Aerial Photography and Orthophotography

The Commission maintains an inventory of black-and-white aerial photographs of the Southeastern Wisconsin Region first obtained in 1963, and thereafter collected in 1967, 1970, and at five-year intervals since. The most recent complete aerial photo inventory was acquired in the spring of 2010. In 2007, a partial inventory of color aerial photography covering slightly less than one-half of the Region was acquired. Since 2005, all aerial photography has been obtained as color imagery.  Beginning in 1995, all inventories have been collected as orthophotography, which is aerial photography that is enhanced by the removal of horizontal displacement caused by ground relief. Orthophotos are image products that can be used as true maps.

The extent of aerial photographic and orthophotographic coverage available from the Commission is shown on the aerial photo coverage map below.

Aerial Photographic Prints

Aerial photographic prints are available at two different scales. Low-flight aerials show a four-square-mile area at a scale of 1″=400′ and are printed on 36″ x 36″ size paper. High-flight aerials show a 36-square-mile area at a scale of 1″=2,000′ and are 24″ x 24″ in size. High-flight aerial prints are not available for aerial photography acquired since 1995.

Samples of low-flight and high-flight aerial photo prints can be found in the aerial photography and map samples document. Printing the sample document will show the aerial photos at actual scale.

Aerial photo prints can be delivered by mail or can be picked up at our offices. Prices for prints can be found in the aerial photography and map price list. To place an order for aerial photography hardcopy materials, or for more information, please call the Commission at (262) 547-6721 and tell the receptionist that you would like to order aerial photo prints.

Photographic Enlargements and Contact Negatives

Aerial photographic enlargements from negatives can be ordered. Enlargements can be printed at a range of scales, but the level of detail does not increase beyond 1″=100′ scale. Duplicate or ″contact″ negatives can also be ordered. Prices for enlargements and contact negatives can be found in the aerial photography and map price list. To place an order for an enlargement or contact negative, or for more information, please call the Commission at (262) 547-6721 and tell the receptionist that you would like to order an aerial photographic enlargement.

Digital Orthophotography Files

Aerial orthophotos for 1995, 2000, 2005, 2007, and 2010 are available in digital format from the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission. Please see the Aerial Orthophotography page of the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Land Information website for information about obtaining digital orthophotography.

Aerial Photographic and Orthophotographic Coverage of the Region