Aerial video

Aerial video is an emerging form of data acquisition for scene understanding and object tracking.

The video is captured by low flying aerial platforms that integrate Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and automated image processing to improve the accuracy and cost-effectiveness of data collection and reduction.

Helicopter platforms enable "low and slow" flights, acquiring a continuous visual record without motion blur.

Innovations in remote sensing cameras have allowed the identification of objects that could not have been previously identified.

Since the 1980s, aerial videography has seen increased use in applications where its advantages over traditional photography (lower cost and immediate availability of data) outweigh its disadvantages (poorer spatial resolution and difficulty of analysis due to lack of stereo imaging) (Mausel et al. 1992; Meisner 1986).

USGS aerial photography crew gathers data following the landfall of a hurricane.
USGS aerial photography crew gathers data following the landfall of a hurricane.
Digital video and recording system used aboard aircraft during coastal oblique video and photography missions.
Digital video and recording system used aboard aircraft during coastal oblique video and photography missions.