/about-wgs84-images.445708/post-828104

I'm not sure I understand why the log indicated "/" slash either, this isn't something I entered manually ... it's all UI based so no command line.

Apparently the QGIS programmers have not implemented a code option to display paths using the Backslash character to maintain explicit compatibility with a growing number of applications written in Windows-based programming languages, even though there may already be an option in the QGIS QT / Python coding used to create QGIS itself.

https://stackoverflow.com/questions...ward-slash-issue-in-path-on-windows-in-python


Apparently this coding preference is to maintain cross-OS-platform compatibility for QGIS plugins coded as Python-related scripts.

https://issues.qgis.org/issues/12084

https://gis.stackexchange.com/questions/170797/running-pyqgis-script-in-windows

https://www.howtogeek.com/181774/wh...hes-and-everything-else-uses-forward-slashes/


Although Windows reportedly can support either a Slash or Backslash delimited path format, IMHO with the rapidly growing number of custom applications being created for use in Windows, use of a 'Slash' (/) Folder and File path delimiter character is asking for trouble.

https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/ie/2006/12/06/file-uris-in-windows/

https://stackoverflow.com/questions...ween-forward-slash-and-backslash-in-file-path

https://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/threads/about-wgs84-images.445708/post-828104

One other question, where are you getting center lat/lon values from per this document? Will they be contained in the Metadata from .TIF output?

Cheers, Rob.

I would first try Arno's MCX Coordinate Converter:

Coordinate converter

https://www.fsdeveloper.com/wiki/index.php?title=ModelConverterX#Coordinate_converter


...using the workflow mentioned in the above cited wiki:

Align background image in 3D editor - Calculating position

https://www.fsdeveloper.com/wiki/in...round_image_in_3D_editor#Calculating_position


Compare MCX' Metadata with that from a Global Mapper demo (...since QGIS can't get out of its own way in being consistently obscure ).


FYI: Since the current Global Mapper demo and trial mechanism is reportedly intrusive and draconian, I'd suggest using an earlier demo.

You can download / install this feature-limited (no exports) USGS viewer called DLGV32 Pro (aka Global Mapper 13 demo - non-expiring):

https://www.mediafire.com/file/ug44dpiy27jnfqf/dlgv32_pro_usgs_setup_exe.zip/file


For a historical reference on USGS Digital Data Viewer: DLGV32 Pro:

https://www.bluemarblegeo.com/products/global-mapper-dlgv32.php


DLGV32 Pro was distributed free for all to use until a couple of years ago by USGS, and the installer is still legal to use (old URL is offline).

It is safe to use, and is a legal copy I downloaded directly from USGS years ago.


Global Mapper v13 (aka "GM-13") demo was intended only to "view" imagery and identify coordinates, as well as perform measurements etc. ...in a particular GIS "projection" format.

It allows viewing of (4) data files at a time, and will impose other limitations until purchased.


A e-mailed Registration key is entered after one purchases a license for use of all features.

https://www.bluemarblegeo.com/knowl.../Using_Global_Mapper_with_a_Trial_License.htm


I do not recommend using the Global Mapper demo currently available online, until having learned how Global Mapper works, to avoid being blocked from re-installing it in the future.

Doing initial learning in a non-expiring GM-13 demo may allow one to more 'successfully' use the fully functioning Global Mapper demo currently available online for period of 2 weeks.


Currently one must otherwise use a demo of the latest Global Mapper which expires after 2-weeks, so this older version is still useful.


You can Open your GeoTIFF output by GDALWARP in DLGV32 Pro (aka: Global Mapper v13 demo aka: "GM-13") via:

GM-13 Menu > File > Open


Metadata for a loaded GIS file can be viewed / copied via:

GM-13 Menu > Tools > Control Center > select: your GDALWARP GeoTIFF 'layer' > click: [Metadata] button.


PS: Theoretically, if working in a true non-warped aka "Flat Earth" GIS projection using numeric (Cartesian) coordinates, one should be able to compute the Center Pixel coordinate position by subtracting the smallest coordinate value from the largest coordinate value for each of the Latitudinal and Longitudinal coordinate axes.

Pixel is Point vs. Pixel is Area parameter value may also be considered depending on the type of data set values and projections used.

https://gis.stackexchange.com/quest...oordinates-of-pixels-in-georeferenced-rasters

https://trac.osgeo.org/gdal/ticket/3837

https://gis.stackexchange.com/questions/262726/does-qgis-handle-area-or-point-metadata-tag


https://www.prepar3d.com/SDKv4/sdk/world/terrain/terrain_overview.html#The Resample Tool


CAVEAT: Geographic (and Cartesian ?) coordinates 'may' change when GIS "Projection" and/or "Datum" format changes


Hope this helps a bit more.

