Aerial survey

Aerial surveying is the process of gathering geomatics or other images from the air using aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), balloons, or any other aerial means. Aerial photography, Lidar, remote sensing (using different visible and invisible bands of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as infrared, gamma, or ultraviolet), and geophysical data (such as aeromagnetic surveys and gravity) are some examples of the more common forms of data that may be acquired. It is also possible to refer to the chart or map that is created by conducting an analysis of an area from the air. Satellite imaging technology should not be confused with aerial surveys due to the former's superior resolution, quality, and ability to account for atmospheric conditions (which can negatively impact and obscure satellite observation). Currently, the term "aerial survey" is sometimes used interchangeably with "aerophotogrammetry," which is a subfield of photogrammetry in which the camera is positioned at a higher altitude. Photogrammetric technologies and procedures are used in order to produce measurements on aerial photographs.

Aerial surveys are able to offer information on a variety of factors that are hidden from view from the ground.