The Government Aircraft Purchasing for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing

The Aerial Survey and Remote Sensing Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA) has carried out aerial photography missions since the 1970s, and the aerial images captured have been widely used by government agencies. Nevertheless, the two aerial survey aircraft previously operated in coordination with the National Air Service Corps were manufactured in 1979 and 1993. One of the aircraft was involved in an accident and, following evaluation, has been deemed beyond repair. The other aircraft has been in service for over 40 years and, due to concerns over flight safety and maintenance costs, will also be retired from flight operations.

To ensure the continued collection of national baseline aerial images, the Government Aircraft Purchasing for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing Project will adopt a finance lease model, under which two modified survey aircraft will be provided by private operators. The arrangements will include up to 600 flight hours per year during the project period, along with services covering pilots, fuel, and maintenance. Ownership of the aircraft will be transferred to the FANCA at the end of the project. This method aims to sustain and strengthen the nation’s autonomous aerial survey capabilities, and provide high-quality aerial photography data for use by the government, businesses, and individuals, thereby indirectly generating economic value and improving national competitiveness to realize sustainable development.

This project was initially approved by the Executive Yuan on April 19, 2019, with a scheduled implementation period from 2020 to 2028. However, during actual implementation, the procurement of aircraft was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, in alignment with the National Development Council’s promotion of the 3D National Base Map Policy and the Executive Yuan-approved “Smart Flood Disaster Prevention Project,” the Ministry of Agriculture (formerly the Council of Agriculture) submitted the first revised draft of the project plan on February 23, 2022, adjusting the project timeline and budget requirements. The revised plan was approved by the Executive Yuan on May 30, 2022.