2011, Japan lunched the satellite pictured.

Japan this morning launched a new spy satellite to add to a network it says will enable its military to keep a watch on any given spot on the planet, night and day, no matter the weather. Officials refused to provide details of the radar-equipped satellite's capabilities, but it is understood to able to distinguish objects as small as 1m in size on the ground.

informed by the bold above, was wondering if a Nation could derive a workable impression of population size utilizing satellite capture and then perhaps by use of enhancement technology and computers calculate the amount of people out and about. Oh god, sounds daft, but....but supposing a Nation were to enter into contract with the operators of some powerful American Satellite to take imagery of the nation on a set date when citizens had been told to step outside of their houses, cars and find unobscured place to stand......



such a thing might prove more accurate and cost-effective than traditional door to door and paper....