Modernize your archival collections with micrographics scanning built for accuracy, security, and long-term access. RDS converts microfilm, microfiche, and aperture cards into clear digital files that support daily work and permanent retention needs. Our team handles high-volume government document scanning projects across the United States and Canada. We maintain a controlled chain of custody for every reel, sheet, and card from intake to delivery.
What Is Micrographics?
Micrographics stores records as tiny images on film. Government offices used these formats for decades because they hold large volumes of information in a compact form. The three formats you see most often are microfilm, microfiche, and aperture cards. Each format has its own structure, image layout, and handling needs.
Microfilm:
Microfilm is a long strip of film on a reel. It comes in 16 mm and 35 mm widths.
• 16 mm: Common for documents like deeds, mortgages, tax files, and case records. A single roll can hold thousands of images in a straight sequence.
• 35 mm: Used for large documents such as maps, plans, drawings, and oversized records. It holds fewer images per roll but supports wider frames.
Rolls can be simplex (one image per frame) or duplex (two images per frame). Staff load reels in a reader and scroll through images in order.
Microfiche:
Microfiche is a flat sheet of film. It holds a grid of tiny images arranged in rows and columns.
• Jacketed microfiche: A clear plastic sleeve that contains strips of 16 mm film. Agencies can add or replace strips as needed.
• COM microfiche: Computer Output Microfiche created directly from digital data. Often used for reports, transaction logs, and system records.
Staff place sheets under a reader to view each frame.
Aperture cards:
Aperture cards are sturdy cards with a single film frame in the center window. These cards store engineering drawings, plats, surveys, and other large-format records. Each card holds one image, and users view it by placing the card in a reader.
Why Digitize Now
Government teams still rely on microfilm, microfiche, and aperture cards for land records, permits, and vital documents. These formats age fast. Film breaks down. Images fade. Readers fail. Staff lose time searching through cabinets or loading reels. Government records digitization removes these delays and protects permanent records from loss.
Agencies also face growing pressure to meet state and federal rules, support audit readiness, and provide departments with faster access to files. Once records move to digital form, retrieval speeds up, sharing gets simpler, and staff gain steady access without handling the original media.
Our Process
RDS uses a clear, repeatable workflow for micrographics scanning. Each stage keeps your records controlled, traceable, and accurate.
Intake: We log each reel, fiche sheet, and card, then store everything in a monitored area.
Scanning: We load items into format-specific equipment and capture clean images at the required resolution.
Indexing: We add fields your agency uses, such as names, dates, and parcel details, to enable rapid searches.
Quality control: We review image clarity, orientation, file naming, and page order across several checkpoints.
Delivery: You receive organized digital files in the format you choose, plus a complete inventory.
How We Protect Your Records
RDS treats government records with strict controls at every step. Our team follows national and state rules for micrographics scanning and keeps all material inside a monitored facility. Staff pass background checks and follow set handling rules for permanent records.
We follow NARA guidance for image quality, retention, and storage. We align our work with state rules for land records, permits, and vital documents. We also meet ISO benchmarks for imaging and security.
Your reels, sheets, and cards remain under a controlled chain of custody from intake through delivery. We track each item, limit access, and store material in secure areas. Digital files move through protected systems, and we keep audit trails for all activity.
The Technology Behind Our Scanning Work
RDS uses equipment built for micrographics scanning in high-volume government projects. Our scanners handle 16 mm and 35 mm microfilm, all microfiche formats, and aperture cards without damaging the original media. We select the right machine for each format so every frame is captured cleanly.
We scan for the resolution your agency needs. Most projects use 200 to 300 DPI for standard documents and higher settings for engineering drawings or detailed images.
Output files include TIFF for archival use, PDF for daily access, and JPEG for lighter viewing needs. We help your team pick the correct format based on long-term retention, clarity, and storage goals.
Each file comes out clean, cropped, and aligned. Our process maintains consistent image quality from the first scan to the last.
How Pricing Works
RDS prices micrographics scanning based on the type of film, the volume, and the work your team needs. Projects tied to microfilm, microfiche, or aperture card scanning follow a per-image or per-reel model. Clean film moves fast. Damaged reels or sheets take more time.
Indexing also shapes the price. Many government records digitization projects need structured fields for names, dates, parcels, or case details. The more fields you need, the more time the job takes.
Agencies using us for archival records scanning or broader government document scanning often send large batches. Bigger runs receive better unit pricing because they move through our workflow in steady blocks. Smaller projects follow a simple volume-based rate.
If you want precise numbers, you can request a quote. We ask for your agency name, record type, and a rough count of reels, sheets, or cards.
Who We Support
RDS works with government teams that handle permanent records and daily public requests. Most of our micrographics scanning work comes from state and county offices that still manage large backlogs of film. These projects often include microfilm scanning services, microfiche scanning services, and aperture card scanning tied to land records, permits, court files, and vital documents.
We support municipal clerks, recorders, courts and clerks of court, and IT groups that want steady access without loading reels or sheets. Many agencies come to us when they start broader government records digitization or need targeted archival records scanning for older collections.
Libraries, historical groups, and public universities also use our government document scanning services for long-term collections. Tribal and federal offices use us for controlled projects that need careful handling and accurate indexing.
Why Agencies Choose RDS
RDS gives government teams a direct, reliable way to handle micrographics scanning at scale. Our trained staff handles all work in-house and processes film without delay. Agencies rely on us for microfilm scanning services, microfiche scanning services, and aperture card scanning because we keep projects moving and keep records controlled from start to finish.
Our location in the Northeast supports rapid turnaround times for state and county offices across the U.S. and Canada. Many teams come to us when they start large government records digitization efforts or need steady archival records scanning for aging collections.
We keep communication simple, track each batch, and deliver organized files that integrate seamlessly with existing systems. Agencies with long film backlogs often return because our government document scanning work stays accurate, consistent, and easy to use across departments.
What Agencies Gain After Digitizing
Agencies see real changes once micrographics scanning is in place. Staff no longer load reels or fiche to answer requests. Searches run in seconds. Teams using our microfilm, microfiche, or aperture card scanning services often cut retrieval times from hours to minutes.
Departments that move ahead with broader government records digitization clear long backlogs and reduce the handling of fragile film. Projects tied to archival records scanning also lower the risk of loss from aging media.
Once files shift to digital form, government document scanning gives offices steady access across desks, departments, and locations. It keeps work moving and supports faster turnarounds for public requests, audits, and daily operations.
Request a Quote
Start your project with a short form. Share your agency name, the type of film you have, and a rough volume. Add any notes about indexing or special handling. Our team reviews the details and sends clear pricing and next steps.