Suriname, South America

In fall 2005, Fugro EarthData began working with the government of Suriname to populate the country's ground and land information system. The project involves acquisition of color-infrared aerial photography for 3,615 sq mi of coastal plain in Suriname's most densely populated area. From this aerial imagery, Fugro EarthData will generate high-resolution orthophotography and digital elevation models (DEMs). Photointerpretation training in land-use and land-cover analysis will also be provided. Since much of the country's economy is tied closely to the land, project datasets and services will be used for sustainable economic development through resource management and land-use planning. Pilot project datasets were delivered in July 2006; final products and services are now underway.