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Has anyone thought of the idea of using topographic software and some sort of program in order to locate objects? Computers being what they are today, I should think that it wouldn't be too hard to make a 3d map of the earth's surface, and use a program that is set to certain parameters (cliff over 250ft etc etc) to find possibly jumpable objects. This might work out really well for finding hidden and hard to reach objects, or possibly finding the next monster wing suit exit. With enough detail on the program, you could enter in parameters like slope, distance, height, etc. This would let you determine if a cliff is tracking suitable, wingsuit, slider up/down etc.
Anyways, let me know what you think.

It's more search and destroy if it hasn't been opened it's either remote, technical or you don't know about it.

Are you asking about specific software? I know google earth is used at great length. Obvious draw backs are that the pictures, especially in rural areas, can several years old (LZs change due to forrest growth etc.), it can be difficult to see the topography great enough detail to be conclusive (vertical, slightly positive, negative, ledges, etc..) Also not sure if you can customize the search parameters to the extent you are suggesting (it may be possible, I just haven't found the way). Its better to already know where to look. Super useful tool, especially if you live a long ways out, you can save yourself a drive/flight if you see an obvious deal breaker from the photos...but OF COURSE you never know till you get there. Google Earth has certainly revolutionized back country scouting.

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Yeah, I guess I am talking about setting something up that will search for you, and bring back results that you ask for. Good point about landing areas and data not being detailed enough sometimes.
The ideal setup would find locations for you, and then you could go there and check it out yourself, rather than having to search blindly for locations on google earth.

I wonder if the software exists for finding, say, a flat piece of land for building a house on, in the wilderness. You could alter it to search for vertical cliffs rather than flat land.

in the past, jumpers simply connected with the local, experienced jumpers. over the decades, folks have built up a lot of local knowledge.

sometimes, the key is not finding an object, it is being creative in sorting out the safest way to jump it.

According to some Geo Geek friends, it has existed for a few years. They tell me that 'ArcGIS' does exactly what you are asking about.

I use Google Maps for Cliff Searching. Google also has the Google Photos that overlays on top of the Terrain View which helps if anyone has taken any pics of the area.

I believe only a fraction of the cliffs have been found and jumped. I started base jumping back in 1992 and it amazes me some of the sites that have been found and opened. It's nice to have the variety for sure.

I'm leaving in 6 days to hopefully open up some new ones!

i've used arcgis before and it is some cool shit, very expensive program though as i recall. i was dong some work for a drilling company and didn't get a chance to get a copy before i got laid off.

i have a .kmz google earth file that is a topo map for the USA. you can google search it and find it for free

Its been done, but if you don't have the tools available at your day-job, it requires some work if you want to move beyond google earth.

What you are looking for is a GIS software package to analyze elevation models. ArcGIS is one of the best, but way outside the budget of most recreational users

I think it is possible to find some decent tools for free or low cost if you do a search for GIS. Be prepared; using these tools will require more of you than using google earth.

Your primary challenge is to find good elevation data to analyze. These do not come with the software. A good starting point is http://seamless.usgs.gov/

For North America you can find pretty good quality data. Outside NA you're mostly stuck with 90m horizontal resolution on your elevation model, meaning that you may locate big walls, but you will miss a lot of detail. Also elevation models typcally perform poorly in (near) vertical terrain. Anyway, you should be able to get good tip-offs on areas that deserves closer examination.

You still want to use google earth to do visual evaluation of your candidates.

As you may understand from all my ranting, I used to do similar stuff as part of my day-job. However as I am currently just lurking around on this forum, not doing any real jumping, I have not used the tools for locating exits yet. Once I get my first rig later this month, I expect to have enough well known exits available in western Norway to keep me busy through the summer without spending time in front of the computer