Introduction:
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is acquiring high resolution color orthoimagery for 133 most populated metropolitan areas of the United States. As an essential element of The National Map, (http://nationalmap.usgs.gov)the need for up-to-date imagery is critical for Homeland Security, and Emergency Response. The imagery can be used as a base layer for updating or deriving additional geographic information, such as transportation networks, hydrographic features, elevation and land cover.
Acquisition of Imagery:
The goal is to collect imagery over the metropolitan areas with a resolution of approximately 1/3 meter or about 1 foot. The example at the top right is of the city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Example of orthoimagery of
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 
