Aerial Photographs

Aerial photographs were the first type of remote sensing utilized by cartographers, or map makers. In 1858 French map makers used a hot air balloon and primitive cameras to take the first aerial photographs. Later during World War I air planes were used to systematically take aerial images of much of the terrain in the war zone.

By comparing photographs taken at different angles, cartographers can create accurate and detailed maps of different territories. The process of comparing different aerial photographs and determining accurate measurements is called photogrammetry. Maps created by using aerial photographs are called orthophoto maps.