Advances in aerial photography lead to the concept of aerial image maps. The first low-altitude aerial photographs were taken in France, in 1888. Those initial photos were taken via the use of a kite. Almost 70 years later, during the late 1950's, aerial photos, to be used in mapping, were taken from a hot air balloon.
As World War I commenced in 1914, so did the need for accurate aerial maps. The practice of enhancing and refining existing maps by utilizing aerial photos became commonplace. Cartography became an aerial feat completed by aircraft pilots and passengers.
The practice of creating aerial maps from airplanes began with photographers riding as passengers in simple bi-plane aircraft. Once aloft, the photographer aimed large and often unwieldy reconnaissance cameras over the edge of the plane, photographing large tracts of land.
Aerial image maps moved from the skies, to space in 1972 when the first Satellite, named Lansat 1, was launched. So began the process of globally mapping the Earth from space.
There are two types of photos used in aerial cartography; vertical and oblique. A vertical photo is taken from a fixed point, aiming directly downward. Vertical photos allow precise measurements to be determined from a photo, which in turn provides data to create maps and scale drawings. An oblique photo is taken at an angle. This type of aerial mapping is considered an informational asset, and is most valuable for developers, local authorities and asset managers. Oblique photographs provide 3D imagery which can be manipulated to provide multiple perspectives of property and land masses, often for business purposes.
The process of aerial mapping is now accomplished with advanced technology. Aerial maps are easily accessible to the public. Web users can explore satellite and aerial imagery, pinpointing exact locations with ease. Online map capabilities include easy zoom features and point and grab map manipulation.
These interactive maps have simplified business processes around the globe. Commercial and residential real estate can be viewed instantly. Also simplified; the process for Environmental Site Assessments such as Phase I, archaeological surveys, advertising, navigation, construction, and artistic endeavors.
Aerial satellite maps allow studies to be performed over periods of time. By using aerial mapping, we can determine wildlife and insect populations, observe changes in vegetation and ground cover, and determine areas appropriate for mining. By studying aerial maps scientists can evaluate biological events such as the change of seasons, the status of the growing season, changes in the surface of land and leaf fall. This process is known as phenology. Studying these small events on a large scale assists scientists in understanding our ecosystem, and how climate deviations may cause global change.
The ease with which aerial mapping is accomplished is of national concern. In the US, the events of 9/11 created a concern that aerial mapping compromised national security. Targeted agencies could be located precisely and with ease on many online satellite maps. The safety of those locations was considered compromised; hence the government began airbrushing photos of potential targets. Free aerial databases were altered so the roofs of key buildings matched the adjoining landscape.
Utilizing aerial image maps have become a simple and often free process. Consumers can inspect property they are considering purchasing, vacation locations, entire cities, and even their own homes. Companies and businesses now have an instantaneous bird's eye view of the planet, expanding commercial interests around the world. Improved aerial mapping has provided people with a new tool to view their world, for business or pleasure.
All about the history and usefulness of aerial mapping: http://www.aerial-maps-online.com/aerialimagemaps.htm
aerial image maps.
Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert
View the Original article
No comments:
Post a Comment