In 2004, AmericaView, Inc., a state-based nationwide remote sensing consortium, selected the Institute for Regional Analysis and Public Policy (IRAPP) at Morehead State University as the lead institution for its Kentucky affiliate, known as KentuckyView.  In November 2008, KentuckyView was promoted from Associate to Full Member status and currently comprises eight member institutions and agencies.  As KentuckyView continues to grow we expect that additional universities, colleges, non-profit organizations, and state and federal agencies will add their knowledge, experience and shared goals to ours as we seek to improve life for citizens throughout the Commonwealth.

The primary focus of KentuckyView is on the use of images collected from satellites and aircraft, as well as other geospatial technologies, to support K-16 education, workforce development, applied research, data distribution, and technology transfer.  Current projects include developing an archive of aircraft and satellite images that will be distributed to users free of charge, creating educational materials, and providing outreach workshops and workforce training throughout the state.

KentuckyView is irected by a faculty member affiliated with IRAPP, Dr. Christine E. McMichael.  As MSU's Program of Distinction, IRAPP brings together students, faculty, staff, citizens, and policy makers to study and develop action plans that will affect the lives of people in its service region.  IRAPP combines well-established programs (Environmental Science, Geography, Government, Social Work, and Sociology) with a specified general education core and Regional Analysis courses that allow students and faculty to make a difference in their communities.

Current members of the KentuckyView consortium are:

• Institute for Regional Analysis and Public Policy, Morehead State University (official member of record)

• Kentucky Division of Geographic Information

• Kentucky Geological Survey

• Department of Geography, Eastern Kentucky University

• Kentucky State University
  

• Mid-America Remote Sensing Center, Murray State University

• College of Agriculture, University of Kentucky

• Department of Geography and Geology, Western Kentucky University

(c.mcmichael@moreheadstate.edu)