Aerial survey explained

Aerial survey is a method of collecting geomatics or other imagery data using airplanes, helicopters, UAVs, balloons, or other aerial methods. Typical data collected includes aerial photography, Lidar, remote sensing (using various visible and invisible bands of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as infrared, gamma, or ultraviolet) and geophysical data (such as aeromagnetic surveys and gravity measurements). It can also refer to a chart or map made by analyzing a region from the air. Aerial survey should be distinguished from satellite imagery technologies because of its better resolution, quality, and resistance to atmospheric conditions that can negatively impact and obscure satellite observation. Today, aerial survey is often recognized as a synonym for aerophotogrammetry, a part of photogrammetry where the camera is airborne. Measurements on aerial images are provided by photogrammetric technologies and methods.[1]

Aerial surveys can provide information on many things not visible from the ground.

Terms used in aerial survey

exposure station or air station: the position of the optical center of the camera at the moment of exposure.
  • flying height: the elevation of the exposure station above the datum (usually mean sea level).
  • altitude
  • the vertical distance of the aircraft above the Earth's surface.
    tilt the angle between the aerial camera and the horizontal axis perpendicular to the line of flight.
  • tip: the angle between the aerial camera and the line of flight.
  • principal point: the point of intersection of the optical axis of the aerial camera with the photographical plane.
  • isocentre: the point on the aerial photograph in which the bisector of the angle of tilt meets the photograph.
  • nadir point: the image of the nadir, i.e. the point on the aerial photograph where a plumbline dropped from the front nodal point pierces the photograph.
  • scale: ratio of the focal length of the camera objective and the distance of the exposure station from the ground.
  • azimuth
  • the clockwise horizontal angle measured about the ground nadir point from the ground survey North meridian in the plane of photograph.
    orthomosaic
  • A high-resolution map created by orthophotos, usually via drones is termed as an orthomosaic. Ortho meaning a nadir image and mosaic meaning a collection of images.
    Temporal Resolution
  • Time between observations.

    Uses

    Aerial surveys are used for:

    Aerial surveys use a measuring camera where the elements of its interior orientation are known, but with much larger focal length and film and specialized lenses.

    Aerial survey sensors

    In order to carry out an aerial survey, a sensor needs to be fixed to the interior or exterior of the airborne platform with line-of-sight to the target; it is remotely sensing. With manned aircraft, this is accomplished either through an aperture in the skin of the aircraft or mounted externally on a wing strut. With unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), sensors are often mounted under or inside the vehicle, allowing for rapid data collection over challenging terrains, though sometimes with less precision than traditional methods.[2]

    Aerial survey systems typically include the following components:

    Examples of aerial survey sensors

    See also

    External links

    Notes and References

    1. A. Sechin. Digital Photogrammetric Systems: Trends and Developments. GeoInformatics. #4, 2014, pp. 32-34.
    2. Web site: Unveiling the Terrain: Drone Surveys vs. Ground Surveys . Sky Scan Surveys . 31 May 2024 . 26 August 2024.
    3. "ULTRACAM EAGLE MARK 3 Web site: Specifications & details . Vexcel Imaging GmbH . 1 June 2021 . 4 . EN . PDF.
    4. "ULTRACAM OSPREY 4.1 Web site: Specifications & details . Vexcel Imaging GmbH . 1 June 2021 . 3 . EN . PDF.
    5. Web site: Michael Gruber . Marc Muick . UltraCam Eagle Prime Aerial Sensor Calibration and Validation . www.vexcel-imaging.com . Vexcel Imaging GmbH . 1 June 2021 . EN .
    6. Web site: Leica ADS100 Airborne Digital Sensor . Leica Geosystems AG . 1 June 2021 . en.
    7. Web site: XCAM Ultra specifications . WaldoAir . 1 June 2021 . EN.
    8. Web site: datasheet : LMS-Q780 . RIEGL Laser Measurement Systems GmbH . 1 June 2021 . EN . 2015-03-24.
    9. Web site: Trimble AX80 Airborne LIDAR Solution . 1 June 2021 . EN . November 2014.
    10. Web site: GMAX32152 Flyer .
    11. Web site: GMAX32103 .

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