News Image Release Note 002: NCAP Upload

Image Release Note 002: NCAP Upload

A historic black and white vertical aerial photo of a densely packed city. The sea is visible in the bottom right corner heavily dotted with vessels.

Summary

This release blends international coverage from the Directorate of Overseas Surveys (DOS) with UK-based survey firm imagery, offering a view of both global and domestic landscapes. 

The DOS component focuses on former British territories and overseas interests, including Iran, Liberia, Hong Kong, Oman, Singapore, Gibraltar, and a wide array of Caribbean and Indian Ocean islands such as St. Lucia, Barbuda, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Tristan da Cunha. These surveys, often conducted for mapping and development, span decades and provide valuable insight into post-colonial transitions and environmental change.

The UK coverage is extensive, with a strong emphasis on England, including Greater London, Essex, Berkshire, Derbyshire, and Yorkshire, as well as detailed hydrological and infrastructure-focused imagery (e.g. River Thames, River Colne, Lee Valley Regional Park, M42 near Castle Donnington). Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are also represented by coverage of locations such as Edinburgh and West Wales. This release enhances both the geographic diversity and thematic richness of the archive online, particularly as regards environmental monitoring and urban development.

Image caption: Singapore Harbour; Collection: DOS, Sortie: 106/SN/0002, Frame: 0023 (04 April 1969).

Release Extent
New Sorties 307
New Frames 42,071
Date Range 1940s – 2001

Geographical Coverage

United Kingdom

  • England: London, Essex, Berkshire, Derbyshire, Yorkshire
  • Scotland: Edinburgh
  • Wales: West Wales
  • Northern Ireland

International

  • West Africa: Liberia
  • Middle East: Iran, Oman
  • Southeast Asia: Hong Kong, Singapore
  • Pacific Ocean: Jarvis & Christmas Islands, Prince Edward & Marion Island, Pitcairn Islands
  • Indian Ocean: Mauritius & Rodrigues
  • Caribbean: St. Lucia, Barbuda, Dominica, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, British West Indies, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada
  • Atlantic Ocean: South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands
  • Mediterranean: Malta, Gibraltar

Special Themes 

  • Hydrological & Infrastructure: River Thames, River Colne, River Wey, River Cherwell, Severn Estuary, M42, Lee Valley
Collection Detail
SIMMONS 136 sorties 26,264 frames
DOS 167 sorties 13,790 frames
GET MAPPING 4 sorties 2,017 frames

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