Aerial stock photos can be applied to many different industries. Aerial stock images are used for commercial, industrial, agricultural, governmental and private use.

Stock aerial photos are utilized in the following fields:

1. Real estate
2. Property disputes
3. Construction surveys
4. Conservation efforts
5. Mapping
6. Stock aerial photos to show the layout of theme parks or industrial sites
   

While it is possible to hire a professional company for aerial photography jobs, it may not be the most cost-effective option. It is worthwhile to research all your options in the aerial photography business, including public domain aerial photos, to see which will best fit your business' needs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Contact aerial photo associations for an aerial photography business in your area

Professional associations can be a good starting place when researching possible aerial photography information for your company. Associations can provide background information on the aerial photographer industry, as well as resources.

I recommend: The Professional Aerial Photographers Association (PAPA) has a database where you can find aerial photography information for your area. The Remote Control Aerial Photography Association lists companies nationwide who can take an aerial photo using a remote control plane.

Research public domain aerial photography to see if one can fit your business' needs

Certain aerial photographs are considered public domain because the pictures have not been copyrighted or the copyright has expired without being renewed. Often, public domain aerial photos are of sites considered to be public places and are available for anyone's use.

I recommend: Google Earth is well known for providing aerial stock images from around the world. There are different versions of Google Earth that can be ordered to suit your business' needs. Alexander Media runs the website Public Domain Images, which carries a selection of public domain aerial photos that are not copyrighted. They do charge a fee for their services. Providing a wide range of aerial stock photo images, GlobeXplorer products can be customized for online and offline use. They offer aerial stock photos for real estate, internet portals, mapping and the government.

Use public domain aerial photos from the US Government

The US Government has a large archive of stock aerial photos that is available for public use for a fee.

I recommend: Part of the United States Department of Agriculture, the Aerial Photography Field Office (APFO) will research and supply stock aerial photos that can be used for land education, land disputes, tax assessment and more. The National Aerial Photography Program (NAPP), run by the US Geological Survey Department, employs a strict aerial photography system so that all photos are updated every 5 to 7 years. Aerial stock images can be ordered through their Photo Finder database.

Find a local aerial photography business that services your area

Your business may need a very specific aerial photo and a stock aerial photo won't do. The only option available is to hire a company that will do an aerial photography job to your specifications.

I recommend: Available for aerial photography jobs in and around the Tampa, Florida area is Tiger Aerial Photography. Photography Plus, located in Muskegon, Michigan, provides aerial photos in the Midwest for commercial use in construction, land development, real estate and legal uses.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check out your local state's archives for aerial stock photo images of your local area.
• •  Make sure that you are not violating any copyright laws when using a stock aerial photo.