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About Us

PhotoSat is a team of geophysicists and associated geoscientists specializing in the computer processing of high definition elevation data from stereo satellite photos. These detailed elevation maps are used for the identification, evaluation, and monitoring of natural resources and the planning and design of resource development projects and their related facilities and infrastructure. Our goal is to provide satellite photos and derived high definition elevation and other datasets that enable decision makers in the resource industries to make better decisions in less time. Our principal clients are mining, oil and gas, engineering, forestry and environmental companies and government agencies.

PhotoSat’s high definition stereo satellite elevation data processing methods are developed at PhotoSat and are fine tuned for our clients’ specific requirements.  These stereo satellite elevation data processing methods are derived from and modeled on seismic data processing methods.  Seismic processing is the most mature of field of geophysical data processing.  Since the early 1960’s billions of dollars have been spent processing seismic data for oil and gas exploration, resulting in the development of robust processing methods and a technical culture focused on the extraction of signals in the presence of noise.  Whenever possible, our system developers and processors apply the lessons learned by the seismic processors to our stereo satellite elevation mapping challenges.

PhotoSat was founded in Vancouver in 1993. Since that time, we have carried out projects for several hundred companies and government agencies working throughout the world. Some of our major accomplishments include:

• Development of fundamentally new processes for the production of high definition elevation data from 50cm, 1m, 2.5m and 15m ground resolution stereo satellite photos.
• Production of over 60 high definition stereo satellite elevation mapping jobs since 2004.
• Production of several hundred mapping jobs with 10m contours since 2000.
• Development of new orthorectification processes for most types of satellite photos.
• Production of a 2 million square kilometre 5m Ortho Satellite Photo Mosaic in Mexico and Canada.
• Processing of over 1000, 14 spectral band ASTER satellite images for mineral alteration and lithological mapping.
• Development of the first regional Radarsat mosaics after the launch of Radarsat 1.
• Production of Radarsat Mosaics of Indonesia, Philippines, PNG, Central America, Ecuador and Peru.

Gerry Mitchell, P. Geo – President and Founder
PhotoSat is lead by the company founder, Gerry Mitchell. Gerry is a Registered Professional Geophysicist of the Province of Alberta and a registered Professional Geoscientist of the Province of British Columbia.

Gerry has worked at the senior technical level in both mining and hydrocarbon exploration. He was BP Canada's Senior Mining Geophysicist for Canada in the early 1980's, and BP's Senior Seismic Specialist for West Canada Basin Oil and Gas Exploration in the late 1980's. In the early 90's Gerry worked as a Remote Sensing Specialist for Frontier and International Oil and Gas Exploration in BP's head offices in London England.

Helen McLaughlin – Vice President
Helen McLaughlin provides project consulting, sales and marketing services for PhotoSat. Helen has more than ten years experience in the GIS and satellite data industry specializing in remote sensing and GIS for mineral exploration.

Helen worked as a geologist in the early 1990’s and later was a geochemical laboratory technician before specializing in GIS and remote sensing.  Shortly before joining PhotoSat in 1997, Helen conducted field mapping and produced digital maps and reports for BC Parks. Helen has an Honours Geology Degree from Dalhousie University and an Honours Advanced Diploma in GIS Management from British Columbia Institute of Technology - BCIT.