Aerial Photography vs. Aerial Mapping
Aerial photography and aerial mapping are two types of aerial imaging that are often confused with one another. While both involve capturing images from an elevated perspective, the two processes have distinct differences that make them ideal for different purposes.
Aerial photography is the act of taking pictures of an area from an elevated perspective. This type of photography is most commonly used to capture landscapes and cityscapes or to document a specific event like a disaster or construction project. It is done using an aircraft or a drone equipped with a camera, either still or video. Aerial photographs can be used for various purposes including surveying land and creating maps, studying wildlife habitats, or analyzing soil erosion patterns.
On the other hand, aerial mapping is the process of collecting data about a certain area from an elevated perspective. Using specialized equipment like LiDAR scanners or infrared cameras, aerial mappers create detailed 3D models of the landscape that can be used for various purposes such as measuring distances and heights to creating detailed maps for navigation. In addition to topography data, aerial mapping can also be used to measure climate conditions or detect changes in vegetation over time.
The main difference between aerial photography and aerial mapping comes down to the purpose they serve: while aerial photography captures images for artistic and documentation purposes, aerial mapping collects data that can be used for analysis and measurement. This makes them two very useful but distinct tools in any field involving elevation-based imaging.
Q&A
Q: What is the difference between aerial photography and aerial mapping?
A: Aerial photography involves the use of cameras mounted on aircraft to capture images of the Earth’s surface from a bird’s eye view. Aerial mapping, on the other hand, involves the use of radar, lidar, and other remote sensing technologies to produce detailed maps of an area.
Q: How is aerial photography used?
A: Aerial photography is used for a variety of purposes, such as monitoring terrain changes, creating land use maps, tracking urban development, and creating 3D models.
Q: How is aerial mapping used?
A: Aerial mapping is used for a variety of purposes, such as assessing land use, creating digital elevation models, studying geology, and creating detailed maps for navigation.
Q: What type of data does aerial photography provide?
A: Aerial photography provides photographic and visual data, such as spatial information, colour, and texture.
Q: What type of data does aerial mapping provide?
A: Aerial mapping provides detailed information about the topography and physical characteristics of an area, such as elevation, slope, and land cover.
- What are the benefits of Aerial Mapping?
- Find out other industries that utilize aerial mapping
- Be sure to check out our Aerial mapping services on our website
- Here is a short Aerial Mapping video.
