Photogrammetry is defined as, “the art, science, and technology of

obtaining reliable information about physical objects and the environment

through processes of recording, measuring, and interpreting photographic
images and patterns of electromagnetic radiant energy and other
phenomena.”

Photogrammetry is a measurement technology in which the three-

dimensional coordinates of points on an object are determined. This is
achieved by stereoscopy, which is measurements made in two (or more)
photographic images taken from different positions (different views). We
say commonly photographs, but it may be also imagery stored
electronically on tape or disk taken by video or CCD (charge coupled
device) cameras or radiation sensors such as scanners.

Aerial photogrammetry (far range photogrammetry) is mainly used to

produce large scale topographical or thematical maps and digital terrain
models (DTM), representing the terrain relief. It is also used to combine
live action with computer generated imagery in movie post-production.
Aerial photography uses photographs taken from the air, recording the
visible electromagnetic spectrum (light), as maps of geographic areas.
Aerial photography used for topographic mapping, including the ground
location of physical objects, lines and points, and the determination of
earthwork quantities.

The term terrestrial photogrammetry (close range photogrammetry is

used when ground-based cameras are employed. This term has been
historically applied to the system of surveying and mapping from
photographs taken at ground stations. Among the users of close-range
photogrammetry (terrestrial photogrammetry) are architects and civil
engineers (supervising buildings, document their current state,
deformations or damages), archaeologists, geophysicists, geodesists,
surgeons or police departments (documentation of traffic accidents and
crime scenes).

Side lap is the overlap of adjacent flight strips. Side lap is required in aerial
photography to prevent gaps from occurring between flight strips as a
result of draft crab, tilt, flying height variations, and terrain variations. Draft
is the term applied to a failure of the pilot to fly along planned flight lines. It
is often caused by strong winds. Excessive drifts are the most common
cause for gaps in photo coverage; when this occurs, reflights are
necessary.