HIG - Historical Aerial Photography

Aerial photography is our most requested service. HIG offers standard packages for sites located throughout the United States. Our photos are of superior quality and range in years from the 1920s to the present. The extensive aerial photo library which HIG maintains ensures our clients the best opportunity to assess property use changes over time.

In addition to our standard packages, HIG provides many different custom aerial services, including photo availability search and acquisition, enlargements, scanning, and image rectification.

Specific Product Information & Options

Standard Aerial Photography - Zone 1

Standard Aerial Photography is available throughout Zone 1, and provides better coverage at lower cost than the competition. Typical sites will have 7-10 years of coverage or more, with even the most remote sites covered by at least 5 photos. Years covered are normally the late 1930s to early 2000s, often including one or more color/color-infrared images. Nearly all photos are displayed at 1:6000 (1"=500'). Available in digital or paper formats and with three different turnaround time options.

Ultimate Aerial Upgrade: Photography provided in addition to Standard Aerials, at much closer scales of 1:2400 (1"=200') or better. 6-10 photos per site, as available. Offered for the City of Minneapolis and Ramsey County, Minnesota only.

*NEW!* GIS-Ready Format - The complete set of Standard or National Aerials georeferenced with 3 ground control points to your choice of UTM or State Plane Zone (please specify). Covers up to 5000’ x 7500’, delivered as .jpg & .jgw files, CAD compatible. Alternative formats & larger areas also available.

National Aerial Photography - Zone 2

Never accept a no coverage letter again! Capitalizing on our close Business Partnership with the USGS and on our own extensive work in building a nationwide library of aerial photography, our service now includes a guaranteed 5 photos or more for one low price and maintains the same speed as our previous rush service, 7-8 business days for nearly all sites. Most coverage is provided at 1:6000 (1"=500') (see sample at right). Numerous additional sources are always available to supplement this package as well - please see below for more on custom research.

The Custom Research Service – HIG has a great deal of experience in locating and obtaining aerial photography from a variety of vendors. Due to our experience and relationships built over time, we are able to save our clients time and expense over other methods of acquisition.

Numerous major and minor nationwide and region-specific collections, including our own extensive in-house collection, may be searched for coverage matching your specifications. Pricing and turnaround times vary by each potential source, and HIG will compile a list of available coverage including date, scale, format, approximate turnaround time, and pricing. The rate for custom research is $60 per hour, and your detailed specifications (dates of interest, desired photo scales/resolution, etc.) will ensure the most efficient possible research and quickest, most comprehensive results. With this service, we often find ten to twenty or even more photos per site in addition to those available with our Standard or National Aerial Photo services. Please call or email your specs to initiate a custom research request.