aerial/satellite imagery

[BottomDweller]

does anyone have any idea if there is something out there similar to google earth that might show the user an up-to-date, near real-time image of the earth?  i am interested in being able to scout for ice without having to walk miles into the backcountry - being able to discern that a lake is no longer open-water on something like this would save some time and miles.

[IrishIce99]

That would be sweet if there was such a thing.

[BottomDweller]

i guess i'll just have to call nasa

[mmb]

NOAA has it for the Great Lakes.  MODIS Imagery is the link you want. 

http://coastwatch.glerl.noaa.gov/

[RickTheRock]

Try this its from microsoft and its free.
http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&cp=44.023938~-99.71&style=h&lvl=4&tilt=-89.875918865193&dir=0&alt=7689462.6842358

Rock

[primepin65]

while you would be able to tell if an area had ice, you would not be able to tell how thick it was which is more important....i guess nothing can replace good ol fashion foot work for checking lakes...

[boatnik13]

I think your thinking of real time type maps. You would need to find lakes that have live cam.
Many area's do have live cam and even the shore points. The cams don't move but you can see the ice or weather conditions in seconds. Just looking at a half dozen map sites of the same lake I see the time frame is diffrent on each one and can vary in years simply but looking at the shore line and the water line. Getting a online look is many times 6 months or more old.

[Fishin Fireman]

Try the National Weather Service for ice thickness reports, we have them measure area thickness all across the state in Alaska.

[Turkeyhunter10ga]

Try this its from microsoft and its free.
http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&cp=44.023938~-99.71&style=h&lvl=4&tilt=-89.875918865193&dir=0&alt=7689462.6842358

Rock

Without doing the download, the sat. image behind it is not current. exploded the view till i could locate my house and the trees are still in full leaf like its summer

[franktank232]

Modis is pretty good, but its hard to see smaller lakes.  Even the big lake nearest me is just a dot more or less.  The Europeans have a similar satellite you can view http://esa.int ...  Imagery shows a little more detail, but only works if you have clear conditions and if the satellite passes over your area (the imagery changes daily due to the orbit of the satellite).  Best be would be to check a webcam or call someone near the lake!

 

[boatnik13]

Just a reminder if your in Pennsylvania > you can check the DCNR site for ice thickness on DCNR controled waterways. I think they start in January .

[spudbar]

That's a sure sign of lazyness BD, unethical, and coky, pilgrim jeesh Get up, off yer a$$, on yer feet, outa the shade in the ???t