The Sanborn Map Company, Inc. (“Sanborn”), one of the nation’s longest-standing geospatial firms, today marks its 160th anniversary, reflecting a legacy of continuous innovation, technical excellence, and trusted partnership since its founding in 1866.

Sanborn has played a leading role in geospatial development for 160 years. From its origins in fire insurance mapping to its current position at the forefront of geospatial information, Sanborn has continually evolved to meet the nation’s most complex data and infrastructure challenges.

A Legacy Built on Innovation

The company continues to build on capabilities that stay ahead of technological change — pioneering advancements in aerial imagery, analytics, lidar, radiometric, Time-Domain Electromagnetic (TDEM or TEM), and large-scale digital twin capabilities. Today, the company delivers mission-critical solutions to federal, state, and local governments, as well as commercial clients across utilities, transportation, natural resources, and defense sectors.

“Reaching 160 years in business is a remarkable milestone that reflects our ability to adapt, innovate, and lead,” said John Copple, CEO of Sanborn. “We are proud of our history—but even more excited about the role we are playing in shaping the future of geospatial information, geophysical information, and the related intelligence derived from it.”

Achievements and Growth

Recent milestones highlight Sanborn’s leadership in the geospatial industry:

• Expansion of Advanced Sensor Capabilities
  Investment in next-generation aerial sensors and supporting infrastructure, including large-format digital cameras, oblique imagery cameras, high-density lidar systems, and geophysical survey equipment. These investments enable unmatched precision in data acquisition across large geographic areas both above and below the surface of the earth.
• Leadership in National Mapping Programs
  Support for federal initiatives, including nationwide elevation, imagery programs, and geophysical programs delivering high-quality data and analytics that underpins infrastructure planning, disaster response, and environmental management.
• Growth in Geospatial Analytics Solutions
  Advancement of capabilities across strategic planning, data science, and AI-driven analytics, enabling deeper insights and more actionable intelligence for clients.
• Strengthening Through Strategic Acquisitions
  Enhancement of offerings through targeted acquisitions and partnerships across the Sanborn Spatial Intelligence Group and Geophysics Group, with expanded resale and licensing capabilities, broadening the client base, and delivery of integrated, end-to-end geospatial solutions.
• Commitment to Critical Customer Priorities
  Alignment with critical customer priorities through capabilities in broadband mapping and analytics, remote sensing–based change detection, critical minerals mapping, forestry, flood resilience, transportation asset management, and utility and vegetation management—supporting infrastructure modernization and long-term economic outcomes.

Looking Ahead

As Sanborn continues to build on its legacy, the company remains committed to advancing the science of geospatial intelligence while maintaining the core values that have defined its success for 160 years: integrity, innovation, and service.

“With 160 years behind us, we are uniquely positioned to lead the next era of geospatial technology,” added Kate Hickey, Chief Strategy Officer. “From AI-enabled analytics to next-generation sensor fusion, Sanborn will continue to deliver the data and insights that power smarter decisions and resilient communities.”

About The Sanborn Map Company, Inc.

Founded in 1866, The Sanborn Map Company is a leading provider of geospatial solutions, including aerial imagery, LiDAR, photogrammetry, and advanced geospatial analytics. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Sanborn serves a diverse client base across government and commercial sectors, delivering high-quality data and insights that support critical decision-making nationwide.

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“With 160 years behind us, we are uniquely positioned to lead the next era of geospatial technology,” Kate Hickey, Chief Strategy Officer. “...Sanborn will continue to deliver the data and insights that power smarter decisions and resilient communities.”