The public can now search and order images from the world's largest inventory of recent aerial photographs covering the United State through a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) site on the World Wide Web.
The USGS coordinates the interagency National Aerial Photography Program, mainly for mapping purposes, and has made NAPP products available to the public for years. Now, the entire NAPP inventory can be searched, and its products ordered, through the Internet at http://edcwww.cr.usgs.gov/Webglis/glisbin/search.pl?NAPP
Professionals such as civil engineers and land use planners make frequent use of the photographs. Many customers order aerial photos for the unusual vertical perspective on their own land or neighborhoods. In addition, their popularity is growing among recreational users, such as hunters, hikers and anglers who value a bird's eye view of the outdoors.
The photographs are shot over the lower 48 states from 20,000 feet. Each square photograph, covering an area of about 25 square miles, is sufficiently detailed to show buildings, land cover, drainage patterns and other features that may not be visible on maps. Although most of the photos are black and white, some are shot on infrared film and rendered in tones of red.
For assistance in ordering aerial photographs for price information, contact USGS EROS Data Center Customer Services, Sioux Falls, SD 57198, telephone (605) 594-6151, fax (605) 594-6589 or e-mail: custserv@edcmail.cr.usgs.gov
For additional information about USGS products and services contact any Earth Science Information Center (ESIC), telephone 1-800-USA-MAPS, fax (703) 648-5548 or e-mail: esicmail@usgs.gov
The USGS is the federal government's largest natural resources science and civilian mapping agency. Each year the USGS sells and distributes more than three million copies of more than 80,000 different maps to a wide range of users. The USGS is dedicated to providing the nation with reliable, impartial information to describe and understand the Earth. This information is used to minimize the loss of life and property from natural disasters; maintain water, biological, energy and mineral resources; enhance and protect the quality of life, and contribute to wise economic and physical development.