"I believe our image library was chosen by Google because these algorithmically-enhanced satellite maps are state-of-the art in accuracy and resolution, helping scientists, environmentalists, and communities gain deep understanding about the important harmful algal bloom problem in our waterways," stated Milt Baker, Blue Water Satellite CEO. See proprietary images of increased cyanobacteria in Lake Erie from 1994-2013 by clicking here, http://www.bluewatersatellite.com/lake-erie-satellite-images
"Unfortunately Lake Erie has become 'ground zero' for toxic algae outbreaks and treatment efforts over the last 20 years have produced little improvement. We are publishing this imagery to provide fresh insights and to enable new approaches and new ideas to combat the harmful algae blooms problem. For example our latest image from April 11, 2014, shows a large amount of sediment flowing into Lake Erie which contains phosphorus, the food that drives harmful algal bloom growth," continued Mr. Baker. See a number of insightful Lake Erie images in Google Maps Gallery by clicking here, https://maps.google.com/gallery/details?id=z7veCJyS73r4.kYcllZ9NnEdw&hl=en
The Blue Water Satellite map library focuses on the Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Problem in Western Lake Erie showing maps dating back to 1994. Letting people trace specific concentrations and locations of harmful algal blooms over the years helps tell the story of what is happening. "This satellite imaging technology was jointly developed by NASA, Bowling Green State University, and Blue Water Satellite and Google Maps Gallery will enable this important scientific data to be more accessible to the general public, key stakeholders and policy makers."
The initial Lake Erie Gallery features images from 1994, 2002, 2008, 2013, and 2014 from Landsat 7 and 8 and show concentrations of harmful algal blooms and sediment along the lake. These are interactive maps that allow you to zoom in to specific points of personal interest. "We are starting with 5 interactive images, but we expect to be adding many more in the months ahead."
Residents along Lake Erie will be able to view concentration of algal blooms at various time intervals adjacent to their property. City governments and parks departments will have new data on the water quality of specific beaches, and business communities that rely on summer business around Lake Erie will be able to see the extent of the problems facing their communities. Anyone wanting data on Western Lake Erie simply needs to go to https://maps.google.com/gallery/details?id=z7veCJyS73r4.kYcllZ9NnEdw&hl=en to access the Blue Water Satellite Library and view the analysis data or go to http://www.bluewatersatellite.com for more information.
"We have a lot of information we believe helps get at the root of the harmful algal bloom problem in Lake Erie -- including the ability to pinpoint where the algal blooms are likely to release microcystin, the toxin produced by some harmful algal blooms and the Google Maps platform will make this data more accessible to more people and stimulate new discussions and promote new treatment alternatives," concluded Baker.
To see an insightful White Paper on the correlation between Microcystin and Cyanobacteria, click here, http://www.bluewatersatellite.com/microcystin
To help Blue Water Satellite provide more useful data and map information to the Google Maps Gallery, please visit the Lake Erie Images and provide us with your feedback on the images and other imagery you would like at info@bluewatersatellite.com
For more information please contact: Milt Baker Blue Water Satellite mbaker@bluewatersatellite.com (419)-728-0060 Ext 101