Aerial photographs of Maine are available from a number of sources. Agencies of the federal government, state government, and private business all provide photos of Maine. The federal government is the biggest source, with both the U. S. Geological Survey and Farm Service Agency holding the largest collections. Private companies in Maine also provide aerial photography. Many city and town governments have contracted to have their municipalities flown, and these aerial photographs are often displayed with the local tax maps.
Photos are available at a variety of scales.
This provides a clearer picture of the ground surface. Stereo air photos are taken when an airplane flies along a predetermined route taking photos at specific coordinates and intervals. Photos in each flight line overlap. Viewing these overlapping photos through a stereoscope gives a three-dimensional image of the land surface. Stereo viewing has a variety of uses including tree-typing, drainage basin studies, and terrain analysis.