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.
View the aerial photographs of Hong Kong's landscape dating back to 1924
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.
About NCAP
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.
About Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
- We are the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment, a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. It is at the forefront of researching and understanding the historic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on its future, investigating and recording architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes across Scotland and caring for more than 300 properties of national importance. We are also the lead on delivering Scotland's strategy for the historic environment, Our Past, Our Future.
- Historic Scotland, Scran, Canmore, The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP), The Engine Shed, Stirling Castle, and Edinburgh Castle are sub-brands of HES.
- View our press pack and keep up to date by registering to receive our media releases. Already registered? You can unsubscribe at any time by following the unsubscribe link, included in every email.
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For further information, please contact:
Laura Ely
Historic Environment Scotland Media Office
07721 959 962
communications@hes.scot