Nasa and Japan Released improved Topographic map of EarthPANSADENA

The map , known as a global digital elevation model , was created from images collected by the japanese Advanced Space borne Thermal Emission Reflection Radiometer , or ASTER, instrument aboard Terra.So-called stereo-pair images are produced by merging two slightly offset two-dimensional images to create the three-dimensional effect of depth.The first version of the map was released by NASA and Japans Ministry of Economy,Trade and Industry (METI) in june 2009.The aster global digital elevation model was already the most complete , consistent global topographic map in the world, said woody Turner, ASTER program scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington.with these en