Is it worth the cost to make digital data admissible? Some thoughts from an expert witness presented by Charles E. Olson, Jr. Professor Emeritus of Natural resources University of Michigan and Senior Image Analyst Michigan Tech Research Institute Ann Arbor, Michigan

Types of Digital Data Satellite Data U.S. government satellite systems Foreign satellite systems Commercial satellite systems Aerial Photography For governmental bodies For non-governmental bodies Utility companies Mining companies Environmental groups

Some Types of Non-governmental Photos Introduced in Litigation Speculative vertical photos Vertical photos flown for: Utility companies Real estate developers Environmental groups Oblique aerial photos flown by: Real estate firms Environmental groups

Need for data develops several years after data acquisition. “Damage” often unnoticed at occurrence Who did what? When? Where? Non-governmental data provides coverage for possibly critical dates Governmental records often inaccurate 80% accuracy has become accepted norm Archived imagery may permit correction

Of 24 cases involving air photos 3 relied solely on Federal Photos 3 relied solely on Federal Plus State Photos (DOT and DNR) 18 included non-governmental photos Photos held by air survey firm (11) Photos held by public utility (8) Photos held by U. of Michigan (3) Small format, 35 mm (3) Photo held by real estate firm (1)

IF A CLIENT ASKS: Will the data you supply be admissible if I have to take it to court?

IF A CLIENT ASKS: Will the data you supply be admissible if I have to take it to court? YOUR REPLY MIGHT BE: Not unless you preserve it unaltered; OR You pay me to archive it for you?

IF A CLIENT ASKS: Will the data you supply be admissible if I have to take it to court? DO YOU WANT TO REPLY: Not unless you preserve it unaltered; OR You pay me to archive it for you? IS THIS COST JUSTIFIABLE?