Aerial imagery is used by local governments throughout the United States to meet daily business needs. Imagery has many uses, including providing a common operating picture and accurately mapping the locations of natural and man-made features.

Access to current imagery improves business efficiency and informs decision making. Having regularly updated imagery in the Matanuska Susitna Borough (Borough) is becoming increasingly needed and expected by Borough employees, business partners, and the public.

The Borough wishes to establish a recurring imagery program that includes a repeatable process, a clear understanding of customers’ needs, identification of consistent funding and cost savings measures, an understanding of available technologies, and a clear implementation plan.

This report summarizes an investigation of seven successful recurring aerial imagery programs nationwide. The report identifies factors contributing to these programs success and outlines key lessons for building a successful program at the MSB. The key findings and recommendations of this investigation are provided below: