Extreme Resolution Photos and Lasers Create Virtual Yosemite

When geologists wanted a better look at a Yosemite rock face in years past, they only had one option: climb the cliff. But now, thanks to super-high resolution gigapixel images created by a team of 70 photographers using GigaPan robotic imagers and a laser-mapping airplane, park geologist Greg Stock now has unprecedented access to the geological features of one of the world's most famous parks. And all from the comfort of his laptop.

http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2008/10/geology-20-20-g.html