The Planning Commission maintains a Public Kiosk in their lobby that enables users to create aerial photography plots using digital orthophotography. The Kiosk enables users to choose from the available aerial imagery (1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1993, 1995, 2000, 2005) and to plot an aerial for any location within the County. The imagery for 1993 and 2000 is black & white while the new 2005 imagery is in full color. The aerials created from the digital orthophotography process are locationally accurate to within five (5) feet at all points on the photo.

Digital Orthophotography
Definition: Digital imagery in which distortion from the camera angle and topography have been removed, thus equalizing the distances represented on the image. Orthophotos are processed images depicting terrain features in their true plain positions. The process removes distortions introduced during the capture of an image through the cameras lens. Geometric distortions and relief displacements are optically removed by an orthoprojection instrument connected to a stereoplotter. This rectification process produces a "corrected" image that meets pre-defined positional accuracy requirements.

There are two ways to order aerial photo prints

1. At the CCPC office

The Kiosk Aerial Photo Ordering Program, located in the CCPC office, is designed for use by the public to create aerial plots. This program provides new features that were not available when purchasing aerial photos in the past. They include:

It also features "navigation options" that enable the user to locate their area of interest by:

• Parcel identification number (County universal parcel identification).
• Site address.

• Property owner name.

In addition users can also click on the County map or use the aerial grid (used to store aerial photography from earlier years) to locate an area of interest.

2. Over the phone

Using this ordering method, you are limited to ordering in the aerial grid format shown on the Index Map. This is the same grid that has been used in previous years when purchasing aerial photos. The digital photos will still have scale accuracy throughout the photo area, but the scale is fixed at 1 inch = 400 feet. Once you have determined which grid(s) you want, you can call the CCPC office (610-344-6285) and identify the grid number(s), i.e. WC4. You will then be advised when you may pick up your print. The cost per print is $15.00. If you want the print(s) mailed to you, you must first send a check for the amount of the print(s) plus $2.50 for shipping. Make checks payable to the "County of Chester."

Ordering aerial photos from previous years

CCPC has retained aerial photos dating 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1993, and 1995. Prints for 1965 through 2005 are priced at $5 for 11x17 and $15 for 30x36.

Please Note

• Aerials are available Monday through Friday 9:00-4:00.
• The Chester County Planning Commission accepts credit cards for "in house" purchases; we do not accept credit cards over the phone.
• There is an ATM machine on the 1^st floor of the Government Services Center.