Wetland vegetation at 7 Indiana areas was studied with 1:4,800 color infrared aerial photographs obtained in early September. Scales of 1:8,000, 1:12,000, and 1:20,000 also were tested to determine the minimum scale at which individual species could be consistently identified. A photointerpretive key to vegetation indicated a potential for accurate identification of all dominant species at the 1:4,800 scale. However, loss of textural resolution often prevented recognition of individual species at smaller scales. Variation in fall senescence among species made early September an optimal time for photography intended for species differentiation. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 46(1):61-70 Mapping marsh vegetation through ground sampling can present logistical problems. Aerial photointerpretation is often a desirable alternative in terms of difficulty, timeliness, expense, and accuracy of cover-type delineation. Also, photographs are permanent records of wetland conditions, allowing comparison of marsh parameters over time and serving as valuable sources of data for future studies. Although many workers have used aerial photographs in surveying and classifying freshwater wetlands (Dirschl et al. 1974, Klemas et al. 1974, Carter 1977, Carter et al. 1977, Brown 1978, Carter et al. 1979, Stewart et al. 1980), the small photo scales employed often precluded vegetation analyses in sufficient detail for some research objectives. Our study required specific information on water regimes, shoreline characteristics, and plant communities of Indiana wetlands used by migrant sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) (Lovvorn and Kirkpatrick 1981). The areas ranged from 10 to over 400 ha in size, and were scattered widely throughout the state. Because of limited time and manpower and he level of detail desired, large-scale color infrared aerial photography was chosen as the best means of obtaining the needed information. This paper describes acquisition and interpretation of the photography, the detail observable at a scale of 1:4,800, and a photointerpretive k y to fall vegetation applicable to wetlands in the north central United States. We thank D. L. Shroufe and L. J. Crawley, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, for providing the aircraft, equipment, and expertise necessary to obtain the photography. R. M. Hoffer helped in planning the missions. This work was supported by the Accelerated Research Program for Migratory Shore and Upland Game Birds, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, contract 14-16-0009-79-005 with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife.