Aerial photos FAQ

1. What are the oblique photographs?

High-quality photos of all properties were taken by a low flying aircraft. Four of the five photos are obliques, meaning they are taken at an oblique angle—in most cases approximately 45°. The exception is the top view, which is taken from directly above the property. Top views are easily identifiable by the small orange target symbol in the photo. In the case of residential properties, this orange target will usually be visible on the roof, often near the center of the house itself. Targets do not show on the four other (oblique) photos, only the top view. Consult the top view if you are having difficultly identifying the property for the address you searched.

2. Why are there are no photos for the property I on searched on?

The first flights took place in November and December 2006. Therefore, if the property you are searching did not exist at that time, an photo will not be available. In such cases you will receive an error message and will not be charged for the PropertyView report. Additional photos were captured in early 2007. For 2008 and beyond, subsequent flights will occur in the spring.

3. What is the benefit of providing these photos?

Aerial photos provide valuable facts about a property; information and specific characteristics useful for property related decision-making.

4. How current are the photos?

Consult the copyright statement on the bottom of each photo for an approximation of when they were taken. The City intends to reshoot Calgary annually.

Compared to other services that display lower resolution photos in excess of five years old, PropertyView provides customers with a level of currency they have come to expect from City Online.

5. Are there any restrictions on the use of the photos?

Yes, photos are for your internal use only. See the Subscribers License Agreement sample for more information.

6. I accidentally closed the window and lost my photos. Can I get them back?. I accidentally closed the window and lost my photos. Can I get them back?

Depending on the browser settings you have defined for your history and cache, it is possible that the photos still reside on your PC in your temporary Internet folder.

Finding them is beyond the scope of this FAQ. If you are unable to locate them you will have to re-enter the search query. You will be charged for this search.

7. Why does the orange target for my property not appear directly on top of my house?

The target location is only approximate, and is based on the size of the parcel you searched. Its location away from the center of your house has no significance with respect to the data in the report itself.

8. What are some possible uses for these photos?

Just a few of the many applications of the aerial photos include buying and selling real estate, landscape design, mortgage lending and insurance valuation. Visit the page Data Solutions.