Image Release Note 008: NCAP Upload

Summary

This release comprises a diverse set of aerial imagery sourced from the Environment Agency, Isle of Man authorities, Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre (JARIC), residual missions from the previous US National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) release, and various UK and international survey firms. Over half of the material originates from Cold War-era JARIC operations, with a strong emphasis on strategic reconnaissance across the United Arab Emirates and surrounding Gulf regions, which was digitised in partnership with the United Arab Emirates National Library.

The imagery provides detailed coverage of urban, coastal, and desert areas, including key transit corridors, border zones, and island territories. Notable concentrations include repeated surveys of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Buraimi, as well as extensive coastal mapping from Sir Bani Yas to Abu Al Abyad and along the Saudi border. The inclusion of Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and parts of Saudi Arabia reflects broader regional intelligence interests. UK coverage includes England, Scotland and selected coastal zones such as Sussex beaches. This release significantly enriches Air Photo Finder's Cold War holdings and offers valuable insight into historical surveillance priorities across the Middle East and the UK.

Image caption: Pagham Lagoon, Bagnor Regis, England, UK; Collection: Environment Agency (EA), Sortie: MAL/PAGHAM/1957, Frame: 45567 (1957).

Geographical Coverage

United Kingdom

• England
• Scotland

Special Themes

• Sussex beaches

Middle East

• United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, Sir Bani Yas, Abu Musa, Das Island, Sir Abu Nu'ayr, Dalma, Tarif, Liwa, Awir, Doha
• Oman: Buraimi, coastal and border regions
• Bahrain: Manama, Muharraq
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia: Southern border areas

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