using satelite images to find scrap metal

[jghilino]

My new idea is to check out the satellite images to see who around you has alot of scrap on there property and then target those properties. Good idea or invasion of privacy? Thoughts?

[Gravitar]

Worth a shot. Here are the only things I would recommend to anyone thinking about doing this.

1. Keep in mind the imagery in Google Maps is only updated every 6 months, so it gets outdated.

2. Don't mention you saw scrap on Google Maps because it sounds kinda creepy.

[Wolfwerx]

It may be helpful/good idea, but be aware that Google sat images aren't "real time".

[Wolfwerx]

Worth a shot, though. Check farms and other big plots of private land.

[eAlchemist]

My new idea is to check out the satellite images to see who around you has alot of scrap on there property and then target those properties. Good idea or invasion of privacy? Thoughts?

I would suggest using local GIS maps. Google maps and the like only let you zoom down to a certain elevation. Of course you can use street view where available, but it is also very cumbersome. Many states and municipalites have GIS maps freely available online. You can try and search Anytown US State GIS and see what pops up. Many times these maps are photographed during the winter so that tree cover is not present allowing you to see underneath what would be canopy cover. The picture resolution is usually better than Google Maps.

For instance here is Kansas City, Missouri. I was able to zoom into 1"=40' and it is clear as day.
Kansas City GIS
1. Choose "Online Mapping"
2. Choose "Basemap > Ortho 2012"
3. Zoom in using your scroll wheel

The only drawback is that sometimes you have to pay for these maps. Sometimes each county in a state is tasked with keeping up with there maps or each city. In Georgia, the tax assessors office is who handles these maps, or elsewhere some other office's website will have the maps.

You can also use GIS to look at land parcels and see who owns them, how much they are worth, get plats and so on.

[jghilino]

updated every 2 years

[Jonniebrass]

I have heard of people doing that (myth ) not sure. The kid on the restore show from vegas said he did it to find stuff but thats tv. I think it has possibilities.

[RustyDollars]

I think satellite imagry is a tool that must be used with descretion. For example if I received a card (or if someone stopped in) and stated that they see I have 2 old lawn mowers out back, my first thought is they must have trespassed when I wasn't home because that's the only way they would know that. At that point the only thing I'm going to want to tell them is GTFO and don't ever come back!

On the other hand if I received a card that just stated that this person picks up old junk then I might consider calling them for the 2 lawn mowers. (If I wasn't planning on scrapping them myself of course).

[jbravo54]

Google maps are updated much longer. Looking at my parents property, the image is 10 years old. I know because there is still a maze I mowed in the hayfield 10 years ago.

Though old scap piles are usually sitting for a long time. I imagine you can find abandoned cars as well.

[greytruck]

One problem i can think of is the time of year the photo was taken because of the trees. If i look at my area with google maps all i can see is trees and roofs