Our Partners National Archives and Records Administration
Logo of the National Archives and Records Administration

National Archives and Records Administration

In 2016, the National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP) began a digitisation partnership with the US National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). The ongoing objective of this collaboration is to digitise and provide access to the extensive holdings of aerial photography held by this federal government agency.

Opening up Millions more images

NARA is an independent agency of the United States federal government that preserves and shares public records tracing the story of the USA, its government and people. From its Washington, D.C. headquarters NARA carries out its mission through a nationwide network of Presidential libraries, research facilities and online platforms.

The bulk of NARA's aerial photography have been transferred from the Defense Intelligence Agency through declassification initiatives. This imagery was predominantly created by the US Navy, US Army Air Corps and US Air Force for military reconnaissance and mapping projects. The collections also include significant volumes of captured Second World War-era aerial photography originally produced by the German Luftwaffe (code-named GX), and the Imperial Japanese Army Air Service or the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service (code-named JX).

Transatlantic Cooperation

Through our joint-venture digitisation unit, thousands of images are digitised every month. Focusing on aerial photography from the Second World War digitisation request are managed through curated programmes that fill gaps in NCAP holdings or meet large project objectives.

These digital copies are then transferred to NCAP for further image processing and cataloguing by our subject specialists and metadata team.

Enabling access to aerial photographs of locations around the world, the digital imagery created through the partnership is made publicly accessible via NCAP's Air Photo Finder.  

Read more about the Collection on the NARA Collection page, or visit the NARA website.

Image Collections - NARA  US National Archives - external

IN THIS SECTION

A long, low profile building fills the frame. It has lots of square edges and sharp angles, and our view of it is partially blocked by spindly trees and dense, low bushes. The photograph has been taken at night, and the clear, dark blue sky glows behind the building. Three rows of windows are illuminated with orange light from inside.

Directorate of Overseas Surveys Partnership

Working with Stockholm University and the University of California (Berkeley), this partnership delivered a pioneering digitisation programme.  

Edinburgh International Data Facility

Our research collaboration with the EIDF facilitates access to high-performance computing infrastructure, enabling the development of advanced algorithms and creation of analytics-ready datasets.

Irish Defence Forces

NCAP has been working with the Irish Defence Forces to digitise tens of thousands of aerial photographic images and associated records held by the Irish Military Archives.

The Medmenham Collection

With significant elements of the NCAP collection originating from RAF Medmenham, our relationship with the Medmenham Collection remains a valuable one.

Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales

NCAP has been working with the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales to digitise tens of thousands of aerial photographic images held in The National Monuments Record of Wales.