Introduction
Luchtfoto.nl is an online platform where you can order more than 500,000 digitized aerial photographs and maps dating from the past 200 years. The aerial photos, taken from the 1930s onwards, have been preserved in archives and then scanned in high quality. These scans range in size from about 18×18 cm to 23×23 cm. The photographs, along with additional data, are now available online. A large number of these images have already been given area designations to make them easier to find. Please note that the positions of some of the photographs have not yet been precisely determined, so they are not suitable for accurate positioning. Topographic maps are available from 1809, with coverage varying by region.
How does it work?
Luchtfoto.nl provides access to an extensive collection of aerial photographs and maps. The number of images available is displayed, then you can filter by location, year and other criteria to refine the search results. Follow the steps below to order an image or map:
Ordering
- Location lookup: Enter your zip code and house number, or search by city and street. The database with more than 500,000 photos and some 300TB of data is searched to show the relevant images for your area. Please note that some photos do not yet have an exact location, so they are not included in the search results.
- Aerial Photo ID: If you have the unique ID of an aerial photo or map, you can enter it to search directly for the correct photo. Multiple IDs can be separated by a comma, for example: 123456, 789101, etc.
- Search by Source: You can also search by specific sources to further refine the results.
- Map and filters: After entering your location, a map of the search area appears. Use the filters to further specify the results. You can also zoom in or out on the map to adjust the search area.
- View results: After loading the search results, you can click "Show Results" and sort the images by year. Clicking on a specific year gives you a detailed overview of the area and coverage. You can further customize the images by clicking on the overview map, for example.
- Details of photos: When you hover over a photo, the metadata associated with the image appears.
- Select photos: Click on the photos you want and then choose whether to print or download them. The selected items will be added to your shopping cart.
- Shopping Basket: Go to your shopping basket to see an overview of your selected products. Here you can also enter a project number if applicable.
- Checkout: Click "Checkout" and enter your details to complete your order. After payment via iDEAL or Credit Card, you will receive a confirmation.
Checkout
After completing your information, you will receive a summary of your order, including all costs. Click on "Order" to complete payment. Business customers with a subscription can pay afterwards via invoice and are not eligible for iDEAL.
Frequently Asked Questions
My zip code is not found. What should I do?
The zip code and house number are looked up in the Land Registry's Basic Registration of Addresses and Buildings (BAG). If your data is not available, you can enter the location manually, for example by entering a city, street or house number.
What do I get after my order?
You can order the aerial photographs in several ways:
- Download Original: A JPG or JPEG2000 file of the original scan (approx. 11,000 x 9,000 pixels), suitable for your own printing within the usage rights.
- Prints: High-quality prints on Fuji photo paper in sizes from 20×30 cm to 76×105 cm. The Lustre (silk gloss) paper used is ideal for framing.
- Download Medium-res: A smaller JPG for use in articles or layouts, with less detail than the original photo.
What may I do with the photos?
After purchasing the download, you will receive the right of use for private use, as described in the terms and conditions of Luchtfoto.nl.
When will I receive my order?
- Prints: Orders placed before noon will be shipped the same afternoon via TNT Post. Delivery time may vary by address.
- Downloads: Preparing a photo takes about 1.5 minutes per photo. You will usually receive the download link by email within 15 minutes.
I haven't received anything yet. What now?
Please check first that the payment was completed and that the email may have ended up in your spam or junk mail folder. If you have not received a download after 1 business day or no mail after 3 business days, please contact us.
Shipping outside the Netherlands
Prints are shipped throughout Europe with TNT Post. Downloads can be delivered worldwide. Payment can be made via iDEAL or credit card.
What does it cost?
Prices are displayed before ordering, excluding VAT. When you add products to your shopping basket, the VAT is automatically calculated and displayed.
Can I also order on account? (Business)
Yes, companies can subscribe for large business use. Please contact us via the contact page for more information.
Why is the website sometimes slow?
The database contains more than 500,000 photos ranging from 50 MB to as much as 500 MB per image. Given the size of the data (over 300 TB), retrieval of results may sometimes take a little longer. We appreciate your patience and understanding.