"...I know nothing so pleasant to the mind, as the discovery of anything that is at once new and valuable" -- President Abraham Lincoln
President Abraham Lincoln established the 'People's Department' (USDA) in 1862, with the full realization that science and technology would advance and secure production efforts of the American farmer. This ideology is most evident in this, the millennial year. Farmers now have the most sophisticated tools available, including global positioning systems (GPS), palm computers, genetics, geographic information systems (GIS), and over a century of documented history on what works and what doesn't.
The Aerial Photography Field Office continues this rich history of innovation and service in its role as executor of aerial photographic imagery for the USDA. Technological changes in the production of aerial imagery including the migration from analog to digital imagery, coupled with the rapid adoption of GIS tools has created new opportunities for consumers, and places a greater demand on APFO for digital products and services.
The APFO serves as a repository for aerial imagery dating from 1955 to the present. Demand for historical imagery in a digital format is expected to grow as implementation of GIS in the Federal and private sector continues.
Our Annual Report provides each section at APFO the opportunity to define specific strategies, goals, and achievements experienced throughout the year.
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