Entire Kentucky State Aerially Mapped for First Time, Images Freely Accessible to the Public
In a groundbreaking move, the state of Kentucky has launched the KyFromAbove aerial photography initiative, providing high-resolution aerial imagery and geospatial data to the public for free. This initiative, accessible via the KyFromAbove Explorer, aims to support various sectors and improve situational awareness for first responders during emergencies.
The KyFromAbove Explorer is an online platform that offers detailed, up-to-date views of Kentucky's landscape and infrastructure. Its benefits extend to public safety, economic development, and numerous governmental and commercial activities. High-resolution aerial images allow officials to better assess situations during natural disasters, accidents, or other emergencies, improving coordination and resource deployment.
For economic development, the platform offers valuable geographic and infrastructural information that can help businesses and planners make informed decisions about site selection, land use, and project feasibility. Access to current aerial data assists in monitoring growth and planning investments efficiently.
Beyond these sectors, KYFromAbove also supports environmental management, urban planning, and transportation by offering accurate geospatial data through a user-friendly online interface. This data is sourced and maintained by institutions such as the Kentucky Geological Survey and the University of Kentucky, ensuring reliability.
Kentucky has captured high-resolution aerial imagery of its entire geography, making it a valuable resource for various projects, including economic site development and selection, infrastructure project planning, high-speed internet deployment, wildlife management, property assessment, and more. The images are referred to as the "New Kentucky Home" for businesses looking to invest.
The initiative removes the barrier of oblique imagery being restricted to those with resources to pay for a licensed product. Now, Kentuckians can view both ortho (top-down) and side-angle photographs of all 120 counties at a stunning three-inch resolution.
The images are not just for visual appeal; they are used to benefit the people of Kentucky. They can help in rescuing people in danger and rebuilding after devastating storms. All certified 911 call centers in Kentucky now have access to the geographic and LiDAR data, aiding operators and first responders in finding and rescuing people in distress.
The imagery can also aid emergency management leaders in assessing damage after natural disasters and finding safer places to rebuild. The 2022-24 biennial budget allocated $17 million for the statewide aerial mapping project, ensuring its continuity and expansion.
In a statement, Governor Andy Beshear highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating that KYFromAbove provides an unprecedented view of Kentucky's beautiful landscape and context for hundreds of map layers in state and local government agencies. The images were captured during leaf-off conditions starting in the fall of 2022, ensuring clarity and precision.
With the KyFromAbove initiative, every community, the private sector, and all Kentuckians and visitors will benefit from this high-quality imagery. The images are available for free and accessible online at the KYFromAbove Explorer, making Kentucky the first state in the nation to use this technology for public benefit.
- The KyFromAbove Explorer is a significant online platform that offers high-resolution aerial imagery and geospatial data, catering to sectors such as public safety, economic development, business, and government.
- In emergencies, first responders can utilize the data from the platform to enhance their situational awareness and resource deployment during natural disasters, accidents, or other emergencies.
- For economic development, the platform provides valuable geographic and infrastructural information, aiding businesses and planners in making informed decisions about site selection, land use, and project feasibility.
- Beyond economic development, KYFromAbove supports environmental management, urban planning, transportation, and various other sectors by offering accurate geospatial data.
- The initiative is not limited to Kentucky residents; it is also available for the private sector, other communities, and visitors, making it the first state in the nation to use this technology for public benefit.
