Our Partners National Archives and Records Administration

National Archives and Records Administration

In 2017, 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. As the nation's record keeper, NARA carries out its mission through a nationwide network of archives, records centres, Presidential Libraries, and online platforms.

Having access to over 300 million aerial photographs, the bulk of NARA's collections 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

Our digitisation team in Maryland, USA, systematically copies thousands of images every month. Primarily 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 millions of 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

Approximately 60 figures stand in a loose group in front of a large, grey stone building. Shrubs grow on either side of the group, and appear to be climbing up the building. The figures are arranged across a stepped patio area and tiered garden. Some figures smile gently. They wear a mix of military type uniforms - there are four or five variations. For example - a navy blue fitted jacket, pencil skirt and grey tights, or a dark khaki green jacket with gold coloured buttons, and straight legged trousers.

The Medmenham Association

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

The city of Edinburgh, as seen from Calton Hill. The bright blue sky is crossed with stripes of cloud. In the lower half of the image buildings of varying heights and widths are clustered together, seen from above from our placement on the hill. On the left of the image is the Dugald Stewart Monument. It is composed of a circle of columns on a podium.

The University of Edinburgh - external

NCAP is committed to collaborating with staff and students at the University of Edinburgh, to further understanding of our collection and provide valuable research opportunities.

A large industrial building is the focus of the image. It has large white panelled doors which are sitting open. The main body of the building is shiny black panelling. Some areas have fencing and mesh panels. The building is partially obscured by two mature trees. There is a luminous blue sky behind the building, and some snow on the grass surrounding it.

Edinburgh Parallel Computing Centre

NCAP has been an early adopter of EIDF, providing them with our huge dataset of 30 million images to work with while accessing their critical mass of expertise in return.

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.