MnDOT to conduct aerial photography in west central Minnesota
Residents asked not to disturb temporary targets
DETROIT LAKES, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation is asking residents not to disturb aerial photography targets as crews begin aerial mapping in the following locations:
- Highway 75, from north of Graceville to Highway 12 in Ortonville
- Highway 78, from north of Ottertail to Highway 210 in Battle Lake
Weather permitting, work will begin in April. The aerial survey process relies on clear observations, and must be conducted after the snow has melted and before the trees leaf out. To begin the process crews place an “X” on the ground as a reference point for the aerial photographer.
Aerial mapping is used to create a record of existing infrastructure and landscape along MnDOT right of way for transportation planning and highway design. In order to obtain accurate aerial mapping, MnDOT crews paint large white “X” targets on paved surfaces, and place plastic or fabric “X” targets on unpaved surfaces.
A survey crew then records the coordinate position and elevation of the temporary targets for the aerial photography company. The plastic and fabric targets are temporary and will be removed when the photography is completed.
MnDOT requests that landowners not remove or disturb the targets, if possible, until the photography is completed. Letters will be mailed to affected landowners to further explain this process. If a target must be moved, please contact District 4 surveys at 218-849-2435 or by email at jeremy.erickson@state.mn.us.
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