USGS to Conduct Aerial Geological Survey in Oregon

Low-level helicopter flights will begin scanning parts of eastern Oregon in October 2026 to map regional geology.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Geography

An aerial view of rugged mountain ridges in eastern Oregon with a utility helicopter flying overhead, surveying the landscape. — The U.S. Geological Survey will begin low-level helicopter geophysical mapping across parts of eastern Oregon in October 2026 to assess regional resources. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The U.S. Geological Survey will launch a low-level helicopter geophysical survey across eastern Oregon in October 2026. The project aims to image subterranean structures to identify groundwater, energy, and mineral resources.

Why it matters

Mapping geological features is essential for uncovering underground mineral deposits, managing groundwater supplies, and assessing natural hazards. This data collection effort will provide updated insights into the geological composition of the Blue Mountains region.

Helicopters will maintain an altitude of 330 feet along flight lines spaced 660 feet apart. The aircraft will utilize sensors mounted in an elongated stinger to collect magnetic and radiometric data throughout the survey.

The players

U.S. Geological Survey

The agency serves as the primary federal science organization focused on mapping and understanding the biology, geology, and water resources of the United States.

Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries

This state agency is responsible for researching and monitoring geological hazards and resources to support public safety and economic development.

The details

Contracted operators New Sense Geophysics and the Merrick-Surdex Joint Venture will perform the flights in daylight hours across Baker, Crook, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Umatilla, and Union counties. The study, a collaboration with the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, will strictly avoid collecting any photography or video data.

October 2026: Low-level geophysical survey flights begin.

The Big Picture

This project continues the work of the USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative, which seeks to modernize the nation's geological mapping through high-resolution data acquisition. It represents a significant step forward in documenting complex crustal structures that older, lower-resolution maps may have overlooked.

Residents across the seven affected counties may notice low-flying helicopters conducting daylight operations during the survey window. The resulting data will eventually aid in identifying viable groundwater and mineral resources that could support long-term regional development.

The takeaway

The upcoming aerial survey will provide crucial underground mapping data without recording visual imagery of private property. Residents should prepare for increased aircraft activity during daylight hours throughout October 2026.