Kite aerial photography

In order to take photographs that are oriented correctly with the horizon, a suspension method is used to allow the rig to automatically level itself under the kite line.

The Picavet line runs through eye hooks or small pulleys so that the weight of the rig causes it to settle naturally into a level position.

Of these, the parafoil is most popular as it generates a strong pull for its size, and can be easily stored in a small space due to its sparless construction.

Sparred kites such as the rokkaku or delta tend to fly at a higher angle than parafoils, which is of benefit when the space between the launch site and photographic subject is limited.

[4] A famous aerial photo of San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake was taken by an early pioneer in KAP, George Lawrence, using a large panoramic camera and stabilizing rig he designed.

[5] With the advent of the Internet, light and affordable digital cameras, radio control and microelectronics, kite aerial photography has become increasingly popular.

Practical and commercial use of KAP is limited by the unpredictability of the weather (notably wind, sun and rain) and the fact that not every site is suitable to flying a kite.

[7] Research scientists are using kite aerial photography for monitoring bird species and also for studies in the geographical and geological sciences, including photogrammetry.

Increasingly, kites are being employed where the use of a small unmanned aerial vehicle (SUAV, commonly known as a drone) is either impractical, or encounters legal or other constraints.