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Composite Image Service for Minnesota

MnGeo’s Composite Image Service provides a single layer image service that automatically switches to an appropriate set of air photos or satellite imagery depending on the scale and extent. The images are provided as a WMS (web map service). The primary focus is the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area and the State of Minnesota. The secondary interest is the areas bordering Minnesota, especially Wisconsin counties close to the metro area.

Imagery is evaluated based on criteria of color, currency, resolution, coverage, season, leaf cover and image quality in order to determine which imagery to include at which scale.

The url for users to paste into their software, or for developers to access the WMS service is:
     https://imageserver.gisdata.mn.gov/cgi-bin/mncomp?

The Get Capabilities link for the Composite Service is:
     https://imageserver.gisdata.mn.gov/cgi-bin/mncomp?VERSION=1.3.0&SERVICE=WMS&REQUEST=GetCapabilities


Imagery Visible at Different Scales

The layers higher in the list will show through in areas not covered by layers further down. For example, Landsat will continue to be displayed across bordering states where the FSA NAIP data does not extend.

Scale Title Layer Name (from Geospatial Image Service) Geographic Area Year Season Resolution Metadata
1:250,000 and above Landsat landsat Minnesota plus 100-200 miles into adjoining states and Canada 1999-2002 Varies 30-meter
1:250,000 - 1:10,000 FSA NAIP fsa2021 Minnesota 2021 Summer 0.6-meter
FSA NAIP fsa2008 western Wisconsin counties 2008 Summer 1-meter  
<1:10,000
Twin Cities Metro met20 Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties 2020 Spring 1-foot

Southern MN south11 37 counties in southern MN 2011 Spring 0.5-meter

Northern MN nc13ft Carlton, Clay, Itasca, Mille Lacs, and Wilkin counties; Fond du Lac and White Earth reservations; Camp Ripley 2013 Spring 0.3-meter
(approx. 1-foot)
Northwest MN nw14 See map 2014 Spring 0.5-meter

 

If you have imagery that you would like to suggest or contribute, or you would like to participate in the committee that evaluates future additions, contact the Image Service Sustainability Committee.
 

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