Aerial Imaging Services in Oregon
Connect with FAA-certified drone operators across 30 cities in Oregon. From topographic data collection to construction monitoring, find local operators who know your airspace, your regulations, and your market.
Oregon Drone Regulations
Oregon regulates drones primarily through ORS 837.300-.340, enacted via SB 425 (2013) and amended in subsequent sessions. ORS 837.320 prohibits operating a drone in a reckless manner or interfering with manned aircraft, with violations classified as a Class A violation. ORS 837.330 restricts drone use by law enforcement, requiring a warrant for surveillance except in emergency situations, search and rescue, and forest fire response. ORS 837.340 prohibits weaponization of drones and using drones to hunt or harass wildlife. ORS 164.653 extends privacy protections, making it a crime to use a drone to capture images of private premises where a reasonable expectation of privacy exists. Oregon does not require a separate state-level drone license for commercial operators, but all commercial pilots must hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. The state preempts local regulation of drone flight paths and navigable airspace, though cities may regulate takeoff and landing on public property they own. Oregon State Parks require a permit for commercial drone operations (OAR 736-010). Operators near military installations (Portland ANG, Kingsley Field Klamath Falls) must coordinate with base operations. The FAA controls all airspace above 400 feet.
Primary statute: ORS 837.300-.340 (SB 425, 2013); ORS 164.653; OAR 736-010
Last verified: 2026-06-30
Airspace & Flying in Oregon
Oregon's airspace is relatively open outside the Portland metro. Portland International Airport has Class C airspace. The state has limited military restricted airspace, primarily around the Portland Air National Guard base and Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls. The Columbia River Gorge and Cascade Mountain range create unique wind and terrain considerations for drone operations. Oregon's diverse geography, from coastal dunes to high desert, requires operators to adapt to varying conditions.
Military Installations & Restricted Airspace
- Portland Air National Guard Base — restricted airspace near PDX airport
- Kingsley Field (Klamath Falls) — restricted airspace, Air National Guard fighter training
- Camp Rilea — Oregon National Guard training area near Warrenton
- Umatilla Chemical Depot — restricted airspace near Hermiston
State Parks & Public Lands
Oregon State Parks require a permit for commercial drone operations under OAR 736-010. Contact Oregon Parks and Recreation Department for permit information. Crater Lake National Park and other NPS properties prohibit all drone flights.
Oregon Construction Market
Oregon's construction market is concentrated in the Portland metro, Willamette Valley, and Bend. Portland's urban growth boundary drives dense infill development and high-rise construction. The Silicon Forest tech corridor in Washington County (Hillsboro, Beaverton) drives commercial construction. Bend is one of the fastest-growing small cities in the US, with significant residential and resort development. Infrastructure projects including ODOT highway work, TriMet light rail expansion, and water system upgrades create steady demand for aerial data services.
Typical Aerial Imaging Costs in Oregon
| Service Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Topographic Data Collection | $1,200 - $5,000 |
| Drone Inspection | $600 - $2,800 |
| LiDAR Scanning | $2,000 - $10,000 |
| Construction Monitoring | $400 - $2,000 |
Cost ranges vary by project size, terrain complexity, and deliverable requirements. Get an exact quote from a local drone operator.
Services Available in Oregon
Cities We Serve in Oregon
30 cities with local aerial imaging coverage. Select your city for regulations, costs, and local operator connections.
Portland
Multnomah County
Pop. 635,000
Eugene
Lane County
Pop. 176,000
Salem
Marion County
Pop. 175,000
Gresham
Multnomah County
Pop. 114,000
Hillsboro
Washington County
Pop. 107,000
Bend
Deschutes County
Pop. 102,000
Beaverton
Washington County
Pop. 98,000
Medford
Jackson County
Pop. 86,000
Springfield
Lane County
Pop. 62,000
Corvallis
Benton County
Pop. 59,000
Albany
Linn County
Pop. 57,000
Tigard
Washington County
Pop. 55,000
Aloha
Washington County
Pop. 53,000
Lake Oswego
Clackamas County
Pop. 41,000
Grants Pass
Josephine County
Pop. 40,000
Oregon City
Clackamas County
Pop. 38,000
Redmond
Deschutes County
Pop. 36,000
McMinnville
Yamhill County
Pop. 35,000
Tualatin
Washington County
Pop. 28,000
West Linn
Clackamas County
Pop. 27,000
Wilsonville
Clackamas County
Pop. 27,000
Woodburn
Marion County
Pop. 27,000
Newberg
Yamhill County
Pop. 26,000
Roseburg
Douglas County
Pop. 24,000
Ashland
Jackson County
Pop. 21,000
Pendleton
Umatilla County
Pop. 17,000
Prineville
Crook County
Pop. 11,000
Hood River
Hood River County
Pop. 8,000
Sisters
Deschutes County
Pop. 2,700
La Pine
Deschutes County
Pop. 2,200
Oregon Aerial Imaging FAQs
Does Oregon require a state drone license?
No. Oregon does not require a separate state drone license. Commercial operators must hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Oregon regulates drones through ORS 837.300-.340, which addresses reckless operation, privacy, and weaponization.
Can I fly a drone in Oregon State Parks?
Oregon State Parks require a permit for commercial drone operations under OAR 736-010. Contact Oregon Parks and Recreation Department for the specific park you plan to operate in. Crater Lake National Park prohibits all drone flights under NPS regulations.
What privacy protections does Oregon have for drone operations?
Oregon ORS 164.653 makes it a crime to use a drone to capture images of private premises where a reasonable expectation of privacy exists. ORS 837.330 restricts law enforcement drone use, requiring a warrant for surveillance except in emergencies. Commercial operators should avoid capturing images of private property without consent.
Can I fly a drone over the Columbia River Gorge?
The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area has restrictions on drone operations. Check with the Columbia River Gorge Commission and the US Forest Service before flying. The area is known for strong, unpredictable winds that create challenging flying conditions.
How much does aerial imaging cost in Oregon?
Topographic aerial imaging in Oregon typically costs $1,200 to $5,000. Construction monitoring starts around $400 per flight. LiDAR scanning ranges from $2,000 to $10,000. Portland metro pricing tends to be higher than other Oregon markets.
Can I fly a drone to hunt or harass wildlife in Oregon?
No. Oregon ORS 837.340 prohibits using drones to hunt, harass, or track wildlife. Violations can result in criminal charges and loss of hunting privileges. This includes using drones to locate game animals for hunting purposes.
Need a Drone Operator in Oregon?
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Get StartedAeriusView connects clients with FAA-certified drone operators. Services are not licensed land surveying. Deliverables are not authoritative for boundary determination, design, or legal purposes.