An evaluation of aerial photography as a source of environmental information

Abstract

The research examines the utility of aerial photographs in the mapping of urban land use, at scales of 1:2,500, 1:5,000, and 1:10,000,and production of a regional scale (1:100,000) map. Previous work on land use survey in Britain and America is described, and is followed by an outline of air surveys of land use. The development of notations for use in this research is then explained, and is followed by descriptions of the features used when interpreting a photograph, and the appearance of major types of land use. The study area is located, and the methods used in the production of the maps outlined. The problems of accuracy - its definition, the factors affecting it and its assessment - are then considered, and the production of maps showing the location and types of discrepancy described. Finally, some comments are made about the approach used in this research. It is suggested that a more useful way to tackle land use mapping would be to combine photo interpretation and field checking, as the division of these had given rise to many difficulties when mapping errors of discrepancies. It is emphasized that the information to be gained from air photos must be related to the problems under study, and that only in this situation will they prove to be a significantly useful source of information.