Products & Services Scan on Demand Services

Scan on Demand Services

Discover and access extensive holdings of not-yet digitised aerial photographs in the National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP) through the Scan on Demand service.

how it works

The vast majority of the 30 million aerial photographs housed in the NCAP collection remain undigitised and inaccessible via the Air Photo Finder. This archive represents an extensive pool of visual history available for potential exploration.

To initiate digitisation, find the the relevant image reference and request it through the Image Order Form linked below. The NCAP team will then provide a quote for your consideration. Once you have accepted the quote, we will arrange for the image to be ordered and scanned on your behalf.

If you don't know the image reference, you have several options:

  • conduct independent research using the finding aids. If you're unsure how to use these aids, refer to the How-To Guides for assistance
  • request a member of the NCAP team to search the catalogue on your behalf

Request a high resolution scan through the Image Order Form.

Image Order Form

Pricing

Your image will be provided in digital TIFF format. While NCAP's minimum resolution is 1200ppi, higher resolutions can be offered as well. The availability of higher resolutions depends on format of the original image and the scanning equipment's capabilities for each material type.

Your quote will typically consist of two primary components, a handling fee and a digitisation fee:

  • the digitisation fee is charged per frame
  • the handling fee is charged per tin/box
Scan on Demand - digitisation fee (price per frame) EX VAT INC VAT
Scanning resolution: 1200ppi (greyscale only) £55 £66
Photogrammetric Scan on Demand - digitisation fee (price per frame) EX VAT INC VAT
Scanning resolution: 1270ppi (greyscale or colour) £65 £78
Scanning resolution: 1600ppi (greyscale or colour) £95 £114
Scanning resolution: 2000ppi (greyscale or colour) £125 £150

timescales

We aim to deliver typical orders of up to 25 images within 15 working days from the point your order has been confirmed and payment is processed. 

NCAP also offers Express and Super Express services if you require faster delivery.

Your quote will include expected delivery timescales. 

Delivery Options (up to 25 images) and Handling Fees
Standard - 15 working days Standard frame cost
Standard handling fee per tin/box £4 (ex VAT)
Express - 7 working days Standard frame cost x 2
Express handling fee per tin/box £12 (ex VAT)
Super Express - 48 hours Standard frame cost x 5
Super Express handling fee per tin/box £130 (ex VAT)

Adding Value - Image Verification Service

If you're uncertain about ordering a high-resolution image, NCAP offers an Image Verification service designed to provide reassurance with your order.

Expert NCAP staff will review your selection at the time of digitisation. If a better match to your requirements is found on the same roll of film, our digitisation team will adjust your frame selection accordingly. This ensures that you receive an image precisely covering your area of interest on the specified date. Furthermore, if there happens to be no coverage on the film, a refund of your order will be offered.

To include Image Verification with your order, kindly request this service through the 'additional information' field on the Image Order Form.

Please note that this service is currently only available for aerial imagery of the UK.

Image Verification Service EX VAT INC VAT
Additional cost per sortie £10 £12

Adding Value - Letter of Authenticity

Add value and validity to your image order with a formal Letter of Authenticity, outlining the precision and dependability of your historical records. This documentation is particularly useful for legal proceedings or research outcomes.

By opting for this service alongside your image order, our team of aerial photographic experts will compile essential information to provide factual and unbiased evidence about your image. Where appropriate, this may include:

  • the exact date and time the photograph was captured
  • the altitude of the aircraft during photography
  • the focal length of the camera lens used
  • details about the military unit or survey company responsible for taking the photograph
  • information regarding the method and resolution of digitisation

With a Letter of Authenticity, you can trust in the accuracy and credibility of your historical documentation.

Letter of Authenticity Service EX VAT INC VAT
Per sortie £50 £60

Related reading

IN THIS SECTION

A figure in a white and black jumper leans in from the bottom left of the frame. The top of their head and the whole tabletop that is in front of them are visible from our vantage above. There are two black and white images of landscapes on the table top. The figure is wearing white gloves and appears to be positioning the images under a beige viewing apparatus which has two transparent viewing lenses. There are two cardboard boxes of images on the tabletop - one with more black and white images piled in it, and another with a white sheet in it.

Image Sales and Licensing Use

When using images from the NCAP Collection you will need to know the intended use in order to purchase an appropriate licence.

A figure in a dark blue lab coat stands with their right side to us. They are wearing purple gloves, and a black and white mask. They have their arms stretched into a desk top cabinet which has transparent plastic front and sides, and a white frame. A vacuum cleaner hose feeds into the cabinet. The figure grasps a brush and holds up an image to examine it. There are other pictures and boxes in the cabinet.

Subject Specialist Consultancy

NCAP employs specialists in imagery analysis, data management, and collections care. Specialist support consultancy is offered in a variety of areas.

A row of black and white aerial photographs fills most of the frame. We can see the central image fully, but the ones on either side are partially cropped by the image frame. They are lying flat and appear to be joined together. Irregularly shaped fields and roadways are visible on the images.

Research Copies

For images that are not yet digitised, purchases can be made with confidence by requesting a lower-resolution copy of an image before you place a Scan on Demand order.

A figure in a black jumper leans into the frame from the far right. They lean on a tabletop and are holding a computer mouse. On the desk there is a screen with a colour aerial photograph displayed on it. There is also a black, cylindrical canister which has white labels on it, and a document lying on the table.

Paid Image Searches

If you are not familiar with navigating non-digitised collections or if you are short on time, NCAP provides a convenient solution.

A figure leans into the frame from the left. They have short blonde hair and wear a dark blue top. They have their back towards us, and are working with a large white boxy machine with a display screen. Under the screen a film runs between two spools. The image on the screen is of a monotone landscape. A colour aerial image is displayed on the wall and is partially obscured by the screen.

Search Room

Request to make an appointment in the NCAP Search Room to access and consult catalogued aerial imagery.