Support FAQs

FAQs

Please read the answers to our commonly asked questions.  

If you don't find the answer you're looking for, feel free to get in touch.

General queries 

What is the National Collection of Aerial Photography?

NCAP, also known as the National Collection of Aerial Photography, houses one of the largest collections of aerial imagery in the world. This extensive collection contains tens of millions of aerial images, documenting historical events and iconic locations worldwide. NCAP has a dual mission: to gather and protect these invaluable records in both digital and physical formats, ensuring their preservation for future generations. Secondly, NCAP is dedicated to improving accessibility, aiming to make these archival treasures widely available to all.

About NCAP

What imagery does NCAP hold?

NCAP houses an extensive archive of over 30 million aerial photographs depicting diverse locations worldwide. Originating largely from the critical periods of the Second World War and the Cold War, these photographs have been declassified and made available by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence. NCAP's collection is unparalleled, encompassing both military declassified imagery and non-military content, offering a comprehensive view of global landscape and history.

Image Collections

Access and Use

What can these images be used for?

Historical aerial imagery serves as a versatile resource with applications spanning multiple domains. These range from aiding Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operations and resolving boundary disputes, to inspiring creativity, supporting environmental studies, and assisting police investigations. Its historical context and visual richness inform decision-making, problem-solving and creative pursuits across diverse fields.

Case Studies  Image Licensing

How can I visit your Search Room and what can I view?

In the search room, visitors can access post-1945 aerial photography of Scotland in print format and 1939-1945 imagery of Western Europe on microfilm. However, for conservation reasons, once digital imagery is accessible on our website, physical prints are no longer provided for viewing. Our focus remains on making imagery and finding aids accessible for online consultation, directing our resources accordingly. Please note that all search room visitors must make an appointment. 

Search Room

How can I purchase Digital imagery?

If imagery is already digitised, it can be directly purchased through the Air Photo Finder. However, if the imagery hasn't been digitised yet, it must be ordered through the Scan on Demand service, where prints or film will be digitized upon request.

Air Photo Finder   Scan on Demand

How do I purchase Imagery that has not yet been digitised?

NCAP holds over 30 million aerial photographs, with the majority yet to be digitised or catalogued for upload to the Air Photo Finder. If you want to purchase one of these images and have the reference number for the exact image, you can order it through the Scan on Demand Service. NCAP will then digitize the image for you.

Scan on Demand

How do I find an image reference number?

Usually, image reference numbers consist of a 'Collection', a 'Sortie reference', and a 'Frame number'. Gathering specific image references can be a bit challenging and varies depending on the collection. Original finding aids or plots outline where sorties were flown and the location of each image captured on that flight. Many of these finding aids have been digitised for easy reference. You can access them with the help of How-To Guides. If you're still struggling, our Paid Image Search service may be beneficial.

How-To Guides Paid Image Search

When will more images become available online?

Daily efforts are underway to expand the accessibility of NCAP aerial imagery online. This work is funded through image licensing, website subscriptions, and project partnerships. While the process of preserving, digitising and cataloguing images for online release is time-intensive, active digitisation programs are in place. NCAP prioritises the timely release of this imagery through the Air Photo Finder. Stay informed about ongoing work and data releases by signing up for the NCAP Newsletter for monthly updates. Alternatively, you can periodically check the Air Photo Finder for new imagery.

Air Photo Finder Newsletter Sign Up

Subscriptions

I have a subscription for your legacy website - will this still work?

Yes, any customers with existing individual or commercial subscriptions for our legacy website will be able to continue using them as normal. Images and finding aids will remain available on the legacy website while we complete the transition to our new online platforms over the coming months.

Subscriptions

Will the new website have a subscriptions feature?

We are planning to integrate subscriptions into our new online platforms as we develop future upgrades and functionality over the coming months. These will allow for viewing higher resolution imagery, and enhance your ability to search for, access and interact with our collections.

What's New and Next

IN THIS SECTION

A colour aerial photo with a park containing trees and red paths at the left, and Buckingham Palace in the bottom left corner. The River Thames is to the right with the London Eye lying flat over it. The shadow of Big Ben is to the right of centre.

Case Studies

Explore the many new ways historical aerial imagery is being used today.

A colourful map of Bochum in Germany, with blue representing water, brown representing built-up areas and green representing countryside. 2 straggling lines of numbered black boxes indicate where a reconnaissance plane took photos.

How-To Guides

Use the step by step guides to help you navigate some of the key tools from the NCAP archive.

A person with dark hair and glasses in a blue lab coat holds a black and white map in their gloved hands. The map is labelled ‘Sierra Leone’. In the background there are desks which have blue and black film rollers and image scanners on them.

Understanding Technical Terms

A glossary of some common technical terms associated with aerial photography.

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.

A close-up image of a piece of cream-coloured paper held by black gloved hands. It is torn on the centre fold lines and has creased and bent edges. It is printed with a form in black ink that has been completed in blue and grey handwritten text.

Subscriptions

Subscriptions allow you to zoom images on the website and access finding aids to help identify images.

A person in a blue lab coat holds a pile of 6 small cardboard boxes. They are wearing black gloves and the top of their head is just visible above the boxes. The boxes have writing in black marker on them.

Online Sources of Aerial Photography

As well as NCAP, here are some other places you can go for aerial photos and information.