Aerial photography between 1947 and 2007 was captured with aircraft (using analog film cameras) which flew in flight runs across NSW in five to seven year cycles to capture aerial images of the state. This task is now performed using
digital cameras.
These images are now being digitised and provide visual representation of NSW over time. The digitisation preserves the fragile film and will soon enable online purchasing of these historic images. Until they are available online aerial images, of particular areas, ranging in date from 1947 to 2007 can be purchased through LPI.
How can these records help?
If you are interested in how a parcel of land was used over the last sixty years, or how a locality has changed these images provided a visual record of the chnages to the land over time. An example of this is the 1960's image of Sydney Cricket Ground (right).
Other examples of how these imagery records can help include checking if there were industrial activities on a site, a different building or land that has been reclaimed. By selecting photos from different decades you can explore many changes to a locality.
Accessing records
Free public access
There is free access to current aerial images and to historic 1943 images in the SIX Lite and SIX Viewer applications in the SIX portal. The 1943 images pre-date the LPI flights and were provided by the firm SKM.
Records for purchase
Prints and digitised photos (in JPEG or ECW format) from different years within the period 1947 to the present can be purchased from LPI's Map Sales counters in Queens Square and Bathurst (see contact details below). Where the film has not yet been digitised it will be fast-tracked in order to fulfil your order.
Digital files containing aerial imagery for use in a GIS system can be purchased through LPI's Spatial Data Business Development Officers.
Indentifying records
Orders for aerial photography can be placed using Lot and DP numbers, a topographical map reference or a variety of other references.
Before leaving home
Please contact us by phone or email to clarify availability, prices and delivery times before travelling to one of our offices to order aerial photography.
E: mapsales@lpi.nsw.gov.au (preferred)
T: 02 6332 8123
F: 02 6332 8299
Photos are not usually delivered at the time of ordering
