Library Resources for Researching Property History

Older aerial photographs are a valuable research tool for investigating what structures, vegetation, land use, and other conditions were present in an area at the time the photographs were taken. The University of Oregon has an extensive print collection of Oregon going back to the 1930s when aerial photography was beginning to be flown in a systematic manner. Because the physical collection is so large and the organization is complex, it is not available for viewing on a walk-in basis. You may request an appointment to view the photographs or get scans of a specific area using the online request form.

For more information about our print collection, see the Aerial Photography Collection description.

Aerial photographs may be used to show how an area has changed over time.  Below are sample scans from our collection showing the University of Oregon Campus approximately every 10 years.  Please contact the Aerial Photography Research Service if you would like to see additional images or need higher resolution scans.

Aerial Photographs of Campus:

   1936, flown by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

   1944, flown by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

   1952, flown by Cascade Aerial Contractors

   1960, flown for Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, USDA

   1968, flown for Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, USDA

   1977, Skyview Aerial Surveys, Inc.

   1990, Bureau of Land Management

   1994, Lane Council of Governments