Today's technology provides us with a wide range of options on aerial photography and aerial videos. At the very highest level, there are satellite images, covering most urban areas in very high resolution. These images are available to everyone via the internet, through the very popular Google Earth, TerraServer, and other services. These aerial maps provide a useful tool for viewing wide areas. The publicly available maps, however, are generally at least 2 years old, and do not show recent developments.
Professional aerial photography companies provide custom services to capture the most up-to-date view on request from clients. Depending on requirements, the photographer will take to the skies in a plane or helicopter, or may use a remote-controlled device such as a blimp, kite, miniature plane or helicopter to carry the camera. Some may even use a ground-based tallcam, or extendable mast to achieve low-level, close-in views. The aerial photographer will work with each client individually to ensure they get the views they need.
Aerial photographers may be pilots themselves, or they may choose to work with a pilot to get the required photographs. Most have a knowledge of flying as well as the expertise to take the photographs. Specialist equipment will include a professional quality camera and a gyro-stabilizer to get the best possible pictures. In recent years, digital cameras have taken over from medium-format film cameras, as the quality of the images became comparable, and as clients and photographers both came to appreciate the convenience of digital images. Instead of the slower print process, digital images can be delivered on CD or via the internet on the day of shooting. Adding digital graphics or enhancing features can greatly improve the final photograph for presentation purposes. Many aerial photographers also have specific experience and equipment for special projects, such as infrared, aerial video, mosaics, ortho-rectified mapping, large-format murals, digital design work, and so on.
An aerial photograph shows an overview of the land and property, and provides information not available at ground level. If time and date-stamped, it becomes a valuable reference of ground conditions at the time. Here are just a few of the commercial applications of aerial photography today:
PAPA International provides the ability to search our member database for an aerial photographer in your area. Simply enter your city, State or country (if outside the U.S.) to see a list of photographers. If your search does not find anyone, try a broader search.