FACTS & FIGURES
Despite a global pandemic that stalled projects around the nation , the Wisconsin Regional Orthoimagery Consortium ( WROC ) soldiered forward . The 2020 WROC program touched every corner of the state , resulting in the collection and processing of over 56,000 square miles of high-quality , highly accurate geospatial data and , for the first time , statewide 12-inchpixel leaf-off orthoimagery coverage . Also produced were :
• 46,500 square miles of 6 ” pixel orthoimagery
• 6,000 square miles of 12 ” pixel orthoimagery
• 3,500 square miles of 3 ” pixel orthoimagery
mobilization , and we needed to quickly adapt on the fly . In return , they were understanding that this wasn ’ t a normal situation and reciprocated that flexibility too .”
Nienow remembers working feverishly with other WROC team members to write the Governor ’ s office on the eve of the Safer at Home order , underscoring the importance of the program as essential infrastructure . If flights were delayed past spring , the whole program and its important deliverables would be delayed by an entire year or more . Ayres also worked closely with lead aerial acquisition firm NV5 Geospatial to make sure survey crews and flight crews had letters in hand when mobilizing to the field . The team increased safety protocols yet continued to make progress on their important work .
“ There were so many unknowns and so many obstacles that we had to overcome ,” Nienow said . “ We were well prepared going into the program , but there were just so many things out of our control . But everyone – clients , partners , subconsultants , and our internal team – pulled together , and it was all hands on deck .”
Surveyor Cody Brommerich , land information officer in Jackson County , Wisconsin , had two orthoimagery flights lined up with the team and knew they were being planned in conjunction with many other WROC flights throughout the state . Recognizing the many challenges facing the team – including the narrow window of opportunity when conditions are most favorable for image-collecting flights , the statewide Safer at Home order being issued , a rare Easter snowstorm that blanketed the northern two-thirds of the state in snow , and the volume of flights simultaneously being coordinated – he conceded he initially had his doubts about receiving a timely project delivery .
But those concerns were quickly quelled .
“ After witnessing the responsiveness and the adaptability of Ayres on how they were changing their plan to accommodate everything , I became pretty confident that the project was going to remain on schedule ,” Brommerich said , adding that Nienow was in “ constant communication ” with him to provide updates .
“ Overall , Zach did an exceptional job throughout the entire project , and I couldn ’ t be happier with the services provided . The final deliverables they provided were not only completed on time but they actually came in sooner than expected ,” he said . “ The QA / QC process that they go through is very rigorous , and we received a final product that we were extremely pleased with .”
24 | TRENDS Ingenuity , Integrity , and Intelligence .