An area of interest (AOI) is defined as an area smaller than 1/4 square mile, or 1/2 mile by 1/2 mile. For larger AOIs, airs [at] library [dot] ucsb [dot] edu (contact AIRS) for custom research.
1/2 mile = 4 city blocks = 880 yards = 4 furlongs = 40 chains
Sample AOI Maps
With all research requests, we require a map showing your AOI and the surrounding area. A USGS 7.5' (1:24,000) topographic quadrangle or an image from Google Maps are preferred. Please be sure to provide enough context and to clearly mark your AOI to help us provide you with the best service. Below are good examples of AOI maps.
1:24,000 USGS Topo Map
All USGS topographic quadrangles are available for download from USGS.
Google Maps
To learn how to create a map showing your AOI using Google Maps, see Google's tutorial for creating custom maps.
If your AOI is an individual parcel of land, you may wish to use a point marker and decimal degree (latitude-longitude) coordinates to ten-thousandths of a degree (4 decimals = (XX.xxxx) (YY.yyyy)).
Sample Air Photo Cropped to AOI
Digital images included in your Decade Research Package will be cropped to appoximately 1/4 square mile with your AOI centered. Click to view a sample image showing the UCSB Lagoon.
