I thought I would describe my process by which I find all these old places to photograph. Most are well known and well-visited, others are scarcely known. Here's a basic rundown of my process:
Known Abandoned Sites
If still existing:
Unknown Abandoned Sites
Using proximity of other known locations
If still standing
Known Abandoned Sites
If still existing:
- check information on web
- check google earth (check date of imagery to confirm standing)
- check USGS aerials
- check NETR aerials (may be redundant with USGS)
- check sanborn fire insurance maps (if in populous place)
Unknown Abandoned Sites
Using proximity of other known locations
- check USGS aerials (of older date) for buildings of interest in area
- check google earth to see if still standing
If still standing
- check information for building on web
- visit site in person for images and research
- check for remnants, pathways etc (if demolished recently or if in a location untouched)
- visit site in person to see if any interesting pieces remain