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Spy Satellites to ID You Via Your Shadow?

by Terrence O'Brien on September 4, 2008 at 04:30 PM

Spy Satellites Could ID Your Shadow
It is literally becoming impossible to hide (and yet we still can't find Bin Laden). Cameras are posted everywhere. Facial and audio recognition software have made leaps and bounds. The NSA is tapping our phones, and the cops have cameras that can read your license plate. What else could our governments and law enforcement possibly need to keep tabs on us?

Why, spy satellites that can identify your shadow, of course!

Scientists are working on a system that will be able to analyze shadows from satellite video to recreate the way a person walks. Since your stride, sway, pace, and bounce combine to create a gait unique to you, gait analysis could prove to be a powerful tool for tracking criminals and terrorists (and you).

Of course, there are some caveats. Most satellites currently in orbit can't record high enough resolution images for effective gait analysis. Also, because the method is reliant on shadows, the system could be easily disrupted by rain or cloud cover and would prove completely useless at night.

Still, researchers believe this could prove to be an invaluable tool for tracking ne'er do wells. Oh, and you. [From: Daily Mail]

Tags: gait analysis, GaitAnalysis, satellite, shadow, spy, surveillance

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