Aerial Photography

The aerial photography phase is basic to the activity of the Company. Without exception, all products generated for delivery to our clients, require the use of aerial imaging. This specialized field of our operation utilizes high precision aerial cameras to photograph areas on the earth’s surface either as single flight lines or blocks of photography made up of a number of adjoining parallel flight lines.

From the captured images, highly accurate topographic maps are generated through the use of special equipment. Aerial cameras are utilized to capture images in black and white (B/W) film as well as color (C), infra red (IR) or color infrared (CIR). Most B/W aerial photography is flown for the purpose of developing topographic maps and stock pile volume computations as well as orthophotos. Color photography is also used mainly when orthophotographs are part of the deliveries. IR and CIR photography is used primarily for crop, forestry and wetland studies and photo interpretation and analysis.

Because aerial photography is used mainly for mapping purposes, the ideal and normally busiest flying season is winter and beginning of spring, from November to mid April when tree leaves are off and the terrain is visible. Special attention is given to the Sun’s elevation above the horizon, which is at its lowest between mid November to about mid February, when planning flights over hilly terrain. Wooded north facing slopes at about all latitudes in the US, receive little sun light or are covered with long shadows even at mid day, making it very difficult if not impossible to clearly see the terrain surface.