Luftbildphotogrammetrie

Luftbildphotography, also known as aerial photography, is the practice of capturing images from an elevated vantage point using aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, balloons, or other airborne platforms. It is used for mapping, surveying, environmental monitoring, urban planning, archaeology, journalism, and artistic documentation.

The technique has origins in the 19th century with balloon-based images and expanded through the 20th century with airplanes, helicopters, and specialized cameras. In military and science contexts, aerial photography supported reconnaissance, topographic mapping, and land-use studies. The digital era brought compact cameras, GPS, and GIS integration, enabling precise georeferencing and large-scale data analysis.

Common methods distinguish vertical (nadir-pointing) photographs intended for maps and orthophotos, and oblique views that reveal context and terrain features. Photogrammetry and structure-from-motion workflows convert overlapping imagery into measurements, 3D models, and orthophotos. Output formats include georeferenced maps, 3D terrain models, and high-resolution imagery for inspection and documentation.

Today, unmanned aerial vehicles have expanded access to aerial imagery, though operations are subject to regulatory frameworks, safety rules, and privacy considerations. Advances in multispectral and thermal sensing support agriculture, forestry, environmental monitoring, and disaster response. As imaging technology evolves, Luftbildphotography remains a foundational tool in cartography, land management, archaeology, and media.