Geospatial Data for Space Shuttle Columbia Recovery Activities
Persons involved in recovery activities for shuttle orbiter Columbia will find the following data in support of their mapping efforts:
- Imagery, both aerial and satellite
- Vector and raster data that are part of the state geospatial framework
- Elevation data with both 10-meter and 30-meter resolution
- Pre-generated maps in PDF format
As new data are created and made available, they will be posted to this site.
Available Data
- DOQQ Mosaics - 1-meter color infrared DOQs mosaicked by county
- Landsat - 30-meter GeoTiffs and JPEGs in three pre-determined band combinations: visible color (321), color infrared (432) and false color (742)
- SPOT - SPOT USA Select 10-meter panchromatic data in half-degree tiles
- EMERGE - 0.6-meter color infrared data for the Nacogdoches area
- StratMap - geospatial framework data for the State of Texas
- Shapefiles
- Elevation - 10-meter and 30-meter DEMs
- PDF Maps | Reports - New "Texas Topos" using data from the Texas Strategic Mapping Program. Also available are the Texas Department of Transportation county maps.
Recovery Efforts
As debris recovery efforts continue in East Texas for the space shuttle Columbia, activities are centering around the GIS/mapping centers at the Forest Resources Institute at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches and the Federal Disaster Field Office in Lufkin. Organizations involved in the recovery effort come from all levels of government, as well as private organizations. Three of the organizations heavily involved in mapping activities related to the Shuttle recovery effort are: Forest Resources Institute (FRI) & HUES GIS Lab at Stephen F. Austin State University, the Mid-American Geospatial Information Center (MAGIC) at the UT Center for Space Research and the Texas Water Development Board's - Texas Natural Resources Information System (TNRIS). All three organizations are providing personnel, equipment and data. Two web sites have been set up to download base data for the 38 counties that have reported finding shuttle debris:
Photos / Video Footage
In order to complete the accident investigation, NASA asks that any persons with photographs or video footage call the Johnson Space Center Emergency Operations Center, (281) 483-3388 or send e-mail.
Condolences
Express your condolences online or send condolence cards to:
Mr. Kent Rominger
Astronaut Office
NASA Johnson Space Center
2101 NASA Road 1
Code CB
Houston, Tex 77058
Debris
A large-scale investigation has begun and anyone who finds debris has been asked to report the find and not to disturb it in any way. NASA has warned citizens not to handle debris as it may contain hazardous chemicals. Three possible chemical contacts - ammonia, monomethyl hydrodize, and nitrotetroxide - can cause burns. If you find debris:- Stay away from the object.
- Contact your local authorities.
- Wash thoroughly with soap and water if contact was made. Change clothes if clothing came in contact.
- If any symptoms of respiratory problems have occurred, please seek medical attention. Let the hospital know your name and phone number for registration.
All debris is United States Government property and is critical to the investigation of the shuttle accident. Any and all debris from the accident is to be left alone and reported to Government authorities. Unauthorized persons found in possession of accident debris will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