GaryGB

 

[Deleted member 12505]

Hi Gary,

I took a look at Global Mapper, license is $549 and appears to only do imagery conversion ... I must admit I'm not sure why it's $549 when it doesn't actually download any imagery and most of the imagery I can obtain via other sources is already in WGS84 format and in theory can be converted (re-projected) in GDALWARP or QGIS UI which appears to call GDALWARP. I may try GlobalMapper and request a trial license for 14 days. I believe GlobalMapper will export to GeoTiff and I can use GeoTiffToInI tool found on FSDeveloper.

The issue I seem to facing with QGIS is the error:

"ERROR 1: The transformation is already "north up" or a transformation between pixel/line and georeferenced coordinates cannot be computed for D:/SBX315/Tools/Work/L18X84366X84403Y202232Y202277.BMP. There is no affine transformation and no GCPs. Specify transformation option SRC_METHOD=NO_GEOTRANSFORM to bypass this check."

The pathing presentation (forward or backward slash) doesn't appear to be relevant to the specific error above.

I'll revisit this article and see if I can make the command line work after I give GlobalMapper a go.

Cheers, Rob.

 

[GaryGB]

https://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/threads/about-wgs84-images.445708/post-828160

Hi Gary,

I took a look at Global Mapper, license is $549 and appears to only do imagery conversion

... I must admit I'm not sure why it's $549 when it doesn't actually download any imagery and most of the imagery I can obtain via other sources is already in WGS84 format and in theory can be converted (re-projected) in GDALWARP or QGIS UI which appears to call GDALWARP.

I may try GlobalMapper and request a trial license for 14 days. I believe GlobalMapper will export to GeoTiff and I can use GeoTiffToInI tool found on FSDeveloper.

GlobalMapper does MANY things with regard to GIS data:

https://www.bluemarblegeo.com/products/global-mapper-features.php

https://www.bluemarblegeo.com/docs/guides/global-mapper-19-getting-started-guide-en.pdf


Try this first in GM-13:

1.) GM-13 Menu > Tools > Configuration > {Projection} tab

a.) Projection: click: [Init From EPSG] button > enter: 3857 > Click: [OK] button


2.) GM-13 Menu > File > Download Online Imagery / Topo / Terrain Maps

a.) In Select Online Data Source To Download dialog > Select Data Source

(1) Click: [+] WORLDWIDE DATA > click: World Imagery


(b.) In Select Online Data Source To Download dialog > Select Area To Download

(1) 'Tick' / Enter: Within [3] [Miles] of Latitude [ 37.989722 ] [ -122.056944 ] Longitude

NOTE: The above are Geographic coordinates for KCCR according to Wikipedia:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buchanan_Field_Airport

https://tools.wmflabs.org/geohack/g...03_25_W_region:US-CA_scale:10000_type:airport

https://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/threads/about-wgs84-images.445708/post-828160

The issue I seem to facing with QGIS is the error:

"ERROR 1: The transformation is already "north up" or a transformation between pixel/line and georeferenced coordinates cannot be computed for D:/SBX315/Tools/Work/L18X84366X84403Y202232Y202277.BMP. There is no affine transformation and no GCPs. Specify transformation option SRC_METHOD=NO_GEOTRANSFORM to bypass this check."

The pathing presentation (forward or backward slash) doesn't appear to be relevant to the specific error above.

I'll revisit this article and see if I can make the command line work after I give GlobalMapper a go.

Cheers, Rob.

Indeed, that error message merits further explanation.

I'll try to find more info on what it may actually refer to ...as time permits.

LATER...

I'll wager the above cited GDALWARP - QGIS error is the result of a Drag-N-Drop into QGIS of a *.BMP which was not manually Geo-referenced (aka "Rectified") during import, and the SBuilderX *.TXT 'world' file proprietary format could not be interpreted by QGIS as a "GIS standard" format.


IIUC, a 'world' file may otherwise have been the intended source for QGIS to read 'Ground Control Points' (aka "GCP's") during import of the *.BMP imagery file.

AFAIK, GDALWARP treats the *.BMP as a "RAW" file since it also finds no Geo-referencing tags in a *.BMP file header.


