Aerial photographs and historic maps

Historic Maps are now available online through a cooperative project between the Indiana State Library and IUPUI. These collections include the Electronic Atlas of Central Indiana, Historic Indiana Atlases, Historic Indiana Maps, some Indiana Plat Books, and the Indianapolis Sanborn Maps and Baist Atlas Collection. Additional resources for land include the Indiana Historic Architecture Slide Collection, Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Inventory, and a selection of Indianapolis City Directories. These collections are hosted on the IUPUI website and are not maintained by the Indiana State Archives.

Aerial photographs are used frequently by patrons of the State Archives. Surveyors, environmentalists, and engineers visit our Reading Room daily. Examples of aerial photographs of Lake County and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are available by following the links.

The earlier photographs, ranging from the 1930's to the 1970's in many counties, are available for reproduction as digital files, or as an 8x10 (1930's) or a 10x10 (40's through 70's) photograph. Detailed enlargements can also be made. Please visit our price schedule for more information regarding prints and research fees. These photographs are not arranged by township, range, and section numbers, and must be researched carefully. It is useful to bring maps of the site for which you are searching.

The Indiana Geological Survey has created the online Indiana Historical Aerial Photo Index using many of the State Archives' Index Maps. Researchers can now view aerials from home or office, select the image needed, then email the Archives for ordering information and pricing. If a closer look is required, the aerial photographs are still available in the Archives Reading Room. Please note: The Indiana State Archives is not responsible for the maintenance or technical support of the IHAPI website.

The Land Office Collection of wide format aerials (mostly 32"x36") is now available through the Indiana State Archives. The transfer required the purchase of a new wide format digital scanner/copier/printer. Full size paper reproductions may be purchased for $12.00. These replace the old blue line copies formally available at the Land Office. Unlike the older aerial photographs, these must be searched using the township, range, and section number. Orders must be placed in advance. Due to preservation concerns, negatives may not be used for research. Paper copies must be purchased. An index follows in the second table below.

Overview | Photograph Collection