High Resolution Aerial Photography of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, 1965-1999

Aerial photographs were acquired for the Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands Benthic Mapping Project in 1999 by NOAA Aircraft Operation Centers aircraft and National Geodetic Survey cameras and personnel. Approximately 600, color, 9 by 9 inch photos were taken of the coastal waters of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands at 1:48000 scale. Specific sun angle and maximum percent cloud cover restrictions were adhered to when possible during photography missions to ensure collection of high quality imagery for the purpose of benthic mapping.Prints and diapositives were created from the original negatives. Diapositives were then scanned at a resolution of 500 dpi using a metric scanner, yielding 2.4 by 2.4 meter pixels for the 1:48000 scale photography. All scans were saved in TIF format for the purposes of orthorectification and photointerpretation. Original TIF's were also converted to *.jpg format to reduce file size and facilitate web-based image distribution. Images are currently available in jpeg format for download at 72, 150, and 500 dpi resolution. Historical images are available for some locations.

This imagery was acquired by the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science to support an ongoing effort to digitally map biotic resources and coordinate a long-term monitoring program that can detect and predict change in U.S. coral reefs, and their associated habitats and biological communities.

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These images are uncorrected and not rotated. The images have 60% forward overlap, and 30% sidelap. Please note the Upper-right Latitude and Upper-right Longitude may be grossly approximated.

These photographs were obtained for use by NOAA during the course of its development of potential final products to fulfill its statutory mission. Although NOAA is making these photographs available to others who may find the photographs of value, NOAA does not warrant, endorse, or recommend the use of these photographs for any given purpose. NOAA is providing these photographs as is; and NOAA disclaims any and all warranties, whether expressed or implied, including (without limitation) any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. In no event will NOAA be liable to you or any third party for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or exemplary damages or lost profits resulting from any use or misuse of these data.

Information on ordering hard copy images can be obtained at: http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/web/APOS2/price_list.shtml;

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We request that you credit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) when you use these photos in a report, publication, or presentation.