The major body of aerial photography for archaeology was realised over seventy years ago. Since then, individually or through organisations, the necessary survey and technical operations have been developed to exploit this potential. In 1967 the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England(RCHME) set up its own programme of aerial photography and since 1986-1987 it has also been responsible for the co-ordination of grant to assist indiviciual aerial photographers in England.