DNR and WSDOT Launch Cooperative: Distribution of Aerial Photography

By , Greenbelt Consulting

The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) have teamed to provide a single point-of-contact for aerial photography services. DNR and WSDOT announced an agreement that will result in greater efficiency and will maintain customer service during budget cuts. Aerial photography is an important element in planning and development efforts for local, state, and federal governments, tribal governments, and public interests.

All aerial photography previously available through DNR’s Photo and Map Sales outlet, which was closed in June due to budget cuts, are available through WSDOT’s Aerial Photography Branch in Tumwater.

WSDOT’s Aerial Photography Branch operates on a cost-recovery basis; revenue from photography sales pays for the branch’s services and operations. Requests for aerial photography can be made at WSDOT’s Aerial Photography office, 1655 South 2nd Avenue, Tumwater, Washington 98512, or by calling 360-709-5550, or faxing 360-709-5599.

Many of DNR’s other geographic products, including public land ownership, maps, state forest maps, and recreational brochures, are now available for viewing, printing, and downloading on their Web site at www.dnr.wa.gov/dataandmaps/maps/index.html, or can be purchased on-line.

NOTE: STATUS OF IMAGERY AS OF NOVEMBER 21, 2021

 WSDOT closed down their Aerial Photography Branch on June 30, 2013.  They  transferred all  their  aerial imagery to the Washington State Dept. of Natural Resources. DNR has photography dating back to the early 60s for most of the state.  In some areas they have coverage as far back as the 30s. 

  Anyone interested in acquiring copies of these records can email  their public disclosure office. publicdisclosure@dnr.wa.gov 

   It is helpful to include location information like Section, Township and Range, Parcel number or address.  A screenshot from Google or Bing with a boundary line that clearly defines the area of interest is also helpful.  A shapefile or Google earth KML are also options for defining the  Area of Interest (AOI). They will also need to know the range of years that imagery is being requested for.

 With this information they can provide a list of records to choose from.

  They will provide the best possible copy of a record that they can at the time of request.  In most cases this will be a 600dpi scan of a contact print. Evidentally they have a portion of  film scanned and are working to scan more.  If scans of the film are available, then those would be provided.  Where no prints or scans are available, they will provide a picture of the negative containing the area.  If the area is small enough they also provide a close-up photo of the area.   Below is the contact where you can check for image availability.

Caleb Maki, Supervisor