Types of Aerial Photography and its applications

Aerial photography, a captivating field used by professionals for diverse purposes, involves capturing images from an elevated position using different airborne equipment such as rockets, airplanes, hot air balloons, and drones.

For an image to qualify as aerial photography, it must be taken using equipment that is not ground-based, unlike air-to-air photography, which involves capturing images of other aircraft. Experts classify aerial photography into different types based on the camera axis, image scale, and type of film. This niche has various applications, but let's first explore the different categories.

Categories of Aerial Photography

Within the three main categories of aerial photography, there exist numerous types of aerial images. The selection of a specific kind of aerial photography primarily depends on the subject and intended use of the imagery.

Camera, Axis

There are three types of aerial images based on the orientation of the camera axis:

1. Vertical Photographs

In this type of photo, the camera axis is in a vertical position, resulting in an image with little or no relief and a relatively small amount of area covered. As vertical images have a direct, overhead result they are often used in mapping.

2. Low Oblique Photograph

To take this type of photo you need to tilt the camera axis more than three degrees. In this case, the horizon will not be visible in the final image and the image will be somewhat distorted as a result. These photos can be useful for taking close-up shots that require more detail, such as those used for advertising.

3. High Oblique Photographs

Here the camera axis is tilted to approximately 60 degrees, which allows for a larger area to be covered and will include the horizon in the final shot. This gives you a better wide view of an area which allows you to identify geographical features and landmarks.