Types of Aerial

photogrammetry
There are several different kinds of aerial images in each of the
three main categories. The choice of a particular kind of
aerial photography is typically based on the subject and
purpose of the imagery.

• Based on direction and position of camera

• Based on scale
• Based on the film used in the camera
Camera Axis

1. Vertical photographs:
The axis of the camera is in a vertical
position. This results in little to no
relief visible in the image and a
smaller amount of area covered.
Experts most often use vertical
photographs like a map.
Camera Axis

2. Low oblique photographs:

unlike with vertical photographs, to take low

oblique photographs you tilt the camera axis
more than 3 degrees in a manner that the
horizon–the area where the earth and sky
meet–is not visible in the image.
Camera Axis

3. High oblique photographs:

• The camera axis has a higher degree

of tilt approximately 60 degrees
which covers a larger area, and the
horizon is visible in the photograph.
• In contrast with vertical photographs,
this level of tilt produces a great deal
of relief. That allows you to better
identify natural or manmade features.
Camera Axis

4. Convergent photographs

• Convergent photographs are also oblique, but an

area is simultaneously photographed by two
cameras.
Camera Axis

5. Trimetrogen

• In trimetrogen air photographs, three cameras

are used simultaneously amongst which central
camera is vertical while the other two are
adjusted to oblique position.
• Cameras are so fixed that the whole from right
horizon to left horizon photographed.
Image Scale

1. Large scale aerial photographs:

When the airborne aircraft is flying at a lower elevation, the camera captures
images of less area, but the objects are seen in a bigger dimension. That means
that the ratio of photo distance to the ground or representative fraction is of
higher value.
That’s why the experts call low elevation photographs large scale photographs.
Large scale photographs are more useful for mapping land features and
measuring objects.
Image Scale

2. Small scale aerial photographs:

When the aircraft is flying at a higher elevation, there is a larger area that can
be covered in a single image, but the ratio of size of objects in the photograph
relative to the ground dimension is smaller. That’s why the pros call these types
of aerial photographs small scale photographs.
Small scale photographs are helpful for studying large areas with features that
don’t need to be mapped or measured in detail.
Film and Filter Aerial Photography

• Panchromatic Images: this refers to the type of film used, which captures all
visible wavelengths of energy. The image is in grayscale, and often used for
reconnaissance or map study.
• Color Photographs: color film can capture various visible bands separately.
This type of aerial photography can be used to interpret objects within a study
area.
Film and Filter Aerial Photography

• Infrared Imagery: this refers to the use of infrared film, which records only
infrared energy. This type of photography is used to study vegetation and
bodies of water, for example.
• Color-Infrared Imagery: this combines color and infrared film for
vegetation studies, water body mapping, and a variety of urban applications.
Film and Filter Aerial Photography

• Thermal infrared imagery: this captures not only infrared images, but
temperature variations as well. Experts use this type of imagery for
temperature studies.
• Radar imagery: this film captures radar waves or microwaves, which
typically contain a lot of noise and require correction. Experts use these
images for weather applications.
• Spectra-zonal images: these images capture portions of the electromagnetic
spectrum and you can use them for mapping applications.
How to Take Aerial Photographs?

• You take these photographs by fixing the camera to a platform on an

airborne craft, such as an airplane, helicopter, hot air balloon, or drone
.
• Photographers have even attached cameras to kites and used them to
photograph archaeological sites. You can then trigger the mounted
camera automatically or remotely.
• It is also possible for a photographer in an airplane or hot air balloon
to hold the camera and take the image.
Lens System for Aerial Photographs

Aerial photography normally involves a minimum of two camera

lenses attached together, which is known as a 2-lens system, but you
can also use more lenses.
For example, you can use a 3-lens systems to capture areas from
horizon to horizon.
As an example, photographers used this type of system, also called
a trimetrogon system, in World War II to map enemy territory.
Uses of Aerial Photography

• Aerial photography is one of the earliest forms of remote sensing. Even today, it is
still one of the more widely used and cost-effective methods for this purpose. Before
the advent of modern photographic methods, traditional photographers used in this
method for remote sensing as well as for a variety of other uses.
• Modern equipment has improved the quality, resolution, and platforms making this
niche cheaper and more accessible than ever before. This kind of photography has a
broad range of uses. Additionally, the fact that it has been used for a long time means
it can provide us with a historical perspective of landscape changes through time.
Uses of Aerial Photography

• One of the main uses of vertical aerial photographs is for mapping. Aerial
photographers use both vertical and oblique photographs for planning land-use
projects, movie production, environmental studies, archaeology, power line
inspection, oil and gas surveying, surveillance, commercial advertising, and even
artistic projects.
• You can use different types of oblique and vertical photographs are to identify water
features, find ruptures in oil and gas lines, and locate archaeological features. In
wartime, photographers use aerial photographs to locate targets. And, given
advances in drone technology, the applications for this niche are growing.
Best Time of the Day for
Aerial Photography
• Of course, the answer to this question depends on what you’re hoping to photograph. If
you’re aerial mapping, and you don’t want shadows, the best time of day will be close to
noon.
• If you’re trying to capture the face of a mountain against the blue sky, morning might be
better. The golden hour is also good if you’re hoping to capture stunning images full of
color.
• Aerial photography is clearly an important photographic niche. It is one that is growing
in popularity and use. With a solid understanding in the various types of
aerial photography as well as their uses, aspiring aerial photographers can build an
interesting, rewarding, and lucrative career.
Disadvantages of Aerial Photography

• Some of the disadvantages include the fact that weather conditions can cancel
a shoot.
• Additionally, it can be difficult to identify land features which can be
obscured by environmental features, such as trees.
• Moreover, detailed variations in terrain features can be difficult to see
without overlapping photographs and/or stereoscopic viewing instruments.
• Also, in poor light, a lack of contrasting colors and tone can render an aerial
photograph useless
Aerial Photogrammetry vs.
Terrestrial Photogrammetry
• Photogrammetry combines photography and geography. The difference
relates to how you take aerial photographs.
• With aerial photogrammetry, you take the images from an airborne craft
whereas with terrestrial photogrammetry, you take the photos from a camera
at a fixed, elevated terrestrial position.
• There is also, of course, a difference in the equipment and support required
for each. Aerial photogrammetry requires much more support and investment
than terrestrial photogrammetry.