UCLA Department of Geography Benjamin and Gladys Thomas Air Photo Archives, 1918-1972

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Title:: UCLA Department of Geography Air Photo Archives.
Dates:: 1918-1972
Creators:: Robert E. Spence; Sherman M. Fairchild; William Cross; Spence Airplane Photos; Fairchild Aerial Surveys. Robert E. Spence Sherman M. Fairchild William Cross Spence Airplane Photos Fairchild Aerial Surveys Fairchild Aerial Surveys;
Abstract:
Extent:: 80,000+ prints, 130,000+ negatives; 7,000 lantern slides; approximately 70 linear feet
Language:
Preferred citation:: UCLA Department of Geography Air Photo Archives.. UCLA, Department of Geography Benjamin and Gladys Thomas Air Photo Archives

Scope and content:: The UCLA Department of Geography Benjamin and Gladys Thomas Air Photo Archives is comprised of multiple collections of oblique aerial photographs from several local and national companies, including William Cross Air Photo (1918 to 1924), Robert Spence Air Photo (1918 to 1971/72), and Fairchild Aerial Surveys (1921 to 1965). There is extensive coverage of Southern California and New York, as well as limited coverage of other US states and some foreign locales. In addition to 80,000 prints and over 130,000 negatives on glass and film, the Archives also holds 7,000+ unprocessed glass lantern slides used as teaching aids in geography and photogrammetry. The collection is unparalleled in its holdings documents depicting the changes in American landscapes and cityscapes over decades, and is used by researchers in many disciplines and for many purposes in addition to being a resource for historians and geographers.
Acquisition information:: Donation of the Fairchild Aerial Surveys collection by Aero Service Corporation (formerly Fairchild Aerial Surveys) in 1965; donation of Spence Air Photos by that company in 1972.

Collection Guide Author:: Finding aid created by UCLA, Department of Geography Benjamin and Gladys Thomas Air Photo Archives staff.
Date Prepared:: 1918-1972
Date Encoded:: This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on April 17, 2025, 11:28 a.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:: Collections are open for research. Viewing time is scheduled by appointment only and fees apply. Patrons may order digital copies of desired photographs.
Terms of access:: Please contact the repository for publication information.

Preferred citation:: UCLA Department of Geography Air Photo Archives.. UCLA, Department of Geography Benjamin and Gladys Thomas Air Photo Archives

Location of this collection:: UCLA, Department of Geography Benjamin and Gladys Thomas Air Photo Archives

1225D Bunche Hall, Box 951524

Los Angeles, CA 90095-1524, US