Next Steps
Chicago Region Data Collection Project
The traditional approach to remote sensing is very project-oriented. Each time the need for data arose, the client needed to approach a remote-sensing firm and begin the process of specifying custom project parameters and time lines. The process could sometimes take months as budgets were approved, conditions changed, and needs fluctuated.
RFP Mapping LLC is taking a totally new approach to this process. Having made the initial investments and researched which data will be most useful to the most users, we will soon be able to offer off-the-shelf land cover data on demand.
Benefits
As shown in the map above, this new data product will be immediately available for any data user within the over 3000 square miles covered in the first two phases of the data collection project. Because so much data is being generated at one time and there are no lengthy planning lead times for creating custom products, the data will be available at a greatly reduced cost. What's more is that municipalities, agencies and private firms will be able to engage in consistent, regional planning projects using our contiguous dataset.
Timeline
Potential users should expect to see data from Phase 1 (the red polygons on the map above) in the summer of 2008. Users from the Phase 2 area (green and blue polygons on the map above) can expect off-the-shelf data available in the fall of 2008.