Aerial mapping

Aerial mapping is a concept that has evolved with time. As the term suggests, the mapping is done in an elevated position, where camera is not supported by any ground-based structure. In this mapping, the camera is ordinarily mounted on an aircraft, helicopters, rockets, or even balloons. Aerial mapping traces its origin during World War I where aerial photos were taken above Italy. From war field, aerial mapping found its entry into commercial arena with Sherman Fairchild starting his own aircraft firm to meet aerial mapping needs. Sherman was also the man behind the introduction of high altitude cameras which could map 600 square miles. This article presents an overview of aerial mapping, briefly highlighting on its benefits and limitations before drawing conclusion.  

What are the forms of aerial mapping? One may not take long to give an answer to this question. There are two forms of aerial mapping which include vertical and oblique aerial mapping. Vertical aerial mapping is where the camera lenses are perpendicular to the ground. The positive aspect of this type of mapping is that it provides the greatest amount of information. Opaque aerial mapping on the other hand is taken at an angle of 3 to 90 degrees. It provides a richer view of the world as compared to vertical mapping since it is taken at an angle. 

Benefits of aerial mapping: One may pose a question: why go for aerial mapping out of all other forms of mapping like conventional ones? Firstly, aerial maps give advanced and high tech pictures of a place. They can give a vivid picture of a place and features that are not likely to be captured on conventional maps. Aerial mapping is the best method one can use to obtain clear pictures covering a wide area of a given geographical place. Still, when compared to other methods of mapping, aerial mapping provides the best materials that can be used in the presentation of business materials hence facilitating their flow in the market place. Thus, they are more commercially appealing as compared to the conventional ones. 

Other than being the best method in the business domain, aerial mapping still holds number 1 in other fields which include but may not be limited to golf players, churches, calendar industries, educational institutions, agricultural sector engineering, contracting and landscaping sectors. With the advancement in science, there has been improvement in the manner in which they are taken and presented. 

Limitations: Although aerial mapping has its strengths, there are limitations too. There are a number of limitations that are likely to affect the final outcome of the maps. The main ones include but not limited to sensor (technical challenge), aerial platform, the prevailing weather conditions, end user of the gathered information and cost involved.

The benefits of aerial mapping surpass its limitations. Through aerial mapping, the maps are readily available within few hours after being taken. Further aerial mapping unveils what conventional mapping can never unpack. Thus, with fast moving world, where time can never meet human demands, and where technological advancement demands the best, aerial mapping remains vital and relevant by all standards.