Free, public access to statewide aerial imagery also enhances disaster response, infrastructure, economic development and more
FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 27, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that Kentucky is the first state in the nation to capture high-resolution aerial imagery of its entire geography. These photographs are free to access and open to the public online at the KYFromAbove Explorer. All of Kentucky’s certified 911 call centers now have access to this geographic and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data, which helps operators and first responders find and rescue people in distress.
“Team Kentucky leads the nation in using this technology to benefit our people,” Gov. Beshear said. “These images help us rescue people in danger and build back stronger after devastating storms. They also help businesses looking to invest here find the perfect place for their New Kentucky Home.”
Mike Sunseri, Kentucky Office of Homeland Security deputy executive director and 911 Services Board administrator said, “The KyFromAbove aerial photography initiative is highly beneficial to public safety. Adding the ability to leverage oblique imagery is another valuable tool in the toolbox to increase situational awareness for first responders during emergencies and better direct emergency response.”
Aerial images also make it easier for emergency management leaders to assess damage after natural disasters and find safer places to rebuild.
In addition, they can enhance:
- economic site development and selection;
- plan and design work for infrastructure projects;
- high-speed internet deployment;
- wildlife management;
- property assessment; and
- a variety of projects undertaken by engineers, surveyors, real estate firms, commercial developers, roofing and fencing contractors, consultants and other professionals.
In the spring of 2024, Kentucky became the first state in the country to achieve statewide coverage of oblique (side-angle) imagery. Now, Kentuckians can view both ortho (top-down) and side-angle photographs of all 120 counties – 40,660 square miles – at a stunning three-inch resolution.
The Governor said KYFromAbove provides an unprecedented view of Kentucky’s beautiful landscape and context for hundreds of map layers in state and local government agencies.
Normally, oblique imagery is restricted to those with the resources to pay for a licensed product, but the completion of this project removes that barrier and levels the playing the field. In the past, data of this quality was only available to Kentucky’s larger cities and counties, but now, every community will benefit, along with the private sector and all Kentuckians and visitors.
The imagery was captured during leaf-off conditions starting in the fall of 2022.
The 2022-24 biennial budget allocated $17 million for this pioneering, statewide aerial mapping project.
Testimonials from Kentuckians
Trisha Brush, Louisville/Jefferson County Information Consortium (LOJIC) Director, said: “KYFromAbove delivers a strong return on investment by providing open-access, high-resolution aerial imagery and LiDAR data that support statewide land planning, emergency management and property assessment. Local partners, like LOJIC, use this data to enhance public services, reduce duplication of efforts and make more informed decisions. By fostering interagency collaboration and maximizing the use of shared resources, Kentucky is setting a national standard for geospatial innovation and responsible fiscal stewardship.”
The KYFromAbove application includes tools for navigating, measuring and sharing locations with others. Engineers, surveyors, real estate firms, commercial developers, roofing and fencing contractors, drainage specialists and other private sector entities can now easily leverage this imagery.
Will Holmes, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s geographic information systems manager said, “Like electricity, the KYFromAbove program data has become a normal and critical element we must have to deliver a safe and efficient transportation network. LiDAR and aerial photography are used every day by KYTC staff and our partners as we work to plan, design, build and maintain Kentucky’s roads. Previous studies have shown $6-9 million savings per year on LiDAR alone. This data speeds project development, reduces worker risks and cuts costs. All taxpayers benefit from the results of this program. We need it consistently funded.”
KyFromAbove distributes all data within the public domain. Accordingly, the new oblique and ortho imagery is being stored in a publicly accessible cloud folder (AWS S3) thanks to the Amazon Open Data Sponsorship program. The Commonwealth remains committed to democratizing its geospatial data.
KYFromAboveAerial Photograph Examples
Search and Rescue Example (attached)
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park – KyFromAbove can help rescuers find specific landmarks within a large geographic area, to assist lost or injured visitors.
Economic Development Example (attached)
John H. Stigall Business Center - Build Ready Site in Danville, Ky. -- KyFromAbove provides the highest-resolution imagery available for companies looking at sites to invest and expand in the commonwealth.
About KyFromAbove
The KyFromAbove initiative is focused on building and maintaining a current basemap for the Commonwealth that can meet the needs of its users at the state, federal, local and regional level. A common basemap, including current color leaf-off aerial photography and elevation data (LiDAR), reduces the cost of developing GIS applications, promotes data sharing and adds efficiencies to many state agency business processes. All basemap data acquired through this effort is made available in the public domain. More information is available at https://kyfromabove.ky.gov/.
Program Contact
Kent Anness, GIO
Office of Architecture & Governance
Commonwealth Office of Technology
502-564-6268
https://kyfromabove.ky.gov/
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