Aerial Imagery Archive

The Imagery Archive at MSU Remote Sensing and GIS Research and Outreach Services (RS&GIS) is home to the largest collection of aerial imagery for the state of Michigan. Our archive contains images for all areas of Michigan, usually from several altitudes and over a long time span.

Our collection includes:

• 9" x 9" black and white photography dating from the 1920's to the present (paper and digital format)
• Digital true color images converted from 35mm aerial slides from the USDA
• High and low altitude color infrared aerial photography
• Shoreline photographs taken by state and federal agencies
• Satellite images and photos taken by astronauts from the shuttle and skylab

The largest percentage of our collection is made up of systematic, county-wide aerial photography obtained by several federal agencies (primarily in the U.S. Department of Agriculture). One set per decade, beginning in the late 1930's, usually exists for each county in Michigan. In addition, the RS&GIS archive also contains a fairly large collection of aerial photography obtained by the U.S. Geological Survey in support of their topographic mapping program.

The archive is also the contact point for digital imagery available from RS&GIS. Several of our historical sets have been scanned and can be accessed through MapImage Viewer. Statewide 35mm color aerial photography in digital format can also be found in our archive. These photos put you nearly 10,000 feet above the ground for an unsurpassed view of the landscape below. See our LandScan page for more information.

• Archive Content
• Access Policies and Fees (Please call to make an appointment.)
• Directions to the Archive
• Imagery Samples

The archive is open by appointment only. To setup an appointment or ask a question about the Aerial Archive, please contact us at (517) 355-3771