Minnesota now has a online index of photo's of selected counties in the state. While not all of the state is in the index, a good percentage of the "wooded" land is, and the photo's are 10 years old or less.

Each of the photographed counties has a odd-even photo structure - the odd numbered (green dot) on photos are online. The even numbered (red dot) photos are offline, but may be ordered from the DNR. The photos show the same detail - the differance is that the even numbered photos are for use with a stereoscope (3 dimensional viewing).

The photos are taken in the fall for maximum contrast, and from an altitude of approximately 7900 feet. Each photo covers an area of roughly 2.5 miles square.

To view the maps, you must first select a given county within the state, then examine the county index, which is organized by townships. The township index shows the major U.S. and state highways. The townships are not labeled by name, rather they are labeled by tract and range. Within the townships, you will find the individual maps represented by the green and red dots. Place your mouse cursor on a green dot and click. A low resolution photo will be displayed. You can click again for a higher resolution photo.

These photos are taken using infra-red film, and as a result, things don't look the same as you might expect:

• Vegetation is red - conifers (pines, etc) are usually a darker red than broadleafed trees
• Clear water is black
• Paved surfaces are blue-gray