Both satellite and aerial photography provide a bird’s-eye view of the planet, which can be used for various purposes, including mapping large swaths of land, conducting surveys, and even gathering intelligence on other governments. Both how images are made and their typical uses are distinct. Both methods can provide digital images. However, aerial photography is more commonly used for commercial purposes on a smaller scale, while high resolution satellite imagery is more beneficial for large-scale scientific research.
Aerial Photography
Aerial photography involves taking pictures from a plane, helicopter, or balloon and is primarily employed in the cartographic industry. French balloonist Gaspar Felix Tournachon developed the first aerial photography technology in 1855, but it took another three years before an image was captured from above. Automatic camera-equipped pigeons and biplanes were used in early tests during World War I to photograph enemy trenches. Sherman Fairchild successfully commercialised aerial photography for use in post-World War I land and city surveys, and it has subsequently found widespread use in government and civilian contexts worldwide.
High Resolution Satellite Imagery
Several digitally transmitted photographs might be considered “satellite imagery,” all captured by artificial satellites in Earth’s orbit. In 1960, the first satellite-based imaging system was sent into orbit. Since then, satellite imaging has found utility in mapping, surveillance systems, archaeological surveys, and even weather forecasting, in addition to its more obvious military applications. These pictures are used mainly by government agencies, enterprises, and universities.
Potential Benefits of Satellite Imaging
There are several uses for high resolution satellite imagery. It can keep tabs on weather systems, including hurricanes and other potentially devastating storms. Due to their orbital position, satellites can readily repeat their imaging activities throughout a single day. Because everything is digital, it’s much simpler to incorporate into existing software and can cover much larger areas. Clouds don’t always affect weather predictions.
Pros of Aerial Photography
Most commercial and business users still benefit more from aerial photography than they would from satellite imaging. As many currently accessible satellite maps are more than a year old and may not accurately reflect recent changes or advancements, aerial photography is often more cost-effective and up-to-date. Aerial photography services are more accessible to individuals and smaller businesses, allowing for greater involvement in the commissioning process. High levels of resolution and clarity make visuals more intuitive and often eliminate the need for specialised analysis.
Tips for Choosing Between Aerial and Satellite Photographs
Both satellite imaging and aerial photography provide a bird’s-eye view of the planet’s surface and its inhabitants. Both are useful in many contexts where spatial information is needed. While both aerial and satellite systems may generate digital imagery, business applications make more use of aerial imagery.
The gap between satellite and aerial imaging systems, usually complimentary mapping technologies, is narrowing due to both systems’ shared technological advancements over the years. Resolution isn’t the only thing these technologies have in common; they can also overlap, so other elements like accuracy, acquisition and processing time are essential to consider.
Choosing the right technology for a project requiring geographical data requires careful consideration of all relevant factors. In this post, we have already compared satellite imaging with aerial imagery, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each. Here are some of the most important factors to consider when deciding between high resolution satellite imagery and aerial photography without delving into the specifics of individual sensors. Here are the relevant criteria:
- Data type
- Speed and coverage
- Resolution
- Location accuracy
- Weather
- Location accessibility
- Cost
Make sure you ask for data samples and accurate statements before deciding. Things evolve quickly in this field, and making an informed decision is difficult. Do your homework to find the right data for your application.
