US Government OKs Sale of Sharper Satellite Images

Posted by samzenpus on Thursday June 12, 2014 @05:13PM from the clear-skies dept.

itwbennett (1594911) writes The U.S. government has lifted a long-standing restriction that meant companies like Google and Microsoft didn't have access to the most accurate pictures taken by imaging satellites. Satellite operator DigitalGlobe said that it received approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce this week to sell sharper images to its clients. Until now, satellite operators like DigitalGlobe were prevented by law from selling images to foreign or commercial organizations in which features smaller than 50 centimeters were visible. The restriction was meant to ensure that foreign powers didn't get access to satellite images that were too good.

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People can use sharper images by tooslickvan · 2014-06-12 17:26 · Score: 5, Funny

I glad that US government has finally approved sharper images. Hopefully, this increase the availability of ionic breezes for everyone.
1. Re:People can use sharper images by TapeCutter · 2014-06-12 20:21 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  They had no choice but to use sharper images, Apple holds the patent on round corners.
  
  --
  And did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage? - Pink Floyd.
Re:Oh...they have access to better imagery... by RabidReindeer · 2014-06-12 23:36 · Score: 3, Funny

The next generation of satellites has a high enough resolution to use facial detection algorithms on the images
No matter how good your resolution that's not gonna happen from a vertical angle.
They'll just work back from reflections on automobile windshields.