Aerial Mapping and Surveying
Today, aerial maps are used in a large number of different online mapping and driving direction services, including MapQuest, Google Earth, Google Maps, and specialized applications to show the location of varied features. Nearly every online use for online mapping is founded on aerial photographs or maps. Geographic Information Systems, or GIS, is really a technology using sophisticated maps made up of aerial imagery via satellites to provide information regarding the terrain and specific land features. This imagery is available in a variety of scales, in both color and black and white formats, to highlight a variety of features with regards to the specific application. Today you can find a large number of geospatial and GIS aerial maps in use.
Aerial mapping is also very important to land surveying. Some parts of the earth have been photographed at altitude to create a map, most land surveying applications need a more descriptive image of the land at a more substantial scale, together with the collection of more precise data points. While aerial maps for general applications 're normally created through the use of satellite imagery, land surveying applications are most often undertaken by using an airplane or helicopter.
The main benefit of aerial ways of mapping and surveying is they are unobtrusive, and don't require setting foot on the specific terrain. That is advantageous in situations with limited usage of the land or dangerous terrain, such as for example areas with steep slopes. Additionally it is important to note that aerial surveys involve the creation of three-dimensional maps through precise measurements of elevation and location, as opposed to aerial photography, which generally will not contain the same level of detail or data, although 3d models can be created using aerial photos.
The most typical aerial surveying method is LiDAR, which uses laser beams to create a three-dimensional map or image of the land. When coupled with GPS equipment, LiDAR collects information about elevation and location which can be converted into a topographical map. This date can be used in a wide selection of applications, from the creation of topographical maps to "fly through" simulations. This three-dimensional mapping system is quite popular for engineers, planners, mapping technicians, GIS professionals, and surveyors. Compared to similar options for three-dimensional information gathering, it is very accurate, relatively fast, and cost-effective.
While LiDAR and related methods represent the leading edge of aerial surveying, the thought of aerial mapping and surveying dates back to the middle of the nineteenth century, when hot air balloons allowed surveyors to take the initial aerial photographs. Aerial surveying grew in popularity after the turn of the century. The 1957 launch of Sputnik marked the start of the satellite imaging era.Among the earliest types of remote sensing used for the creation of maps was photogrammery, a technique still used for this day. Helpful hints can be a ability to determine measurements by using photography. Aerial photogrammery, achieved with a camera in an airplane, involves the taking of photographs of the bottom every few seconds as the plane flies in a straight line. This system was first used in combination with film cameras, although today digital cameras are used. By matching adjacent images, a whole picture of the region can be created. Aerial photogrammery is used for terrain mapping, while close-range photogrammery can be used for a survey of creating facades or other features. By firmly taking photos from two slightly different angles, a three-dimensional model (or Digital Elevation Model) can be created from the data collected.
Aerial surveying and mapping methods tend to be preferred because they enable the assortment of data from the wide area in a short period of time, particularly when in comparison to traditional surveying methods. The digital data collected using these methods pays to for surveyors, engineers, geologists, city planners, and several other professionals who require highly precise visual maps of a location.