Investigate Compare the two orthophotos. – What changes do you see between the two dates? Describe them. – How have the changes affected the landscape? Orthophotos Aerial photographs are images that are taken from an aircraft. These photographs provide interesting information , especially when comparing two images of the same place taken from the same altitude, but on dif ferent dates. (18 and 19) These images have some distortions due to aircraft movement, tilt, camera lenses and uneven terrain . Distortions can be corrected with restorers, which are devices that result in what we call orthophotos. These f lat images are so precise that maps and measurements are made from them. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) GIS are a set of tools that process georeferenced data (data related to positions on Earth's surface). These tools integrate a wide range of information and organise it in layers, which can be viewed on maps. GIS help to establish relations between various aspects of a map. For this reason , they can assess how various phenomena evolve in reality. This allows predictions to be made and acted upon . GIS are a valuable tool that can be applied in a wide range of fields, such as security, archaeology, urban planning and transport. (20) 18. Arenal d'en Castell beach in Menorca in 1968 19. Arenal d'en Castell beach in Menorca in 2014 20. GIS are used in police stations. Copernicus, a European environmental monitoring project Copernicus is the European Union's Earth observation and monitoring programme. It is led by the European Space Agency and the European Commission. Copernicus provides accurate and up-to-date data collected on the ground or from space by more than 30 satellites. The project's goal is to improve environmental management, combat climate change and promote public safety. Copernicus aims to help put in place policies that ensure the sustainability of the planet. 21
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