Surveys were conducted of areas that have been designated as Historic Districts and of areas considered for distinction as a Historic District, but not yet so designated. This series also includes surveys created for specific projects such as the Community Development Survey, the Historic Standing Structures Survey and the Mississippi River Bridge #2 Right of Way Survey.

The formats of the various surveys and the amount of information recorded in a survey changed over time. Individual pages in a survey generally include a photograph and description of the structures surveyed, but additional information may be included. The depth of description and quality of photographs varies.

The surveys include a number of unidentified negatives, contact sheets and photographs. These materials were determined to be a part of the Survey series, however no identifying information is provided on the individual item. It has not been verified that each address listed in a specific Historic District is represented in the record set.