Questions answered in this file

Where can I find old aerial photographs of a location?

Try the National Archives, USGS EarthExplorer, state transportation and agricultural agencies, county planning offices, universities and local historical societies.

Can an aerial photo show a person or car at a scene?

Often not reliably. Many older images lack the resolution to identify small objects, so describe only features that are clearly visible.

Why does the season of the flight matter?

Leaves, snow or flooding can hide or change features, so the same place can look very different depending on when it was photographed.

Can aerial imagery show where remains might be buried?

Do not draw that conclusion from imagery alone. Ground marks have many ordinary causes; share concerns privately with investigators instead.

How should I cite an aerial photograph?

Record the holding source, flight or project identifier, frame number, flight date and the specific copy you examined.