Aerial Photographs

Abstract

WITH the frequent publication of aerial photographs, usually of some sector of enemy territory, the military value of such photographs is generally appreciated. But aerial photographs have been used for many other purposes since they were first introduced more than eighty years ago. In themselves detailed though rather distorted maps, they can form the basis of the preparation of detailed topographical maps, and even of the refined maps needed for some engineering projects. Aerial photographs have also been used for the determination of the distribution of crops, for making forest inventories, and for various geological purposes. Further applications have been made in studying marsh ecology, and silting and soil erosion. Apart from their many uses, aerial photographs have other valuable features which are emphasized especially with regard to those taken over enemy territory, for they provide information about regions difficult of access far more quickly and, in many respects, in much greater detail, than could be obtained by ground methods in a reasonable time and at a reasonable cost.

Aerial Photographs

Their Use and Interpretation. By A. J. Eardley. (Harper's Geoscience Series.) Pp. xii + 203 + 46 plates. (New York and London : Harper and Brothers, 1942.) 2.75 dollars.