NCAP celebrates 100th anniversary of oldest images in its collection

This month (November 2024) marks the 100th anniversary of the oldest images held by the National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP). Taken in November 1924, the images document British efforts to record and map the territory of Hong Kong. Taken using aircraft that operated from HMS Pegasus, a seaplane carrier, these images offer a fascinating glimpse into the city's past, capturing its essence before it underwent significant urban expansion throughout the twentieth century. 

The Head of NCAP, Allan Williams, said:

“NCAP is an internationally significant asset, holding over 30 million aerial photographs taken around the world which were mostly created during the Second World War and the Cold War. It’s incredible to think that some of these images are now 100 years old, highlighting the breadth of history that our images cover and just how significant they are to understanding our heritage from above.” 

More information about NCAP can be found at ncap.org, or the Collection can be explored on airphotofinder.ncap.org. 

View the aerial photographs of Hong Kong's landscape dating back to 1924

NCAP, part of Historic Environment Scotland, holds one of the world's most significant aerial photography collections with 30 million images. This archive offers a unique view of key moments in world history, including rare images from the 1920s and Ministry of Defence declassified reconnaissance imagery from the Second World War and Cold War. 

NCAP has become the leading repository for managing aerial photographic collections, continuously acquiring imagery from various survey and research projects while pioneering new digitisation efforts to make these collections more widely available. With access to images from every continent, many of which were previously unavailable to the public, NCAP provides a unique dataset that is attracting new users and applications. In the coming months, new online resources will make it even easier to discover these collections. 

We're the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment, a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. We are at the forefront of researching and understanding the historic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on its future. Across Scotland, we investigate and record architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes and care for more than 300 properties of national importance. HES is also working with sector partners to deliver Scotland's strategy for the historic environment, Our Past, Our Future.

Historic Scotland, trove.scot, The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP), The Engine Shed, Stirling Castle, Edinburgh Castle and Stòr are sub-brands of HES.

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