survey system (French long lots), agriculture (rice and aquaculture), and forestry practices (clear cuts) are some more of the features discussed.  Interesting patterns that result from the use of a meandering river to define state boundaries are part of this tour, as are the structures constructed to “control” the rivers of Louisiana. The image interpretations presented with each of the landscape views are not meant to be all inclusive, however, they should give the “tour traveler” some insights into the physical and cultural landscape of the State of Louisiana.  The image interpretations were aided by the use of the U.S. Geological Survey’s 1:100,000 topographic maps (30 x 60 Minute Series).  In almost all cases, these topographic maps were used to determine the geographic names for both physical and cultural features.  The specific 1:100,000 topographic maps used are cited at the end of each interpretation and should be referred to by the “tour traveler” interested in the accurate locations of features discussed.  The educational use of this satellite tour of Louisiana will benefit greatly by the coordinated use of these maps.  Additional reference material used for developing these interpretations and useful for a better understanding of these images are as follows: Louisiana: Its Land and People by Kniffen and Hillard (1988) and Roadside Geology of Louisiana by Spearing (1995).  Both of these sources were referred to extensively in the preparation of this satellite tour.  Although not used in the interpretation of these images several other references would provide the “tour traveler” with added insights.  Several of these references are as follows: Geography of Louisiana by Johnson and Yodis (1998); Historical Atlas of Louisiana by Goins and Caldwell (1995); and Atlas of Louisiana: A Guide for Students by Newton (1994). DeWitt Braud selected the images utilized in the satellite tour with assistance from Bo Blackmon, Joe Holmes and John Snead.  The geographic discussions accompanying these satellite landscape views were provided by Anthony J. Lewis, who is solely responsible for any errors or inaccuracies in both the interpretations and the grammar.  Margo Olinde and Wendy Thompson provided editorial comments and corrections.

This satellite tour of Louisiana consists of map-like landscape views of 37 locations around the state.  These 37 satellite views are organized into five geographic regions (Coastal Lands, Mississippi River Flood Plain, Terrace Lands, Pine Hill Woodlands, and Red River Valley).  The purpose of this tour is to provide the viewer with a capsulated perspective of the colors, texture, shapes, and patterns that make up the physical and cultural landscapes of the State of Louisiana.  All, but one, of the images are presented at the same scale, which of course will change with the size of the presentation on your monitor.  The scale of landscape views is determined by the number of pixels across the image and the ground area covered on each pixel.  All of these satellite images, but the Mississippi River Delta, is made up of approximately 700x950 pixels with some slight variation between views.  Each pixel represents 25 x 25 meters on the earth's surface.  This translates into each landscape view being approximately 17.5 km by 24 km on the ground.  The Mississippi River Delta scene, approximately 1400x1900 pixels, has a nominal image size of 35 km by 48 km.   Each of the images is presented so that North is always at the top of the image. The viewer is presented with satellite views of some of the youngest geological parts of Louisiana to some of the oldest, as well as features and patterns related to the physical and cultural processes involved in the formation of the Louisiana landscape.  Alluvial processes have formed such features as meander scroll, ox-bow lakes, a variety of meander patterns as well as natural levees.  Marine processes have resulted in cheniers, and the combination of alluvial and marine processes which are responsible for the unique bird's-foot shape of the Mississippi River Delta.  Regions of land loss and land gain are evident on the images.  Geologic processes have produced interesting features and landscapes.  The tear-shaped Sicily Island, salt domes and the Baton Rouge Fault are just some of the geologic features discussed and visually presented in this tour. Cultural features abound on the Louisiana landscape.  Urban patterns including the CBD (Central Business District), shopping malls, airports, and residential areas are presented.  Even the relative age of residential areas is apparent on some of the satellite images!   Transportation arteries (roads, railroads and navigation canals) are illustrated and the association with natural features discussed when relevant.  Land use patterns related to the original