There are satellites in space right this second that can take a high-definition image of an object measuring 20 inches across. The 20 inch scale is enough to identify a shipping truck or boat, but not small enough to start identify faces. Many satellites’ images would remain accurate at an even smaller scale, but companies are forbidden by law from selling such detailed photographs to customers.

Until this week, that is, when satellite company DigitalGlobe received permission from the U.S. Department of Commerce to legally offer images at a resolution of 15.75 inches. Next year, that number will drop even further, to 9.84 inches. DigitalGlobe told the Wall Street Journal that might be enough to tell whether a car is an SUV or a compact, but not enough to make out the brand.

The Giza Pyramids in Egypt, as seen by a DigitalGlobe satellite. Photo courtesy of DigitalGlobe.

DigitalGlobe currently has…