Aerial survey is a geomatics method of collecting information by using aerial photography, LiDAR or from remote sensing imagery using other bands of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as infrared, gamma, or ultraviolet. It can also refer to the chart or map made by analysing a region from the air. This is typically done using aeroplanes, helicopters, UAVs such as the InView Unmanned Aircraft System and in history with balloons. Aerial survey should be distinguished by satellite imagery technologies because of its better resolution, quality and atmospheric conditions. Today, aerial survey is often recognized as a synonym for aerophotogrammetry, part of photogrammetry where the camera is placed in the air. Measurements on aerial images are provided by photogrammetric technologies and methods.
Aerial surveys can provide information on many things not visible from the ground.
Aerial surveys are used for:
Aerial survey uses a measuring camera where the elements of the interior orientation are known, but a camera that has much larger focal length and film and more lenses are used.