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Aerial Mapping and Photography Uses

When traditional land surveying methods fall short, aerial mapping is used to chart the horizontal and vertical features of a large area. For many types of projects, land surveys and aerial mapping work hand in hand to provide the critical information necessary for the plan. Aerial mapping and photography is used in many industries including airport facility mapping, utility surveying, forestry inventories, GPS and topographic surveys and above and below ground mapping.

Aerial photographs are used to create 3-D images of the land area in question. Each photo contains several XYZ coordinates that are used to create an accurate photographic or digital model. Precise horizontal and vertical topographic information can then be gathered from the photos. Aerial photography is a highly competent method of gathering information on large land areas and can provide data not obtainable by traditional surveying. Cameras used in aerial mapping and aerial photography are required to comply with National Aerial Photography Program (NAPP) specifications and are calibrated by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The Surveyor's Role

The surveyor plays a critical role in the aerial mapping process and is responsible for placing “markers” on the ground at or near positions that will be photographed. The surveyor also provides the aerial photographer with a list of coordinates and elevations for each aerial target. These are used as a control to set up the photographic model of the site. Supplemental information provided by the surveyor can include manholes, fire hydrants, or other items not visible in a photo. In areas of critical match points, the surveyor may be able to provide information that is more precise than what is available by aerial mapping alone.

How It’s Done

Precision and accuracy are mandatory in aerial photography. An assignment usually begins with the development of a flight plan to ensure that flight coverage includes the entire mapped area. Aerial cameras are designed for vertical aerial photography and use a 9” x 9” format. They are equipped with high resolution, low distortion lenses and a feature called forward motion compensation. Cameras used in aerial mapping and aerial photography are required to comply with National Aerial Photography Program (NAPP) specifications and are calibrated by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

To maintain the important project specifications, film is processed and evaluated immediately after an aerial mission. If the photos are incomplete or flawed in any way, repeat flights can be executed as soon as possible after the original photography to maintain the topical integrity of the land. Film is accurately labeled so that prints and transparencies can be produced for use in the aerial triangulation, orthophotography and mapping phases of the project.

Applications for Aerial Mapping and Surveying

Without aerial photography construction and municipal planning would be less accurate as well as more costly and time consuming. Cartographers would not have detailed measurements to make accurate maps. Engineers and government planners would not have all the facts necessary for determining land-use and assessing environmental conditions. The many scientific, industrial and technological uses for aerial mapping and photography are constantly increasing. But aerial photography has also contributed to every man by providing us with a glimpse of what the world looks like from out there.

Established in 1966, Cooper Aerial Surveys Co. is a client-focused mapping firm, committed to producing customized and quality products while providing cost-effective solutions. Cooper's digital photogrammetry department is one of the most skilled, knowledgeable and experienced in the nation, with the capability to manage and execute projects of nearly unlimited scope in a timely manner.

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