If you wish to use the imagery for commercial purposes, make sure it is in the public domain, or purchased. Depending on the source of the imagery, it may come in a variety of formats, including GeoTIFF or JPEG 2000.

The GIS data is older, but much higher resolution.

The left is orthoimagery is from Amherst, MA GIS Data, while the right is from Google Earth. Your area might have local GIS orthoimagery that is of higher quality than the national imagery. The United States has orthoimagery available at The National Map that is free to download and in the public domain. Getting Satellite Imagery Option 1: GIS Dataīefore going to Google Earth or Maps, see if there is any GIS satellite imagery available in your area. Software: Google Earth, Google Maps, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Image Composite Editor This tutorial will show you how to find, download, print, and stitch together those images. High resolution imagery can be used for many purposes, including digital and print maps, backgrounds for drawings, or perspective images of the new 3D imagery. This post has been heavily updated since its original published date of January 1, 2014.

Google earth view map over time