Kentucky Aerial Imagery and LiDAR Basemap at 3-6 Inch Resolution

The KyFromAbove initiative provides a current basemap for Kentucky, including aerial imagery and LiDAR data. Imagery resolution typically ranges from 6 inches to 3 inches, and LiDAR data meets USGS Quality Level 2 standards. The data is managed by the Kentucky Division of Geographic Information and is available in the public domain.

Use Cases

• Develop GIS applications based on current color leaf-off aerial photography.
• Create elevation models and perform terrain analysis based on 2-foot resolution DEMs and LiDAR point clouds.
• Generate contours and spot elevations for engineering and planning projects based on geopackage data.
• Support disaster response and land management planning based on high-resolution statewide basemap data.

Strengths

• Imagery resolution is specified as typically ranging from 6 inches to 3 inches.
• LiDAR data conforms to a defined USGS Quality Level 2 (QL2) standard.
• Data is organized within a consistent Kentucky-specific 5000x5000 foot grid system (EPSG:3089).
• Data is made available in the public domain, promoting open access and reuse.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Provenance

Source

Kentucky Division of Geographic Information

Collection Method

Acquired through aerial surveys and LiDAR collection during leaf-off conditions.

Time Range

Leaf-off conditions; specific years are not stated.

Freshness

Acquired during leaf-off conditions; specific acquisition dates are not provided.

Geography

Commonwealth of Kentucky, USA.