New Feature: Explore Historical HD Aerial Imagery

Suggested slug: historical-hd-aerial-imagery

Meta description: Explore historical aerial imagery in FutureLot to see how properties have changed over time, including buildings, landscaping, and tree coverage.

You can now view historical HD aerial imagery in FutureLot to see how a property has changed over time.

Instead of relying only on the latest aerial image, you can look back at previous years to identify changes to buildings, landscaping, tree coverage, and other property features.

You can also select imagery from different seasons, such as winter or early spring, to get a clearer view of areas that might otherwise be hidden by trees.

How to View Historical Imagery

1. Open a property in FutureLot and switch to HD Aerial imagery.
2. Select the imagery date. Click the date displayed at the bottom of the map to see the available historical images.
3. Choose an earlier date. Select any available date range to view the property as it appeared at that time.
4. Compare different dates. Switch between images to identify changes to the property or get a clearer view of specific features.

The available imagery dates vary by location. Some properties have imagery going back several years or more.

Why Historical Imagery Is Useful

Historical aerial imagery can help you:

• Identify previous structures: See whether buildings, sheds, garages, or other improvements existed in the past.
• Track property changes: Review additions, demolitions, driveway changes, and other visible improvements.
• See the property without foliage: Select imagery captured in winter or early spring, when deciduous trees have fewer or no leaves. This can make it easier to see buildings, lot features, and ground conditions that may be obscured by tree cover during the summer.
• Review landscaping and tree coverage: See how trees, vegetation, and open areas have changed over time.
• Investigate site conditions: Identify areas that may have been cleared, disturbed, or developed previously.

For example, if you're evaluating a backyard for a new ADU, historical imagery might reveal that a garage or other structure previously occupied part of the proposed building area. An image from early spring might also provide a clearer view of the ground beneath trees that obscure the property in summer.

Keep in mind: Historical imagery shows what was visible when the images were captured. It doesn't establish whether previous work was permitted or confirm property boundaries. Those details may require additional research or verification.

With historical imagery available directly in FutureLot, you can compare how a property has changed over time, select different seasons for a clearer view, and better understand existing site conditions before planning your project.