Ortofotografía

Ortofotografía is a specialized type of aerial or satellite imagery that has been geometrically corrected to remove distortion. Unlike standard aerial photographs, which can appear skewed due to camera tilt or variations in terrain elevation, an orthophoto has a uniform scale throughout. This correction process, known as orthorectification, is achieved using a digital elevation model (DEM) and complex photogrammetric techniques. The result is an image that accurately represents the ground surface and can be used for precise measurements.

The process of creating an orthophoto involves several steps. First, aerial or satellite images are captured. Then, ground control points (GCPs) with known coordinates are identified in the imagery to help orient it. A digital elevation model of the area is also required. Using this data, software corrects for geometric distortions, essentially projecting the image onto a flat plane. This removes the "tilt" and elevation differences that would otherwise distort the image.

Orthophotos are valuable tools in various fields. They serve as accurate base maps for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and are widely used in surveying, urban planning, agriculture, environmental monitoring, and disaster management. Their precise scale allows for direct measurement of distances, areas, and features on the ground, making them an essential component of modern spatial data acquisition and analysis.