Historic Aerial Photography

How can I view historical aerial photographs?

You can visit the local office where we have historical aerial photographs for the following years: 1988, 1983.  Maps are not available to be loaned or sold, but copies of specific sites can be made.

 

USDA Historic Aerial Photography

For more than half a century, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has acquired high quality aerial photographs to support federal farm programs.  Over the years, the USDA has photographed the vast majority of the nation and its territories at approximately seven-year intervals.

The USDA’s Aerial Photography Field Office (APFO) is home to one of the country’s largest aerial film libraries.  They currently house more than 70,000 rolls of film.  Their imagery dates from 1955 to the present, and is available at several different scales and in stereo.  The APFO has a photographic wet lab, which allows them to print photos on site.

USDA historic photography can play a vital role in environmental assessments, change detection, past land use and property boundary disputes.  Their photographs are frequently ordered by attorneys, universities, local governments and individuals.

USDA imagery is available to the general public at minimal cost.  They can provide black and white, color infrared, or natural color prints depending on the original film type.  Enlargements up to 38″X38″ are available.  They can also provide tiff scans which can be viewed on any computer.  They are able to certify photos for use in court.

You can order this aerial imagery by contacting the APFO by phone, fax, mail or email.  Please be prepared to provide an accurate description of the area you wish to be included in your photo; this can be a legal description, latitude or longitude, or a local map.  All products are made to order and completion time may vary depending on existing workload.  Please include your name, address and phone number with your inquiry.

Customer Service Section

Telephone: 801-844-2922

Fax: 801-956-3653

Email: apfo.sales@slc.usda.gov

USDA Farm Service Agency

Aerial Photography Field Office

2222 West 2300 South

Salt Lake City, UT 84119-2020

www.apfo.usda.gov

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