Space Imaging's IKONOS satellite has taken the first high-resolution images of the secret "CBS Survivor: Africa" production and tribal camps. The camps are located in the Shaba National Reserve in central Kenya.

This one-meter resolution image of the CBS Survivor: Africa contestant tribal camp was taken by Space Imaging's IKONOS satellite. The tribal camp is located in the Shaba National Reserve in central Kenya. Credit: spaceimaging.com SEE LARGER IMAGE

According to the Web site Survivor Maps, the Aug. 13 satellite images show what the television viewer never sees -- the large CBS production and logistics camp that is required to produce the highly rated series. The image, taken from 423 miles in space, shows the production compound including mess hall, temporary production buildings, motor pool and sleeping tents nestled under acacia trees. Also in the image is one of the contestant tribal camps that show a tribal Maasai-style village of 10 thatched huts with a circular thornbush fence, according to Survivor Maps. The production and tribal camps are about two miles apart.

Dan Bollinger, creator of Survivor Maps, has been credited with determining the location of Survivor: Africa, which was later confirmed by CBS. Bollinger provided the geographical coordinates of the site to Space Imaging. The series will premier in October.

This is a one-meter resolution image of the CBS Survivor: Africa production camp. The production compound, including mess hall, temporary production buildings, motor pool and the sleeping tents are nestled under acacia trees. Credit: spaceimaging.com SEE LARGER IMAGE

"Because the government of Kenya has designated a no-fly zone over the Shaba National Reserve and has closed much of the park during the production of the TV show, the only way I could truly confirm and show the size of the CBS operation, was to have an image taken from space," said Bollinger. "When I saw Space Imaging's image of the EP-3 Navy airplane on Hainan Island in the media, I immediately thought 'why couldn't they do the same over Kenya?' What I discovered is IKONOS is an eye-in-the-sky available to anyone."

"It was a real pleasure to deal with such an untraditional customer," said Mark Brender, executive director of Government Affairs and Corporate Communications for Space Imaging. "IKONOS provides speed, stealth, and global reach -- even for Survivor sleuths intent on seeing the denied."

Space Imaging is a leading supplier of visual information products and services derived from space imagery and aerial photography. The company launched the world's first one-meter resolution, commercial imaging satellite, IKONOS.