Landscape analyses are typically done using spatially explicit color aerial imagery. However, working with non-spatial black and white historical aerial photographs presents several challenges that require a combination of techniques and approaches. We analyzed 113 aerial images covering approx. 700 km2 (270 mi2) including all of Baltimore City, and a portion of Baltimore County surrounding the City. The images were taken between August 23rd 1952 and February 14th 1953. High-resolution scans were georeferenced and georectified against modern satellite imagery of the area and then combined to create a single raster mosaic. This process converted the images from a disparate set of photographs into a spatially explicit GIS data set that can be used to observe changes in land patches over time—and ultimately integrated with other long-term social, economic, and ecological data.