Imagery data theme
The Imagery theme consists of visual data collected from cameras attached to aircraft, satellites and ground-based equipment.
What is the Imagery theme?
Imagery data provides valuable information about a location at a specific point in time.
This data can be used for:
- urban planning
- emergency management
- mapping and
- environmental monitoring.
We capture and create airborne imagery products across NSW using an aircraft equipped with hybrid imagery and LiDAR sensors.
Data sourcing
Spatial Services is the source of truth for the Imagery theme. We work with NSW government agencies to:
- coordinate imagery data acquisition across NSW
- operate an imagery capture program that supports whole-of-government outcomes.
Priority is given to emergency requests and captures undertaken for specialty or priority projects.
Imagery data purchased by NSW government agencies through the Remote Sensing Services and Equipment (ReSSE) Prequalification scheme is a key component of this theme.
Spatial Services will continue to source, capture and create an accurate imagery coverage of NSW. We aim to integrate the best available data and provide updates across the state.
Technical information
Apart from historical imagery frames, the imagery data that makes up this theme has undergone orthorectification. Orthorectification is the process of removing distortions from the image caused by the terrain and camera angle so features appear where they really are on the ground.
Aerial image products can be available in different band combinations:
- 4-band consisting of the red, green, blue and near infra-red bands
- 3-band consisting of the red, green and blue bands
- 3-band (CIR) consisting of the near infra-red, red and green bands
- Panchromatic (B&W) consisting of a single black and white band (predominately historical film imagery).
Datasets in the theme
What’s in the dataset
Urban aerial imagery consists of aerial captures over towns and cities across NSW.
The resolution of urban imagery is typically between 5cm and 10cm ground sample distance (GSD).
To view our latest imagery product specifications please refer to our Imagery Product Specification and Description (PDF 1.4MB).
Dataset uses
This dataset provides very high-resolution imagery for monitoring, mapping and managing urban environments. It is especially useful for applications such as:
- urban planning and development
- infrastructure management
- environmental monitoring
- real estate and property assessment.
Sourcing and updates
Spatial Services updates this theme through the Imagery & Elevation Data Coordination Program and advice provided by stakeholders through collaboration and working groups.
What’s in the dataset
Regional imagery consists of aerial captures outside of urban areas across NSW.
The resolution of regional imagery is typically between 10cm and 50cm ground sample distance (GSD).
To view our latest imagery product specifications please refer to our Imagery Product Specification and Description (PDF 1.4MB).
Dataset uses
This dataset provides high-resolution imagery of large areas for monitoring, mapping and change detection over time. It is especially useful for applications such as:
- planning and development
- engineering and asset management
- environmental and resource monitoring.
Sourcing and updates
Spatial Services updates this theme through the Imagery & Elevation Data Coordination Program and advice provided by stakeholders through collaboration and working groups.
What's in the dataset
Project imagery relates to aerial imagery captured for specific NSW government projects or emergency events to support decision making processes.
This imagery is captured at various resolutions depending on the application and environmental conditions at time of capture. The coverage extents are dependent on:
- the nature of the situation
- the specific technical requirements of the activity.
To view our latest imagery product specifications please refer to our Imagery Product Specification and Description (PDF 1.4MB).
Emergency flood imagery can be viewed from the NSW Flood Imagery Viewer on the Spatial Collaboration Portal.
Dataset uses
This data is produced to support NSW government agencies with specific projects and emergency events.
Sourcing and updates
Spatial Services updates this theme through the Imagery & Elevation Data Coordination Program and advice provided by stakeholders through collaboration and working groups.
What's in the dataset
Spatial Services has a library of historical aerial imagery dating back to the 1930’s across different areas of NSW. It acts as a visual record of an area at a specific point in time.
You can find and download historical images from the Historical Imagery Viewer on the Spatial Collaboration Portal. You can:
- search an area
- view thumbnails of each available frame, and
- download a high-quality 600dpi image for free.
For Sydney, you can view images as a mosaic to explore the city and its history.
Dataset uses
Historical imagery is useful for tracking change over time which is essential for planning and decision-making. It is for applications such as:
- planning and development
- historical and archaeological research
- environmental monitoring.
View the datasets
The NSW Spatial Collaboration Portal (SCP) gives everyone the ability to search and discover spatial datasets.
It also allows local, state, and federal agencies to deliver spatial data, asset management and visualisation services securely.