Luftwaffe (German Air Force) vertical aerial images of locations in Scotland taken before and during the early part of the Second World War (1939-1945), and associated distribution maps.

The photographs held in this collection are centred on a particular target, which is usually outlined and has its constituent parts index-numbered. These parts are then identified and have their purpose, construction, dimensions and area described, in German, in the accompanying text. The critical point of the target is occasionally identified, for bomber crews. Neighbouring targets are treated in the same manner, while smaller targets of value are labelled with their code number only. Defensive positions, such as anti-aircraft batteries and barrage balloons, are also outlined on the photographs. For orientation, north is marked on all of the vertical photographs and the direction and distance to the nearest settlement is indicated. Appearing alongside the title of the photograph and the type of target depicted is the following information: date of photography or date at which intelligence information has been added; the unique classifying code number of the principal target; the scale of the photograph; the longitude and latitude of the target; the magnetic variation and date of recording; the height of the target above sea-level; and the photograph number. The photographs are also generally labelled as 'Secret' or for 'Official Use Only'.