Resolution vs. Information
27.08.2006 21:30 | Technology
What you see in the two pictures below is the very same location. In the greater perspective, the topographic TK20 map is absolutely perfect for hiking and route planning. And next, a small keyhole into GoogleMaps at zoom-level 1.
Although the resolution of the satellite images are perfectly fine, it's an overload of information. If you layout a route in the topographic map, it's possible to work in a wide aspect and still find the trails you want. With the satellite imagery, you can pin down to footsteps, but working in high zoom can be very tedious, as you often loose the overall point of view.
The moral: as ever, less is often more.
Although the resolution of the satellite images are perfectly fine, it's an overload of information. If you layout a route in the topographic map, it's possible to work in a wide aspect and still find the trails you want. With the satellite imagery, you can pin down to footsteps, but working in high zoom can be very tedious, as you often loose the overall point of view.
The moral: as ever, less is often more.
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