About Us What's New and Next
A black and white historic photo of a woman in uniform in profile, sitting at a desk. Her desk is covered in maps. She is using a protractor, ruler and ink to draw boxes on a map. A box of inks and brushes is visible in the bottom right corner.

Plotter recording aerial photographic coverage of Berlin at RAF Medmenham.
Image courtesy of the Medmenham Collection

What's New and Next

There have been many changes to the National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP) over the past few years, and more are on their way. From a newly redesigned website, to our innovative Air Photo Finder, stay informed about our latest image releases, platform upgrades and partnerships by subscribing to our recently launched monthly newsletter: Evidence in Camera.

Recent achievements 

New Online Platforms

Our newly redesigned website showcases the innovative process of digitising and making accessible our extensive collection of 30 million historic aerial photographs. This new platform not only tells the fascinating stories behind each collection but also guides users through online access points, various products, and engagement opportunities as we discover exciting new research applications for aerial imagery.

This coincides with the launch of the beta version of our cutting-edge Air Photo Finder. Designed with an enhanced customer journey in mind, this tool makes it easier than ever to discover, view, and purchase the photographs you need.

As part of a wider transition of Historic Environment Scotland web services, the legacy website at ncap.org.uk will be officially retired on 24 June 2025.

Purposely designed facility

Having moved into our state-of-the-art facility in Edinburgh, UK, we are now better equipped to meet the needs of our customers. This expanded space and resources ensure the safe and systematic preservation of aerial films and prints prior to digitisation. Our new digitisation suites feature both manual and automated scanning equipment, designed to facilitate efficient workflows and accommodate our growing business demands.

A growing Network

Over the past several years, both our team and partnerships have expanded significantly as our operations have grown. This expansion is part of our ongoing mission to preserve, promote, and provide access to historic aerial imagery, ensuring that these invaluable resources remain available for future generations.

on the horizon

Digitial platforms

Looking ahead, we are excited to share our plans for future upgrades and functionality to the Air Photo Finder. These will include subscriptions which allow for viewing higher resolution imagery, and user accounts which will enhance your ability to access and interact with our collections. These new features will provide a more personalised and efficient experience, making it easier for you to find the images you need.

The Air Photo Finder is a key part of the transition from our legacy website at ncap.org.uk, which will be officially retired on 24 June 2025.

Facilitating Research

We are also committed to deepening our collaboration with researchers, who play a crucial role in uncovering new applications for our collections. By working closely with the academic community, we aim to expand the impact and utility of our historic aerial imagery.

Driving innovation

Furthermore, we are focusing on expanding innovative business partnerships and projects. These collaborations will enable us to digitise more imagery than ever before through enhanced automation and data management. Our goal is to continuously improve our operations, ensuring that our valuable resources are preserved and made accessible for future generations. 

stay informed

Get the latest news and stay informed of future updates, image releases, and the work of NCAP, we invite you to sign up for our newly launched newsletter: Evidence in Camera. 

This is the best way to keep you connected with the latest news and developments from the National Collection of Aerial Photography.

Sign up to our newsletter

IN THIS SECTION

Four white and grey image scanners are spaced across a line of desks. Five blue and black film winders are spaced between the scanners. Each winder has a roll of black film on it. A section of a screen is in partial focus in the top right corner of the frame.

Our Mission

With a responsibility for 30 million aerial photographic images, our goal is to preserve them and make them accessible for present and future generations.

A black and white historic photo of 4 women in uniform working in an office. Large windows are visible in the background. 2 of the women face the camera, 2 are sitting with their backs to the camera. Metal film canisters cover almost every surface.

Our Team

Meet the team of dedicated technicians, historians, analysts, cataloguers, data managers and robots who deliver NCAPs collections to the public every day.

An industrial building with signage that shows a blue and teal logo. The sign reads ‘Historic Environment Scotland’. Above it is a grey ‘3’ – indicating the building unit number. The building is dark blue and has large glass windows. In the far right two white vans are parked.

Historic Environment Scotland

Operating as a part Historic Environment Scotland, we are able to work closely with colleagues across archives and business support to help meet our goals.

A large modern, multistorey building is the focus of the image. It is primarily made from glass sheets, with white panelling between them. Our view is partially obscured by large, low bushy trees, which are spaced in between areas of grass. Decorative paving is laid directly in front of us and leads to a low, sweeping glass entranceway.

Our Partners

We collaborate with organisations from around the world with the common goal of facilitating access to aerial photographic collections.

Two figures fill the right side of the frame, and sit in front of a computer workstation on the left. The figure on the right has short, dark brown hair an is wearing a grey jumper. The figure on the right has long red hair and wears glasses with a dark frame and a dark blue top. The figure on the right is pointing at the screen. Two frames black and white images are displayed on the grey walls around them.

Get Involved

Growing our network of partners includes reaching out to a knowledgeable and engaged public, for both volunteer and outreach opportunities.