It may seem that aerial photography is very easy to define, which is taking a picture from the air. This is somewhat true; however, there are several categories that are very important for you to understand. In addition, there is a growing variety of photographic methods that are not obvious.
hand branches
Oblique – Oblique aerial images are taken from some type of aircraft, regardless of whether it is a fixed-wing aircraft, a balloon, or a helicopter. The subject is viewed at an angle and therefore the human eye perceives images to have definition and depth. This branch is often used to promote jobs, aerial construction progress reports, archaeology, produce extraordinary photography for display, in residential or commercial property sales, or in legal disputes.
Vertical – This is sometimes called “overhead”. Vertical aerial photographs are taken from directly above looking down vertically. Therefore, they produce a flat image like a map. These photographs are generally used for land use, mapping projects, flood risk assessment, farm evaluation, and scientific studies.
Keep in mind, however, that both methods were developed primarily for military purposes.
Today, many alternative photographic techniques consider themselves to be aerial photography when, in fact, they can properly be called “elevated photography”. These techniques make use of different equipment to lift a camera off the ground in order to elevate the position. Some of the methods used to elevate the camera will include the use of telescopic poles or masts and a portable elevated platform on which the photographer will stand.
Uses of aerial photography
forestry – Photographs taken with color film and filters will help identify tree densities and varieties in remote forest areas.
Archaeological exploration – They give information about objects not apparent to the observer on the ground.
geology – Geologists can explore vast land areas from the air and use the information obtained to analyze the earth’s surface. Different locations for right of way and soil excavation can be pointed out for various highway engineering projects.
meteorologists – At high altitudes, cameras mounted on rocket-powered vehicles can produce meteorological data.
Military – This has been by far the largest user of aerial photography. The need for military intelligence and target data has been responsible for advances in strategies for this form of photography.
The main objective of this form of photography is to obtain images with the maximum detail allowed by the combination of film and lens, which are not spoiled by the movement of the vehicle.