The Aerial Photo Sourcebook is an illustrated reference for the novice. It has a complete bibliography of over 800 books and articles for those looking for more details on aerial photography. Collins provides the most comprehensive listing available of federal government sources, state and regional sources, and commercial sources and collections. All contact information (names, offices, addresses, phone, and fax) is included.

The sourcebook begins with an overview of the field and with basic instruction in photographic interpretation. The fundamentals section explores the variety of aerial photography: color infrared, black and white, and color. It also explains the difference between oblique and vertical views. Collins discusses formats, tools, and map skills in clear, non-technical terms. She summarizes the traditional roles of aerial photography, as well as the new customers that aerial photography will serve in the future. A bibliography of more than 800 items from over 40 subject areas is included. The bibliography consists primarily of English or English-translated works related to aerial photography in the United States, augmented by a few international perspectives are included.The bibliography lists information and research in aerial photography in the fields of agriculture, balloon and kite photography, geology, history, intelligence, mapping and cartography, aerial photo interpretation, remote sensing, transportation, soil studies, urban problems, wetlands, and more. The Aerial Photo Sourcebook offers numerous ideas for using aerial photography to solve a wide range of problems, to enhance presentations, and to facilitate research.