During the next few days, a helicopter is scheduled to hover over several areas of Douglas County — sometimes low to the ground.

The helicopter will be collecting data about county buildings, said Sgt. Steve Lewis, a sheriff’s department spokesman.

A contractor, ICC Thermal Mapping & Surveying, is scheduled to collect images between 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., as well as between 8 p.m. and midnight, Lewis said. The flights are scheduled for today, Wednesday and Thursday, but could be delayed because of the weather.

During the daylight flights, the helicopter will stay above 1,200 feet. After dark, it will fly between 500 and 1,200 feet above the ground.

“The infrared surveys are part of a preventive maintenance program of buildings with flat roofs,” Lewis said. “The county is hoping to identify and address minor problems before they become serious and more expensive to repair.”

The surveys will cost the county $5,352, said Jackie Waggoner, Douglas County purchasing director.

Survey locations include the Judicial & Law Enforcement Center, 111 E. 11th St.; the Douglas County Jail, 3601 E. 25th St.; Building 21 of the Douglas County 4-H Fairgrounds, 2120 Harper St.; and Douglas County Youth Services in North Lawrence, 330 Industrial Lan