Visualization with High-resolution Aerial Photography in Planning-related Property Research - Geographic Visualization: Concepts, Tools and Applications - page 143

Table 7.1 A guide to the interpretation and analysis of aerial photography in planning (Adapted from Stone, 1964 courtesy of
Blackwell Publishing)

Examples of uses

Main applications Identification Characterization Measurement Planning

Transportation Elements of transportation

present

Characteristics of routes; types
of vehicles

Congestion Transportation routes and

traffic flows

Coastal configuration Depths alongshore;

distribution of beaches

Beach material; shoreline Shape, configuration of

shoreline

Coastal erosion; flood
management

Drainage Artificial drainage;

underground drainage

Flood risk areas General direction of flow Flood management

Surficial configuration Drainage basins; relative

relief; areas of
erosion/deposition

First- and second-order
drainage divides

Slopes

Surficial geology and
underlying structures

Areas of rock outcrop;
fluvial formations; glacial
landforms; extractions
(quarries/mines, etc.)

Major rock types Mineral sites monitoring

Natural vegetation Vegetation types Areas based on vegetation Estimate density; chart

land-use change;
hedgerow loss; tree
loss

Protection of habitats

Rural land-use -
agriculture

Areas in agricultural
production; outline field
and farm ownership;
local farming practices

Subsistence and commercial
areas

Crop species; cultivation
patterns; chart
land-use change

Farm subsidy
accountability;
protection of habitats

Rural land-use -
non-agricultural

Rural settlement patterns Recreational land-uses;

military uses;
semi-industrial
offensive/defensive activity

Land-use change Protection of habitats

( Continued )