It may seem that aerial photography is very easy to define, which is taking a photograph from the air. This is somewhat true; however, there are several categories of it that it is very crucial for you to understand. Also, there is an increasing variety of photographic methods that are not obvious.
Main Branches
Oblique – Oblique aerial images are taken from some kind of aircraft, regardless of whether this is a fixed wing aeroplane, a balloon, or a helicopter. The subject is seen at an angle and thus the images are perceived by the human eye as having definition and depth. This branch is often used for promoting work, aerial construction progress reports, archaeology, producing an extraordinary photograph for display, in the sale of residential or commercial property, or in legal disputes.
Vertical – This is sometimes referred to as “overhead”. Vertical aerial photographs are taken from directly overhead looking down vertically. Therefore, they produce a flat image like a map. These photographs are usually used for land use, mapping projects, flood risk assessment, farm evaluation, and scientific studies.
Be aware though that both of these methods were developed mostly for military purposes.
Today, plenty of alternative photography techniques are considering themselves as aerial photography when in fact they may be properly termed “elevated photography”. These techniques make use of different equipment in order to raise a camera above the ground in order to elevate position. Some of the methods used in order to raise the camera will include using telescopic poles or masts and a portable raised 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 on objects unapparent to the ground observer.
Geology – Geologists can explore wide land areas from the air and use the obtained information to analyse the surface of the earth. The different locations for the right of way and ground excavation can be pinpointed for various highway engineering projects.
Meteorologists – A high altitudes, cameras mounted on vehicles propelled by rockets can produce weather data.
Military – This has been by far the greatest user of aerial photographs. The need for military intelligence and target data has been responsible for advances in the strategies of this form of photography.
The main aim of this form of photography is to obtain images of the maximum detailed permitted by the film and lens combination, not ruined by the movement of the vehicle.
