We have developed a web-based interface for the collection of surface cover type data using gridded point counts on displays of high spatial resolution color satellite imagery available in Google Earth. The system is designed to permit a distributed set of analysts to contribute gridded point counts to a common database. Our application of the system is to develop a calibration for estimating the density of constructed surface areas worldwide at 1 km2 resolution based on the brightness of satellite observed lights and population count. The system has been used to collect a test data set and a preliminary calibration for estimating the density of constructed surfaces. We believe the web-based system could have applications for research projects and analyses that require the collection of surface cover type data from diverse locations.