Understanding Image Quality Second World War Imagery

Second World War Imagery

Second World War aerial photography remains some of NCAP's most heavily used material. Understanding its unique characteristics will help you set realistic expectations for image quality and resolution.

Recommended Resolution

For wartime imagery, we recommend a scanning resolution of 1200 ppi.

Due to the quality and characteristics of the original photography, scanning above 1200 ppi will generally not reveal additional image detail.

For this reason:

  • 1200 ppi is the recommended resolution for Second World War imagery.
  • 1200 ppi is the highest resolution available for these collections.
  • Scanning at higher resolution will not produce additional detail from the original source materials.

 

Original Source Material

Many wartime collections have survived for more than 80 years.

In some cases:

  • Film copies survive and can be digitised directly.
  • Film copies may be incomplete or no longer available.
  • Photographic prints are the only surviving source material.

NCAP will always digitise the best available resource.

 

Why Some Second World War Images Appear Softer

Several factors can influence image quality:

  • The quality of the original camera system
  • Aircraft motion during photography
  • Atmospheric conditions
  • Original image scale
  • Whether the image survives as film or print

Images scanned from photographic prints may appear softer than imagery digitised directly from aerial films. Our section on Image Quality goes into these factors in more detail.

 

What Can I Expect?

We are confident that all meaningful information contained within Second World War imagery can be identified at 1200 ppi resolution.

Where image quality appears limited, this is usually due to the characteristics of the original wartime photography rather than the scanning process itself.

IN THIS SECTION

A roll of black and white aerial film unspools from a blue reel. The reel has a black winding handle. The film passes over the bright white light of a flatbed scanner.

Choosing the Right Resolution and Format

Understand how image resolution and file formats affect image delivery, file size and usability. This guide explains the options available and helps you choose the most suitable product for your project needs.

2 purple-gloved hands prise apart a stack of slightly curled photographic prints.

Image Quality Factors

Explore the factors that influence image quality, from the condition of the original photograph to scanning methods and image processing. Learn why some images contain more visible detail than others.

A colour aerial photo of islands surrounded by a deep blue sea. There is one big island left of centre and a small one to the right. The islands have green grass and a mix of rocky and sandy shores. The sea is light blue over the sand.

Scale and Flying Height

Discover how aircraft flying height and photograph scale influence the level of detail visible within an image. Understanding these relationships will help you assess what information can realistically be identified and interpreted.

A purple gloved hand reaches in from the left. They are using a brush with a white handle to brush the surface of a black and white photographic print towards the nozzle of a black vacuum cleaner. There are other images and boxes on the table.

Pre-Digitisation Preservation

Learn how NCAP prepares historic films and prints for digitisation, helping to protect original materials while producing the highest-quality digital images possible.

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.

Understanding Collection Coverage

Learn why aerial photography coverage varies between locations, periods and collections, and how this can influence the imagery available for your project.