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Aerial Detection Survey

In partnership with the Oregon Department of Forestry and Washington Department of Natural Resources, the Aerial Detection Survey collection program provides spatial data of forests that is used to address pests, identify areas for salvage timber harvests, improve forest health conditions, and manage wildfire risk.  

Aerial Detection Survey Data and Products

Aerial Detection Survey Data Download

Map of Western United States illustrating areas with forest damage.

Download aerial detection survey data from 1947 to the present. 

Georeferenced Quad Maps

Quad map overview of Oregon and Washington.

Find recently available aerial detection survey geo-referenced PDFs. 

Current Year Data Viewer

Picture of dead fir species from 2022 aerial detection survey of the Fremont-Winema National Forest.

View the most current aerial detection survey data on an interactive geospatial mapping interface. Download or print a map to help you navigate to areas of interest with possible forest health concerns. 

Forest Health Aerial Detection Survey Data Dashboard

Image of the forest health aerial detection survey data dashboard.

Interact with this dashboard to learn more about forest health concerns for forested lands you are interested in. Get acres impacted by land management unit, tree species, or damage causal agent. 

About Aerial Detection Surveys

Image
(Daniel DePinte)

Staffed aerial detection surveys provide an annual snapshot of forest health conditions over large areas. Most aerial surveys are conducted in fixed-wing aircraft, such as small planes, while some special surveys are conducted using helicopters. 

Aerial surveys can be used as the first step with coarse estimates of recent damage across vast areas as part of a multi-tiered approach for detection, evaluation, and research. 

Data collected during these surveys has proven useful in early detection of invasive species, rapid response actions such as quarantine, control, or eradication. 

Forest Health Aerial Detection Survey Methodology

Last updated August 14, 2026