EN
Aerial photographs are extremely valuable, often underestimated historical sources. Their use gives very positive results pertaining to research in the field of military history. Photographs documenting the events of World War II constitute primary sources of great importance in many areas of historical research in which archival sources have not survived. As documented by case studies, they validate the legitimacy of basing research methodology on photographic documents. Following a short historical outline on the development of aerial photography, the author analyzes some cases related to Warsaw’s destruction and reconstruction of its urban layout, as well as the murders committed by the NKVD in Kharkiv and Mednoye.