Scan on Demand Services Scan on Demand Pricing
A black and white aerial film rests on a flatbed scanner. The scanner is emitting light which illuminates the film. 3 separate frames are visible. A white-gloved hand points to one of the frames.

Scan on Demand Pricing

Pricing for Scan on Demand imagery reflects the work required to retrieve, handle and digitise analogue aerial images from the collection.

Scan on Demand allows customers to request digitisation of aerial photographs that have not yet been digitised and made available through our online map platform.

Our standard delivery resolution is 1200 ppi, although higher resolutions may be available upon request depending on the format and condition of the original material.

The availability of higher resolutions will depend on:

  • The original image format
  • The condition of the material

For further information, please see our Image Resolution & Formats Guide.

How Pricing Works

Scan on Demand pricing typically consists of:

  • Handling charges - A handling fee is charged per archive box, tin or storage unit retrieved from the collection to process your order.
  • Digitisation charges - Digitisation charges are applied per image frame scanned.
  • Expedited delivery surcharge - If you need your Scan on Demand order quicker NCAP offers and Express and Super Express service to help meet your business needs. 
  • Additional services - Optional services, including Research Copies, Image Verification and Letters of Authenticity, are available to support specific project requirements.
Handling Charges (price per box or tin*) EX VAT INC VAT
Standard Retrieval £4 £4.80
Express £12 £14.40
Super Express £130 £156

*Please note that some sorties are held in multiple boxes or tins.

Digitisation Charges (price per frame) EX VAT INC VAT
Scanning resolution: 1200ppi £55 £66
Photogrammetric scanning resolution: 1270ppi £65 £78
Photogrammetric scanning resolution: 2000ppi £125 £150
Expedited Delivery
Standard Delivery 15 working days Standard digitisation charges
Express Service 7 working days Standard digitisation charges x 2
Super Express Service 2 working days Standard digitisation charges x 5

Start a Scan on Demand Order

Additional Services:

A row of black and white aerial photographs fills most of the frame. We can see the central image fully, but the ones on either side are partially cropped by the image frame. They are lying flat and appear to be joined together. Irregularly shaped fields and roadways are visible on the images.

Research Copies

For images that are not yet digitised, purchases can be made with confidence by requesting a lower-resolution copy of an image before you place a Scan on Demand order.

Image Verification

Gain added confidence before ordering. Our Image Verification service helps confirm you've selected the most suitable image for your area of interest before high-resolution digitisation.

Two hands wearing grey gloves hold a slim cardboard box. They appear to be moving the box, and the bundle of boxes piled beneath it, on to the white shelving behind.

Letter of Authenticity

Obtain formal documentation outlining the provenance and technical details of your aerial photograph, providing additional confidence for research, consultancy and evidential use.

A figure in a white and black jumper leans in from the bottom left of the frame. The top of their head and the whole tabletop that is in front of them are visible from our vantage above. There are two black and white images of landscapes on the table top. The figure is wearing white gloves and appears to be positioning the images under a beige viewing apparatus which has two transparent viewing lenses. There are two cardboard boxes of images on the tabletop - one with more black and white images piled in it, and another with a white sheet in it.

Image Sales and Licensing Use

When using images from the NCAP Collection you will need to know the intended use in order to purchase an appropriate licence.

Learn More About:

A man wearing a blue lab coat and black gloves raises the lid of an image scanner on a desk to allow them to feed film across it. The film runs between two spools on either side. There is other scanning equipment out of focus in the background.

Digital Imaging

Using the latest scanning technology, skilled technicians and robotic systems NCAP operates a highly productive digitisation facility.

A roll of aerial film on a scanner, with light shining up through it from the scanner bed. A white-gloved hand rests on the edge of the scanner.

Understanding Image Quality

Understand image resolution, file formats and the factors that affect image quality.

A colour aerial photo with a park containing trees and red paths at the left, and Buckingham Palace in the bottom left corner. The River Thames is to the right with the London Eye lying flat over it. The shadow of Big Ben is to the right of centre.

Case Studies

Explore the many new ways historical aerial imagery is being used today.

A black and white historic photo of a library. Cardboard boxes numbered in thick pen line numerous racks of metal shelving. 3 people in uniform examine boxes from the shelves.

Operating Model

The operational and development costs of NCAP are funded through commercial income generation and grant funding.