Aerial surveying and mapping involve capturing images or data from elevated platforms, such as airplanes or drones, to create detailed and accurate maps of landscapes, infrastructure, or natural resources. This technology is crucial for various industries, including urban planning, agriculture, environmental monitoring, and disaster management.
Aerial surveying is the process of collecting data and information about a large area of land or terrain from an aerial perspective, typically using aircraft or drones equipped with specialized sensors and cameras. Aerial surveying can be used for various purposes, such as land and property surveying, urban planning, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure planning and development. Aerial surveying is often used for large-scale projects that require accurate and comprehensive data over a wide area. It is also a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional ground-based surveying methods, especially in remote or difficult-to-access locations.
Aerial surveying is a method of collecting geomatics or other imagery by using airplanes, helicopters, UAVs, balloons or other aerial methods. During an aerial survey, the aircraft or drone flies over the area to be surveyed and captures high-resolution images, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data, or other types of data using specialized equipment. The data collected is then processed and analyzed to generate maps, 3D models, or other types of geospatial data.
Aerial mapping is a form of remote sensing, that refers to the taking of aerial photographs for making maps and for geologic interpretation. The images are geotagged and sent through an advanced Surface-From-Motion (SFM) system. An aerial map is referred to as Orthophoto. The orthophoto (also called an “Ortho mosaic” or “aerial photo map”) is an orthorectified mosaic of hundreds or thousands of images, which are processed together to create one seamless map.
HOW IS AERIAL MAPPING DONE
An aircraft or drone performing an aerial photogrammetric survey takes a series of overlapping images with a high-resolution camera. A logging device collects geographic coordinates for each photo. Then the images and geodata are uploaded to post-processing software that stitches them together to create a map or model.
HOW TO TAKE AERIAL PICTURES
- Make sure your drone or aircraft flight is FAA approved.
- Schedule according to the sun’s position.
· Secure your equipment and settings before take-off.
· Choose the right lenses and bring a spare camera body.
· Do a quick check to be sure your settings are correct.
- Shoot out an open door or window when possible.
· Shoot at a high shutter speed and keep other settings on lockdown.
· Shoot at a higher ISO as the light dims.
· Keep your eyes out the window and keep shooting.
· Take care of unavoidable issues in post-production.
· Make the most of your air time.
