Comments on: More with Google Maps

By: ptomblin_lj

ptomblin_lj — Wed, 06 Apr 2005 15:30:49 +0000

– Surveying straight lines, even aligned relative to true north, is an ancient technology. Even the pyramid builders could do it. You don’t need satellites, just two straight sticks to sight over.

– Yes, there are no SR-71s flying any more since NASA retired theirs a few years ago.

By: flipzagging

flipzagging — Wed, 06 Apr 2005 11:54:06 +0000

Also, earthlings are not ready for the White House’s message to the aliens.

By: Rich

Rich — Wed, 06 Apr 2005 06:48:07 +0000

Well, it is a US military base. They've had GPS at some level of precision since 1978. But even then I'd expect a good surveyor to be able to do that without electronics; it's no different than laying roads and interchanges. Pixelating the Capitol (and obscuring the top of the White House) is probably mostly paranoia, but it does make it hard to find out what roof exits, ventilation systems and ordnance are present. I suspect it'd be pretty easy for terrists to get their own data if they wanted it, though.

By: technotronic

technotronic — Wed, 06 Apr 2005 04:59:27 +0000

Wow, I never knew about that insanely large compass. I wonder what it’s actually made with on the ground. It’s amazingly accurate and straight for the length as I imagine it was made before GPS and such.

I thought SR-71’s were completely and totally out of commision.

I never realized that the Las Vegas Strip was so close to the airport.

And what use it to pixelate above the capital? I’m guessing it’s for homeland security stuff but I don’t see how it helps anything.

By: flipzagging

flipzagging — Wed, 06 Apr 2005 04:05:06 +0000

Conditions over Capitol Hill are sunny and pixillated.

By: flipzagging

flipzagging — Mon, 01 Jan 2001 08:00:00 +0000