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China no longer reliant on satellite image importsBEIJING, Jan 09, 2013 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- China's first high-resolution, stereo mapping satellite Ziyuan III meets international standards, ridding the country of its reliance on imports of satellite images. It was announced at a seminar reviewing the research and development of Ziyuan III held on Wednesday, one year after the satellite was launched. China used to import over 90 percent of its remote-sensing data, according to the seminar. The launch of Ziyuan III has enhanced the country's capability to capture space remote-sensing images, bolstered state security and boosted the geo-information industry. Also according to the seminar, China plans to build a remote-sensing mapping satellite system in 10 to 15 years. Three follow-up mapping satellites are already in the pipeline. The satellite, a high-resolution remote-sensing satellite for civilian use, was launched on Jan. 9, 2012. It is expected to compete with its foreign counterparts that currently dominate the country's hi-res remote-sensing and mapping market. The satellite is tasked with offering services to aid the country's land-resources surveys, natural-disaster prevention, agricultural development, water-resources management and urban planning. It has a designed life expectancy of five years. |