Aerial Map Information

Aerial Maps - Maps from aerial photography provide you with maps that are very clear because of the high resolution.  Aerial photos must be "stitched" together to provide maps that cover a large area. Several types of imagery are used to provide maps in the visual, infra-red and thermal spectrums. Aerial maps are often used by hikers, hunters, and other outdoor enthusiasts.  Due to the high resolution, real estate professionals and homeowners often use aerial maps to look at homes and neighborhoods.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides most of the aerial imagery that is used for the United States.

USGS Photo Finder provides access to two USGS photography collections; National Aerial Photography Program (NAPP) and National High Altitude Photography (NHAP). The following is a brief explanation of each.

NAPP
The National Aerial Photography Program (NAPP) provides a standardized set of cloud-free aerial photographs covering the conterminous U.S. over five-to-seven year cycles. The program began in 1987 and continues to be our most recent and consistent source of high-quality aerial photography.

The photographs were acquired from an altitude of 20,000 feet and are available in black & white (B/W) or color infrared (CIR), depending on location and date. Each photo is centered on one-quarter section of a 7.5-minute USGS quadrangle, and covers approximately a 5.5 x 5.5 mile area.

NHAP
The National High Altitude Photography (NHAP) program was in effect from 1980-1989. It was coordinated by the USGS to acquire aerial photography of the 48 conterminous states.

NHAP photography was acquired from an altitude of 40,000 feet. Two different camera systems were used to acquire simultaneous coverage at two different scales. A 6-inch focal length lens acquired black-and-white (B/W) film at an approximate scale of 1:80,000. B/W photos cover a ground area of 11 x 11 miles. An 8.25-inch lens acquired color-infrared (CIR) film at an approximate scale of 1:58,000. CIR photos cover a ground area of 8 x 8 miles.

The TerraServer - USA Web site is one of the world's largest online databases, providing free public access to a vast data store of maps and aerial photographs of the United States. TerraServer is designed to work with commonly available computer systems and Web browsers over slow speed communications links. The TerraServer name is a play on words, with 'Terra' referring  to the 'earth' or 'land' and also to the terabytes of images stored on the site. TerraServer is operated by the Microsoft Corporation as a research project for developing advanced database technology. Maps and images are supplied through their partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey.

GlobeXplorer - is the leading provider of satellite images and aerial photography via the Internet. They offer quick, efficient and affordable access to professional-quality images, enabling businesses and consumers to dynamically pull interactive aerial images in to their Web sites extending the value of their services to their customers.

 While imagery of this scope and caliber was previously time-consuming and costly to obtain, they make it all instantly and conveniently available using only a standard Web browser.

If you know of any other high quality Aerial mapping services that you find useful, let us know and we might included a link on our Web site.