Technically a 'world' file can be created for most image files, but one would need to make a ex: *. BPW file manually:

https://gis.stackexchange.com/questions/309654/import-bmp-raster-with-worldfile-tfw-into-qgis

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_file


Obviously that is not a trivial process to do accurately, so manually Geo-referencing *.BMP files in QGIS is preferable.

https://docs.qgis.org/3.4/en/docs/user_manual/plugins/plugins_georeferencer.html

GaryGB

 

[Deleted member 12505]

Hi Gary,

I'm making some progress, unfortunately USGS data is JPEG2000 and I need to convert that to GeoTIFF and the link to the script syntax to do that is no longer valid. Looks like I can accomplish this in GDAL ... any chance you know the command line?

Cheers, Rob.

 

[GaryGB]

Hi Rob:

I'd have to study the QGIS documentation and test it (...I have not had time to install and tinker with QGIS yet.)


As a counter proposal, do you still need a Geo-referenced non-warped 1-piece *.BMP for a background in 3DSMAX ?

If so, here it is; I just tested / verified this easy work-flow to do that using downloaded imagery tiles in SBuilderX.


To output a 1-piece *.BMP of selected tiles from the SBuilderX work-space in a non-warped format for use in ADE or a 3D modeling application:

1.) SBuilderX Menu > Edit > Edit INI file... (SBuilderX.INI opens in NotePad)

a.) In NotePad > SBuilderX.INI > Under [Tiles] section, Edit:

ReprojectMercatorTiles=True

...and change it to read:

ReprojectMercatorTiles=False

b.) NotePad Menu > File > Save

c.) NotePad Menu > File > Exit

2.) SBuilderX Menu > File > Add Map > From Background

a.) Follow usual procedures to download / select tiles (do not compile to BGL)

3.) SBuilderX outputs non-warped format 1-piece *.BMP / *.TXT into:

[SBuilderX install path]\Tools\Work sub-folder



NOTE: For use in ADE, that 1-piece *.BMP must first be processed in ex: GIMP to make either numerous smaller tile segments, or very low resolution 24-Bit JPGs, so they can be "Added" as "Images" in ADE using UTM Metadata for use as background imagery 'tiles' loaded 1-at-a-time while working on the corresponding local area of KCCR in ADE.


CAVEAT: Restore normal SDK Resample compatible output of a 1-piece *.BMP of selected tiles from the SBuilderX work-space in a warped format for use in making ex: custom photo-real imagery land class terrain textures:

1.) SBuilderX Menu > Edit > Edit INI file... (SBuilderX.INI opens in NotePad)

a.) In NotePad > SBuilderX.INI > Under [Tiles] section, Edit:

ReprojectMercatorTiles=False

...and change it to read:

ReprojectMercatorTiles=True

b.) NotePad Menu > File > Save

c.) NotePad Menu > File > Exit


Hope this helps with your current or pending tasks.

GaryGB

 

[Deleted member 12505]

Hi Gary,

Yes, I need the non-warped BMP for 3DSMax plane.

Will follow your procedure above and report back (probably tomorrow) ... have to head out now, the gym and wife are calling (at the same time)

Many thanks!

Cheers, Rob.

 

[GaryGB]

https://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/threads/about-wgs84-images.445708/post-828182

Hi Gary,

I'm making some progress, unfortunately USGS data is JPEG2000

Hi Rob:

Whether this latter task might be for purposes of making a background image for 3DSMAX, or as a source for a custom photo-real imagery land class BGL, all USGS imagery is likely to need re-projection via a GIS application.


BTW: I assume you would always want to use the best quality imagery freely available for public distribution as either payware or freeware ...from USGS / USDA sources.


CAVEAT: With very few exceptions, USGS JPEG-2000 imagery listed via The National Map (aka "USGS-TNM") which IIUC you allude to above, is highly compressed / degraded in visual quality, and relatively lower in resolution compared to other available imagery, thus, IMHO, unsuitable for either of the above tasks, if considering what else is available.


The good news is, you can get imagery for KCCR area at much better overall visual quality and at a higher resolution via USGS EarthExplorer:

https://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/


If you utilize your USGS 'Profile' login and password to login, that will enable file downloads.


FYI: If you do not yet have a USGS 'Profile', you can register to get one for free at:

https://ers.cr.usgs.gov/register/


Navigate: EarthExplorer - Home - Map Viewer >

{Search Criteria} tab > Drag / Zoom Map to KCCR area of interest > click: [Use Map] button > click: [Results] button

{Data Sets} tab > click: [+] Aerial Imagery > check: High Resolution Orthoimagery checkbox

click: [Results] button > {Results} tab for High Resolution Orthoimagery shows ex: 100 files in 10 groups


Feel free to inquire further if you have any questions about this option to find better quality (free) source data.

https://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/threads/about-wgs84-images.445708/post-828182

Hi Gary,

I'm making some progress, unfortunately USGS data is JPEG2000 and I need to convert that to GeoTIFF and the link to the script syntax to do that is no longer valid.

