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From the time aerial photographs were used in South Africa for the compilation of topographic maps, these maps have included some information on land use. Since the end of the Second World War more specialized studies, based on photo interpretation have been undertaken. These studies include land use, vegetation types, and soil erosion and its relation to land use. A review is given of the different projects, with reference to the kind of aerial photography used, working procedures and tools. The studies have proved that with photo interpretation for producing maps a considerable saving in cost over conventional methods is obtained. Aerial photographs are now being used for surveys for land planning in southern Africa, where up-to-date information on the use of land is required in a relatively short time.