Types of Photographs

These are the photographs taken on the level grounds when the optical camera axis is horizontal to the object. OR These photographs are taken from the ground when the camera is at the same level as the object being photographed.

Characteristics of Ground Level Photographs

1. They show only the (front) side view of an object
2. It is taken when the camera is near the to the ground
3. Its scale decrease from the foreground to the background
4. They have the optical camera axis horizontal to an object

Uses of Ground Level Photographs

1. They are used for the identification of the objects because the features are shown clearly
2. They are for ordinary photographs

These are the photographs taken from hills looking down with camera towards the ground. Sometimes they are taken from low flying planes, towers or from tall building.

Types of Oblique Photographs

1. Low oblique Photographs
2. High Oblique Photographs

Low Oblique Photographs

These are taken when the photographer is standing in elevated ground, such as top of a hill, building or cliff, and holds the camera at an angle pointing towards the lower ground.

Characteristics of Low Oblique Photographs

1. It covers a small area
2. It does not show the horizon
3. It shows the top and front views of the objects
4. They are taken from an elevated area at 45° (for example: from the top of the mountain)
5. The features in the fore and middle ground are shown clear

Uses of Low Oblique Photographs

1. They are used for the identification of the objects because the features are shown clearly
2. They can be used for geographical research

High Oblique Photographs

These photographs are taken from the sky with the camera tilted at an angle towards the ground. The photographer may take the photograph from a helicopter.

Characteristics of High Oblique Photographs

1. They show large area
2. They are taken at 60°
3. They show the horizon
4. They show both the front and top view
5. They are important in map making

These are photographs taken with camera whose axis tilted vertically to the ground at right angle (90°). These are photographs taken from the aircraft with the camera directly above the object pointing vertically to the ground. Only the top view is seen. Instruments used to capture pictures are called aircrafts or the satellites.

Characteristics of Vertical Aerial Photographs

1. They show large areas
2. They are taken from the air
3. They are taken when the camera is placed vertically towards the object
4. They can be used in map making
5. They contain a lot of detailed information of a given photographic region since they print everything

Uses of Vertical Aerial Photographs

1. They are used for plotting contour lines
2. They are used for map making
3. They are used for military purposes
4. They can produce variety of scales like small scale and large scale
5. They are used for pilot studies before conducting field trip
6. They can be used for investigation or researches
7. They can be also used for rapid survey of unknown area like thick forests and high mountains

1. Vertical photographs show the top view while Oblique photographs show the top and front view
2. It is difficult to identify objects in Vertical photographs than in Oblique photographs
3. In Vertical photographs, all-important features are seen while in Oblique photographs some important features are not seen.
4. Oblique photographs are less expensive than Vertical photographs
5. It is difficult to recognize the image of the Vertical photographs while the image or picture of Oblique photographs is easily recognized
6. It is easier to determine the scale in Vertical photographs than in Oblique photographs

1. Both photographs and maps are important in learning geography
2. They both have scales
3. Both are used in military for techniques
4. Both show the physical and relief features on the earth
5. Both are used by planners when planning for something or a project
6. They both represent the three dimensional World on a flat surface

1. Photographs store information for future generation
2. They act as main house of information of a place
3. Photographs are used to prepare the topographical maps
4. They provide quick and instant information than maps
5. They replace verbal description and save time
6. They show real feature of the earth and provide a good visual impression for observation and interpretation
7. Photographs are also used in geographical research