The National Geodetic Survey (NGS) is now collecting damage assessment imagery in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence. Weather permitting, aerial imagery is being collected in specific areas identified by NOAA in coordination with FEMA and other state and federal partners. During the mission, NGS will attempt two missions a day. Images are updated every 12 hours, which includes flight and processing time. Collected images are available to view online via the NGS aerial imagery viewer. View tips on how to use the imagery viewer.
A team of NOAA aviators and sensor operators are capturing the images using specialized remote-sensing cameras aboard NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations’ King Air aircraft flying above the area at an altitude between 500 – 1,500 meters.
NOAA’s aerial imagery aids safe navigation and captures damage to coastal areas caused by a storm. Aerial imagery is a crucial tool to determine the extent of the damage inflicted by flooding, and to compare baseline coastal areas to assess the damage to major ports and waterways, coastlines, critical infrastructure, and coastal communities. This imagery provides a cost-effective way to better understand the damage sustained to both property and the environment.
For all response imagery, visit NOAA’s National Ocean Service.
