The Washington State Department of Commerce is conducting a research and feasibility study on the use of aerial imaging technology across the state and invites local governments to participate.
Washington has a statewide imagery program that provides imagery at a 6-inch orthophotography level to state agencies, local and tribal governments, and special purpose districts. In its present form, the program is not meeting the needs of all users.
The study, to be done in partnership with Applied Geographics, will capture actual and anticipated costs and benefits of an expanded state program.
This month and next, the project researchers will be facilitating four stakeholder workshops where participants can learn about the characteristics and uses of aerial imagery and find out about the project and how to be involved. Use the links below to
register and join the discussion. Cities that do not use aerial imagery but are considering it are also invited to participate.
Register for a workshop:
- Tuesday, September 27 | 9–10:30 am PDT | All participants welcome: Register now!
- Tuesday, October 4 | 9–10:30 am PDT | All participants welcome: Register now!
- Thursday, October 6 | 1–2:30 pm PDT | Reserved for tribal governments: Register now!
Aerial imagery is an important tool that has wide applications for making governmental decisions in a variety of settings. State, local, and tribal governments that use aerial imaging data currently purchase it independently, often resulting in multiple
payments for the same data to be collected. To address the problem, this year, the Legislature commissioned a study (HB 1629)
to assess a more cost-effective way to purchase cutting-edge aerial imagery at the state level, which would allow individual jurisdictions seeking aerial imagery to purchase such data from the state. AWC supported the legislation.
The study also aims to identify the myriad uses of aerial imaging data from which state agencies, special purpose districts, and local and tribal governments could benefit in conducting everyday business, protecting property, assisting citizens, conducting
emergency planning, and responding to disasters.
To learn more about the project background and details, visit the WA Aerial Imagery Study Project Site.