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Balloon Mapping Kit

 

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Once assembled, this kit -- developed by community researchers from the Public Laboratory for Open Technology and Science -- enables you to collect your own aerial photos from up to 1000 ft. Using the open source MapKnitter web-based software, you can stitch the resulting images into a web-viewable map -- your own "counter-cartography" Google Maps. Use it to tell a different story from the "official" map -- document contamination (it was used to map the BP oil spill) or wetlands loss, or to record a temporary condition like the Occupy Oakland encampment.

To learn more about balloon mapping, check out the open source documentation on the Public Laboratory website.

In addition to this kit, you'll need a camera that can do continuous shooting and a 2-liter soda or juice bottle. Click here for details, but each kit includes:

• A 5.5 foot (170cm) reusable balloon made of a latex/chloroprene (neoprene) mix
• 1000 feet (305m) of 110lb test (55 kilo) Dacron line, pre-wound on an 8" hoop winder
• Protective leather-palm cotton gloves for handling the line. Thin line can cause burns to unprotected hands.  
• Three high-strength (270lb) swivel clips.  For attaching the balloon and camera
• twenty rubber bands. for making a camera cradle
• ten zip ties. for closing the balloon
• one 1" rubber ring. for attaching the balloon to the line
• one steel carabiner. for anchoring the balloon on the ground
• two aluminum mini carabiners. for attaching cameras to the line
• printed instruction booklet
• reusable box with handle

Buyers outside the US/Canada use this link to purchase.

$95.00 Add to Cart