Cheers, Rob.

Which "link to the script syntax" are you referring to ?

If you post the link here in a reply, I can try to see what happened to it, and/or verify a new URL for that info.

GaryGB

 

[Deleted member 12505]

Hi Gary,

Downloaded Hi Res Ortho from https://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/ ... several files come with the download (shapefiles - dbf, prj, sbn, sbx, shp, shx - image - tif and tfw, xml). Agree the image quality does seem to be much better.

Installed GM 13 but I'm not sure there is a non-expiring demo??

Doing initial learning in a non-expiring GM-13 demo may allow one to more 'successfully' use the fully functioning Global Mapper demo currently available online for period of 2 weeks

I've requested a trial license but that will last only 14 days and without a trial license I can't do any exports. Request sent to authorize@bluemarblegeo.com . FYI, there is no "request license" option from the GM-13 Registery dialog ... GM-13 appears to be a different process than the current GM in the link you provided: https://www.bluemarblegeo.com/knowl.../Using_Global_Mapper_with_a_Trial_License.htm

GM-13 registration dialog looks like this (very different from link above):

I don't mind paying $549 for Global Mapper, but I'd like to know that Global Mapper is going to provide what I need before I purchase ... so hopefully I'll get response from my request.

So now I wait for Global Mapper trial license ...

Cheers, Rob.

 

[GaryGB]

Hi Rob:

Indeed, it appears the new owner of Global Mapper ( Blue Marble Geographics ) has fully deprecated GM-13.

Sorry if I was not more clear about the GM-13 "demo" (vs. 'trial') referring to a version with known limited functionality:

https://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/threads/about-wgs84-images.445708/post-828152

Global Mapper v13 (aka "GM-13") demo was intended only to "view" imagery and identify coordinates, as well as perform measurements etc. ...in a particular GIS "projection" format.

It allows viewing of (4) data files at a time, and will impose other limitations until purchased.


A e-mailed Registration key is entered after one purchases a license for use of all features.

https://www.bluemarblegeo.com/knowl.../Using_Global_Mapper_with_a_Trial_License.htm


I do not recommend using the Global Mapper demo currently available online, until having learned how Global Mapper works, to avoid being blocked from re-installing it in the future.

Doing initial learning in a non-expiring GM-13 demo may allow one to more 'successfully' use the fully functioning Global Mapper demo currently available online for period of 2 weeks.


Currently one must otherwise use a demo of the latest Global Mapper which expires after 2-weeks, so this older version is still useful.

Admittedly, there a few significant changes that were imparted to Global Mapper (aka "GM") since version 13. but GM-13 continues to be very full-featured version of that GIS software package.

IIRC:

GM-15 was a very good version, with a somewhat better 3D view rendering engine, and Google *.KMZ I/O capabilities.

GM-17 was also more capable with new LiDAR file format I/O and classification features, but IMHO, had a malfunctioning 3D view rendering engine, some more Google *.KMZ I/O capabilities as well as limited Sketchup 3D I/O.

GM-18 was also more capable with further enhanced LiDAR file format I/O and classification features, as well as a somewhat better 3D view rendering engine, expanded Google *.KMZ I/O capabilities, and more Sketchup 3D I/O.

GM-20 further enhanced LiDAR file format I/O and classification features, as well as a slightly better 3D view rendering engine; I have not yet tested its Google *.KMZ I/O capabilities or Sketchup 3D I/O feature set.

[EDITED]

Also, generally speaking, the GM digital drawing tools have steadily improved, and the Right-click context menu for that tool has been re-organized into a cascading fly-out type of menu in order to accommodate new features.

I almost forgot to mention that a nice addition to the digital drawing tools is a 'true' Rectangle drawing option that enforces Right Angle corners, which will prove very useful in making object (ex: building) footprints to be exported as 2D vectors for import and extrusion as '3D primitives' in a 3D modeling application such as Sketchup, Blender, GMAX / 3DSMAX, or perhaps as Geo-referenced source data for Arno's ScenProc.

[END_EDIT]

I shall look forward to seeing how your GM-20 trial works for you.

AFAIK, a GM-20 demo enables a higher resolution ESRI ArcGIS "World Imagery" data download ...than a GM-13 demo.

GaryGB