Mast Photography

Mast Photography

Elevated photography is the process of taking aerial photos using a pole or other support system, to emulate an airborne camera. In some ways more flexible than aerial or satellite imaging, elevated photography is a way to get highly detailed images with a bird's eye view. This method is also called mast photography or pole assisted photography. This is an alternative to traditional imaging processes and allows customization of image collection and also offers synoptic timelines - making this process a useful tool for construction management, litigation and many other applications. The price of elevated imaging is generally quite reasonable and include varying degrees of compatibility with related engineering quality software. Because it does not involve an aircraft, the overhead and cost associated with its operation can be lower.

Elevated photography is relatively new in the United States but the concept of getting aerial images is not. Used extensively in areas outside the United States, it can be used in a variety of ways but it serves as the link between getting a less than satisfying aerial image or becomes the next 'step up' from ground level hand held imagery.

One problem with elevated photography is its difficulty in getting map-like coverage of an area with its 'sodastraw' aspect of collecting data. This can be offset by 'stitching' with the advent of new and current digital camera systems.