Dotriacontane (C32H66) monolayers deposited on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) were investigated with scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) under ambient conditions. High resolution images of dotriacontane molecules were obtained in solution. For the first time, STM investigations revealed the domain structure (lamellar structure) of C32H66 in the dried down state (after removing all excess solution). The results show, that the resolution of the dried down monolayers seems to be lowered compared to the images obtained in solution. The domain forming short-chain alkanes on HOPG were used as oriented substrates to investigate the overgrowth of evaporated indium (In). STM images show the morphology of In crystallites on the alkane substrate clearly. The simultaneous imaging of C32H66 and In was hampered, presumably owing to the different quantum-mechanical tunnelling conditions of the alkane substrate and the metal deposit.