Aerial photographs encompassing the entire state of Kentucky now available for the public, marking a national first.
Kentucky Unveils Comprehensive Geospatial Data Platform for Public Use
Kentucky's innovative KYFromAbove Explorer initiative is revolutionizing the state by providing accessible and actionable geospatial data and interactive mapping tools. The platform, announced by Governor Andy Beshear, offers high-resolution aerial imagery and geographic information, benefiting public safety, economic development, and various professional fields.
In the realm of public safety, KYFromAbove aids emergency responders and planners by offering detailed visualizations for disaster preparedness, response coordination, and infrastructure assessment. It helps in monitoring environmental changes and hazards, thus enhancing community safety management. During emergencies, oblique imagery serves as an additional valuable tool for increasing situational awareness for first responders.
For economic development, the initiative supports businesses and local governments by delivering data on land use, infrastructure, and demographic trends. Such insights facilitate informed decision-making for urban planning, site selection, and investment opportunities. The platform has been dubbed the "New Kentucky Home" for businesses, making it easier for them to find suitable locations for investment in the state.
For professional fields, including environmental science, urban planning, agriculture, and real estate, KYFromAbove provides crucial datasets like statewide and county-level aerial imagery and geospatial layers. These resources enable better analysis, project planning, and resource management.
The initiative is made possible by a $17 million allocation from the 2022-24 biennial budget, which funded the pioneering, statewide aerial mapping project. The imagery, captured during leaf-off conditions starting in the fall of 2022, encompasses all 120 counties, with both ortho (top-down) and side-angle photographs available at a resolution of three inches. Previously, oblique imagery was restricted to those with the resources to pay for a licensed product, but this project removes that barrier, making the data accessible to all.
Mike Sunseri, Kentucky Office of Homeland Security deputy executive director and 911 Services Board administrator, finds the KyFromAbove aerial photography initiative beneficial to public safety. The comprehensive geospatial data can aid 911 operators and first responders in finding and rescuing people in distress, as well as in rebuilding after storms.
By leading the nation in using this technology for public benefit, Team Kentucky is setting a new standard for transparency, accessibility, and innovation. Now, every community, the private sector, and all Kentuckians and visitors will benefit from this high-quality imagery, fostering improved safety, economic growth, and professional expertise across multiple sectors.
[1] This initiative is part of a larger effort to modernize Kentucky's infrastructure, including investments in broadband and electric grid modernization.
[1] With the KYFromAbove Explorer, Kentucky is also advancing its infrastructure by incorporating data-and-cloud-computing technologies, enabling seamless access to the platform for the public and businesses.
[2] By enhancing public safety, economic development, and professional sectors with this geospatial data, Kentucky's government hopes to foster a stronger, safer, and more technologically advanced community.
[3] The high-resolution aerial imagery and interactive mapping tools in the KYFromAbove Explorer could lead to more efficient infrastructure development, driving growth in business and industry within the state.
[4] As KYFromAbove becomes an essential resource for various professionals, it contributes to a knowledge-based economy in Kentucky, emphasizing the role of technology in the state's growth and evolution.
[5] By adopting and utilizing cutting-edge technology like cloud computing and geospatial analytics, Kentucky aims to remain at the forefront of innovation, attracting businesses and ultimate economic development in the state.
