luftfoto

Luftfoto is a Germanic term meaning "aerial photograph" used in German, Norwegian and Danish contexts to describe images taken from the air. Historically produced from balloons and kites in the 19th century and from airplanes and dirigibles in the early 20th century, luftfotos became important for military reconnaissance, cartography and scientific observation during and after World War I.

Techniques and technology evolved from large-format film cameras to modern digital sensors, multispectral imaging, LiDAR and small unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). Luftfotos are taken at different angles—nadir (directly downward) or oblique—and can be processed into orthophotos or used in photogrammetry to derive accurate spatial measurements and three-dimensional models. Resolution, scale and georeferencing determine their suitability for mapping, land-use planning and surveying.

Applications include topographic mapping, urban planning, environmental monitoring, agriculture, archaeology, disaster response, filmmaking and real estate. In professional practice, luftfotos are integrated with geographic information systems (GIS) and remote-sensing data to support analysis and decision-making.

Legal and ethical considerations relate to airspace regulation, licensing and privacy; many jurisdictions impose restrictions on where and how aerial photography may be carried out. Preservation and archival use of historical luftfotos also provide valuable records of landscape change and cultural heritage.