Racks of light grey shelving fill a room. The shelves are full of cardboard boxes. In the aisle between 2 racks of shelves is a woman with long dark hair wearing a blue lab coat. She leans over 2 cardboard boxes stacked on a grey trolley.

Processing vast numbers of images per day requires careful tracking.
NCAP's records coordination store is the first stop in our detailed workflows

About Us

The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP) holds one of the most significant collections of aerial photography in the world. We are custodians of 30 million images, providing a detailed and unique perspective on key moments in world history.

Who We Are

Our archive includes rare images dating back as far as the 1920s. Much of the photography is Ministry of Defense (MoD) declassified reconnaissance imagery from the Second World War, the Cold War and other information-gathering efforts. 

We have grown to become the world-leading specialist repository for processing and managing aerial photographic collections. As such, we have also acquired imagery from survey and research projects which has outlived its initial use. 

We have imagery from every continent in the world and many of our holdings have been unavailable to the public until now. Bringing these collections together as part of NCAP has created a unique dataset which is finding new uses. 

Find out more about who we are, what we do and where we are going.

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In This Section

Four white and grey image scanners are spaced across a line of desks. Five blue and black film winders are spaced between the scanners. Each winder has a roll of black film on it. A section of a screen is in partial focus in the top right corner of the frame.

Our Mission

With a responsibility for 30 million aerial photographic images, our goal is to preserve and make accessible for present and future generations.

A black and white historic photo of 4 women in uniform working in an office. Large windows are visible in the background. 2 of the women face the camera, 2 are sitting with their backs to the camera. Metal film canisters cover almost every surface.

Our Team

Meet the team of dedicated technicians, historians, analysts, cataloguers, data managers and robots who deliver NCAPs collections to the public every day.

A large modern, multistorey building is the focus of the image. It is primarily made from glass sheets, with white panelling between them. Our view is partially obscured by large, low bushy trees, which are spaced in between areas of grass. Decorative paving is laid directly in front of us and leads to a low, sweeping glass entranceway.

Our Partners

We collaborate with organisations from around the world with the common goal of facilitating access to aerial photographic collections.

Racks of light grey shelving fill a room. The shelves are full of cardboard boxes. In the aisle between 2 racks of shelves is a woman with long dark hair wearing a blue lab coat. She leans over 2 cardboard boxes stacked on a grey trolley.

What's New and Next

Guided by our strategic plan for the care, digitisation and dissemination of aerial photographic collection, we are working through project priorities to meet set targets.

An industrial building with signage that shows a blue and teal logo. The sign reads ‘Historic Environment Scotland’. Above it is a grey ‘3’ – indicating the building unit number. The building is dark blue and has large glass windows. In the far right two white vans are parked.

Historic Environment Scotland

Operating as a part Historic Environment Scotland, we are able to work closely with colleagues across archives and business support to help meet our goals.

2 men examine documents they are holding. The man on the left has light red hair and wears a blue shirt. The man on the right has dark brown hair and wears a grey jumper. 2 large colourised historic photos cover the walls behind them.

Contact Us

Find the best ways to get in touch with the team at NCAP for research support, project partnerships or image sales.

Two figures fill the right side of the frame, and sit in front of a computer workstation on the left. The figure on the right has short, dark brown hair an is wearing a grey jumper. The figure on the right has long red hair and wears glasses with a dark frame and a dark blue top. The figure on the right is pointing at the screen. Two frames black and white images are displayed on the grey walls around them.

Get Involved

Growing our network of partners includes reaching out to a knowledgeable and engaged public, for both volunteer and outreach opportunities.

View Already Digitised Collections

Use our mapping tools to zoom into areas of interest and explore tens of thousands of images.
Visit Our Air Photo Finder