Satellite image quality

[philip_nel]

Morning all.
Just a question regarding the quality of satellite imagery:

I usually download google earth/maps satellite plan views when rendering masterplans, to show surrounding context.
Most of the time the resolution is sufficient as the camera is quite a distance away.

Problem is when the camera gets closer to the map and you can see all the low res issues - see attached.
Even if you zoom in to Google Earth and save out a max resolution, the quality stays low.

Using upscaler software like Topaz also doesn't solve the problem.

Is there other programs (freeware) that you use or how do you show better quality satellite imagery in your renders?

[philip_nel]

No responses? Obviously not a problem for most...

[victoria_beswick]

Sattelite images are always bad resolution and like you said, the only use case is if you are far enough to have a decent texel density.
I was also going to say to use an AI upscaler, not sure if topaz is any good (KREA.ai is not bad), however for professional work, that should be a drone shot.