Project Begins to Take Aerial and Street-Level Images

Residents who see a strange van with cameras in their neighborhood should not be concerned: A project to take aerial and street-level images countywide is about to get underway.

Weather permitting, it will start this weekend in Yonkers, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle and the Town of Rye. It is anticipated that all parcels will be photographed within the next six to 10 weeks.

Local police departments have been notified so they will know how to respond to any concerns from the public.

The project was first considered as a way to help local assessors update property records. However, it soon became apparent that there were other benefits, particularly in the areas of public safety. For example, this photography is useful in aiding police and fire departments better plan for and respond to emergencies.

Oblique aerial (angle) photography is taken from a plane and may not even be noticed by residents.
For the street level photography, a van goes down the street, public roads, with numerous cameras taking pictures in every direction. These vans will display the logo of the sub-contractor, FACET Technology.

The project contract was signed in June by the county; however, the startup has been timed to coincide with leaves off trees.