The first step in studying an ISS EarthKAM image is to pinpoint its location on the Earth's surface. This is much like placing a piece into a huge jigsaw puzzle. To help in this puzzle, ISS EarthKAM uses maps donated by NIMA - The National Imaging and Mapping Agency. Using an image's latitude and longitude, ISS EarthKAM overlays it onto NIMA's Jet Navigation Chart and then manually corrects any discrepancies that may occur.

Once an image has been correctly oriented, it is ready for further study. The map provides valuable information about the geographical features in an image and allows for more in depth research. Aside from the Jet Navigation Charts, NIMA also provides Composite Maps for additional analyses. ISS EarthKAM's datasystem allows public access to all of these image overlays.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts STS099.ESC.00235549 Cape Cod, Massachusetts STS099.ESC.00235549 This image shows the Northeastern coast of the United States at Boston, Massachusetts. The distinctive arm of Cape Cod extends around to point almost directly toward Plymouth Bay. Further up the coast is the famous Boston Harbor that is home to more than thirty islands. The Boston Urban area, indicated by the light gray areas, covers most of the mainland portion of the image. How do you think Cape Cod got its distinctive hook shape? Compare Boston Harbor with Plymouth Harbor. Which has deeper water? Which offers more natural protection from ocean waves and currents? Look for a dark line across the land where the Cape Cod peninsula is connected to the mainland. What do you think that line might be?

Galapagos Islands STS099.ESC.05210433 Galapagos Islands STS099.ESC.05210433 This image of the Galapagos Islands captures two large shield volcanoes on Isla Isabella, the largest and least inhabited island in the Galapagos chain. The northern volcano is Darwin and the southern, Alcedo. Isla Fernandina and Isla San Salvador are just visible on either side of Isla Isabella. These are shield volcanoes shaped like flattened domes, broad and low, built by flows of very fluid lava. The volcanoes reflect the volcanic processes that occur when the ocean floor is created. What features in the image suggest that these are volcanic islands? Why are most of the clouds in the image over land instead of water? What native and introduced species are currently struggling for survival in the Galápagos?

Persian Gulf STS099.ESC.02142909 Persian Gulf STS099.ESC.02142909 This image shows the northern end of the Persian Gulf including the broad delta complex of the Tigris, Euphrates, Shatt al Arab and Karun rivers. This delta complex gets its color from the gray-green mud rich in calcium carbonate that lines its floor. Three different countries are represented here along the delta: the arid-looking wetlands of northeast Kuwait (Bubiyan Island), the narrow corridor that is Iraq's only access to the Persian Gulf and the west-southwest marshes of Iran. The Shatt al Arab River that runs down the center of the image is lined with darker hued date farms and the city of Abadan can be seen at its northern end. This region exports much of the world's oil supply. Does this look like a good place for port facilities where huge oil tankers dock? Why or why not? What signs of human habitation can you find in this desert land? What do you think the rectangular white structure in the center of the image might be?