Washington Imagery Study
Assessing the state’s current use of aerial imagery
Washington State Department of Commerce
The Challenge
The Washington State Legislature mandated an Aerial Imagery Study, tasking the Department of Commerce and the Office of the Chief Information Officer to assess the state’s current use of aerial imagery. The challenge was multifaceted, requiring an evaluation of how state, local, special purpose districts, and tribal governments currently use aerial imagery and how they could benefit from enhanced access to this technology. Additionally, the study needed to determine the minimum resolution required, estimate costs, assess economies of scale, and recommend a comprehensive, cost-efficient system for collecting and distributing aerial imagery statewide.
The Outcome
AppGeo [now a division of Sanborn] successfully led a comprehensive study that provided critical insights and recommendations for Washington State’s aerial imagery needs. The study identified a potential $159 million annual benefit from the efficient use of high-quality aerial imagery. Findings revealed that the current statewide program was cost-effective but did not meet the technical specifications needed by most government entities. The study resulted in specific recommendations for improving the state’s aerial imagery program, emphasizing the need for 3-inch and 6-inch ortho and oblique photos and outlining the required budget of $36.6 million for a biennial high-quality program.
The Details
Sanborn’s team (the current AppGeo Division) assembled a multidisciplinary research team combining government staff and contracted consultants to execute the Aerial Imagery Study. The study methodology included a survey of 435 experts from 145 government entities, four workshops, twelve focus groups, and numerous one-on-one interviews.
The workshops and interviews highlighted the diverse needs across various government sectors, conducted technical assessments, and developed budget-level estimates for implementing a high-quality aerial imagery program. The recommended program focused on ensuring that imagery met legal and professional standards, particularly for property assessments and environmental monitoring.
Local and State Governments use aerial imagery to assess and plan for a variety of situations such as:
Forest
health
Valuation
assessments
Highway
Infrastructure
Emergency
response
Rerouting
of river
Fire and flood
damage
Changes to
the coastline
Urban
density
Key Results
- Economic Impact: The study identified a conservative estimate of $159 million in annual benefits from the use of high-quality aerial imagery across the state.
- Cost Efficiency: Analysis demonstrated that the current program, while cost-effective, could be vastly improved to better meet the needs of most government entities, particularly by increasing the resolution and timing of image acquisition.
- Stakeholder Support: The study revealed strong support (81% of respondents) for an expanded state-run aerial imagery program, provided it remained affordable.
- Budget Proposal: A comprehensive biennial budget of $36.6 million, allocating funds for imagery acquisition, quality control, infrastructure, and administrative costs, ensuring wide accessibility for state, local, and tribal governments was proposed in accordance with the findings of this study.
Learn More
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