Randy Knippel

GIS Manager
Dakota County, Minnesota

Drone Aerial Photography – Accuracy and Practical Applications


Abstract: The use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for aerial photography is rapidly emerging as a viable option for a wide array of mapping products. Dakota County worked with a local company to capture imagery over a test area and performed accuracy testing to determine the usability of the resulting products. The results were quite remarkable, and led the County to do a pilot project over a County road project. This presentation will give an overview of the test project and pilot project, the map products evaluated, the expected outcomes, and future plans.


Bio: Randy is GIS Manager at Dakota County where he has worked since 1994. He has been involved in a variety of activities related to implementing the U.S. National Grid. He serves on several committees for MetroGIS and MnGeo, including the Emergency Preparedness Committee. He has over 35 years of experience in geographic information science including cartography, photogrammetry, database design, programming, GIS analysis, and project management.


Contact Info

Office of GIS
14955 Galaxie Ave
Apple Valley, MN 55124

Work: 952-891-7080

Work Email
Linkedin