An aerial image quality assessment for mapping purposes using open image databases is carried out. While using methods based on reference images, it is a generally adopted practice to use open databases, designed to provide researchers with reference data, i.e. shots whose quality can be accepted as a reference. Such databases are widely used to test the efficiency of methods and algorithms for assessing and improving photographic quality. The possibility of applying this approach for aerial photography assessment in terms of visual properties is shown. The values of fine quality indicators for reference sample of open image library LIVE Database are determined: spatial resolution, photographic sharpness, color balance, random noise level, information completeness indicators – haze brightness, radiometric resolution, percentage of information loss in shadows and illumination. Statistical analysis of reference sample images quality was performed. As a result of its indicators joint assessment, obtained analytically and through calculations, based on a reference sample of LIVE Database images, their recommended and acceptable values are obtained. The next step of the research is an experimental verification and more accurate definition of determined values for fine quality indicators based on airborne imagery, obtained for mapping purposes.