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The Montana Spatial Data Infrastructure (MSDI) Imagery Framework layer relies solely on the imagery products produced by the National Agricultural Imagery Program (NAIP). 

Data and Documentation

Digital orthoimagery are georeferenced images of the Earth’s surface. Displacement of objects has been removed for sensor distortions and orientation and for terrain relief.

This collection of  Downloadable Aerial Photographs of Montana  includes compressed versions of the natural color NAIP images for 2005, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2021; statewide USGS black and white digital orthophotos collected between 1990 and 2003; and several regional air photo collections.

Web Services for National Agricultural Imagery Program (NAIP) Data:

2019, Natural Color and Infrared
2017, Natural Color and Infrared
2015, Natural Color and Infrared
2013, Natural Color and Infrared
2011, Natural Color and Infrared
2009, Natural Color and Infrared
2005, Natural Color
2005, Infrared

Future Collections

• NAIP for Montana was last collected in 2021 and is typically recollected every two years.

Applications

Montana Air Photo Browser
This is a web application for viewing the web services listed above.
Comparison of Montana's Landscape: 2015 & 2017 Imagery

Additional Sources of Aerial Imagery

U.S. Geological Survey Aerial Photo Finder
U.S. Dept of Agriculture Aerial Photography Field Office
NRCS Geospatial Data Gateway

Imagery Working Group

• February 8, 2018 - Agenda | Slides 
  • November 14, 2017 - USDA Presentation on NAIP Licensed Model to FGDC
• March 16, 2017 - Agenda | Presentation Slides
• November 22, 2016 -  Agenda | Meeting Notes

About

Many geographic features, including those that are part of the Framework, can be interpreted and compiled from an orthoimage. Orthoimages can also serve as a backdrop to reference the results of an application to the landscape.