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UNITED STATES 
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
REGION ONE
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

December 30, 1940

National Park Superintendents 
National Monument Custodians
Managers, RDA's

Regional Office Letter No. 634

Subject: Aerial Photographs of Service Areas

We are all vitally interested in obtaining the best and most effective planning for areas administered by the Service. In the preparation and review of plans for the areas, the use of aerial photographs, either vertical or oblique, has become of great value to administrators, designers and reviewers alike. Even those intimately familiar with a site will derive, from study of serial photographs, hints in design which will not be revealed from casual recollection or from topographic maps.

With the great increase in acreage throughout the country which has been covered by aerial mapping or photography, it is believed that the valuable asset should not be overlooked by park administrators. 

If you are already using this adjunct to park planning we should appreciate your making available to us a duplicate set of prints for the area under your supervision, feeling that thereby the most complete benefit of Service review and advice will be assured. 

If you have not, in the past, made use of these photographs, we believe that you will recognize their importance, and suggest that you take steps to privide yourself, and this office, with complete coverage sets, or at least with photographs of sevtions of the areas zoned for intensive use. IT is our understanding that the Department of Agriculture has flown and photographed much of the country and prints are available at relatively nominal cost. If you are able to determine locally that your area has been covered by that agency, please inform us, inasmuch detail as possible, giving key member photographs, if available, so that a general request, including all areas covered, may be placed through our Washington office.

We are looking forward to a complete report from you in this connection, because we know that you will realize the importance, to you and to us, of the availability of this material. Be assured that any action within our power will be taken to facilitate provision of photographs. 

Distribution:
As above, and 
Inspectors 

Fred T. Johnston
Acting Regional Director.