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Google Distributes GeoEye-1 Imagery
GeoEye has released the first images from its Geoeye-1 satellite, which is now safely in orbit following its much delayed launch from California on 7 September.
The resolution is claimed to be better than 500 mm at nadir. This makes it the best currently available on a commercial basis from any space-based source.
At the time of writing, the satellite was still in its commissioning phase and routine distribution of imagery had not yet begun. However, Google has already taken worldwide rights to distribute its imagery online.
'Google has not invested in GeoEye or our satellite, but they are an important customer,' said a company spokesman.
GeoEye says Google will be buying imagery just like any other customer.
'Google is not reselling or distributing our imagery in the traditional sense, but incorporating it into Google Earth and Maps. They do that with Ikonos imagery now. Our agreement with Google is exclusive, and as a result we will not be selling imagery at half-metre resolution to other online mapping sites.'
The arrangement leaves GeoEye's relationships with its existing distributors unchanged, the company says. This includes AAMHatch in the Oceania region.
'AAMHatch is one of our key channel relationships around the globe. This relationship will continue with GeoEye-1.'
Google has also announced a similar arrangement with GeoEye's arch rival, DigitalGlobe. It's WorldView-2 will fly in 2009 and offer even better resolution than GeoEye-1, although it seems both satellites will actually only deliver 500 mm imagery, due to Pentagon sensitivities. The new satellite will accompany WorldView-1 - which arrived on orbit last January - and Quickbird, which has been in orbit for several years.
However, DigitalGlobe's deal with Google is not exclusive, so DigitalGlobe can also supply imagery to, for instance, Microsoft's Virtual Earth.
