MnDOT to Conduct Aerial Mapping in Southwest Minnesota This Spring

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The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) plans to carry out aerial photography work across southwest Minnesota this spring to support transportation planning and highway design. The mapping effort will document existing infrastructure and surrounding landscapes along and near MnDOT right of way, with work scheduled to begin in late March and continue through early May, weather permitting.

Why it matters

This aerial mapping project will provide MnDOT with detailed visual data to help plan and design improvements to the transportation infrastructure in southwest Minnesota, which includes major state highways connecting rural communities.

The details

Survey areas include multiple stretches of highways in the region, including portions of Highways 14, 15, 19, 30, 68, 71, 75, and 271, with locations spanning communities such as Lake Benton, Kingston, Ivanhoe, Redwood Falls, Dovray, Canby, Hendricks, and Willmar. As part of the process, crews will place temporary white 'X' targets on paved and unpaved surfaces to assist with aerial imaging accuracy.

• The mapping work is scheduled to begin in late March 2026.
• The aerial photography is expected to continue through early May 2026, weather permitting.

What’s next

MnDOT officials are asking the public not to disturb the temporary 'X' targets placed on the ground, and landowners with targets near their property will be contacted directly. Anyone needing to move a target is asked to contact MnDOT's District 8 office in Willmar for assistance.