Reproduction of Materials

Aerial photographs

As of June 14, 2024, on demand aerial photograph scanning services are no longer offered by the Library.  However, we are greatly increasing our in-house bulk digitization of the air photo collection and new images will be downloadable for free through FrameFinder as they become available.  This policy allows us to more quickly provide free access to digital versions of our collection.

You may make an in-person appointment to see specific air photos from our collection. While visiting, you may reproduce air photos in paper or transparency format using scanning equipment found in the reading room.  Air photos on roll film cannot be reproduced.

Maps and Atlases

At this time, we do not have the resources to scan maps or atlases.  You can make an appointment to visit the collection in person and take your own photographs, however.  

Geospatial Data

Much of the geospatial data in the collection can be directly downloaded from computers in the DREAM Lab (depending on license restrictions).  Data on CDs and DVDs can be checked out for 7 days.  For all inquiries about accessing geospatial data, contact the DREAM Lab directly.

Republishing Materials

UCSB does not hold copyright over materials in the geospatial collection (with very few exceptions), though some of the materials are in the public domain.  Permission to republish materials must be obtained from the copyright holder where applicable.  It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine who holds the copyright and pursue the copyright holder for permission to publish where the UC Regents do not hold the copyright. 

Citing Materials

We appreciate credit for use of our materials. 

Please use this format for citing aerial photography:

[Flight, frame, date. Courtesy of UCSB Library Geospatial Collection.]

Please add this when citing other materials in our collection:

Geospatial Collection, UCSB Library, University of California, Santa Barbara

There are a variety of guidelines for citing maps, aerial photographs, GIS datasets, and other materials located in libraries and archival collections.

Viewing Materials In Person

Materials in our aerial photography, map, and atlas collections are viewable by appointment only.  The collections are not browsable, and therefore Library staff must retrieve materials in advance of an in-person visit.  When requesting an appointment, please keep in mind that this may take time.  Please create a Special Collections Research Account to request specific materials and then contact Geospatial Collection staff at geospatial@library.ucsb.edu or (805) 893-2779 to set up an appointment.

For parking information and directions to the library, see the Directions and Parking page.  

Keep in mind the following rules when visiting the collection in person:

  • Only pencils may be used around the materials
  • All materials must be used in the reading room and may not be taken from the Department.  
  • No food or beverages are allowed near the materials.
  • The researcher is responsible for careful handling of all materials.  Do not lean on, write on, fold, trace over, or handle materials in a way that may damage them.
  • In most cases, photography of materials is allowed after permission by staff has been granted.
    • Permission to photograph does not constitute permission to publish. (Title 17, U.S. Code)
    • Photography must not disturb other users or staff.
    • The UCSB Library reserves the right to deny permission to photograph if, in its judgement, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law or donor agreements.

Loan Policy

Most materials in the geospatial collection cannot be checked out.  CDs and DVDs can be checked out for seven days by first requesting access at the DREAM Lab.  The general Library collection does have geospatial books and atlases that can be checked out according to general Library loan policies.  

Inter-Library Loan

Inter-Library Loans (ILL) are generally from UC map library to UC map library.  Geospatial Collection materials sent out on ILL are, with the exception of CDs/DVDs, for in-house use only.  Aerial photographs cannot be borrowed via ILL.

Fees

At this time there are no fees for any services related to the geospatial collection or for downloading any materials.