California Aerial Mapping Is Our Expertise

Many companies and non profit agencies take aerial pictures of the earth’s surface that are used for a variety of purposes. Maps and pictures are created of the ground surface of the state. An aerial mapping company can do mapping through a variety of scientific techniques, including producing a Geographic Information System (GIS), topographic mapping, orthophotography, and aerial volume studies.

Developers, planners, realtors, civil engineers, and public planners use these companies. Aerial mapping is also used in preparing environmental impact reports. The scale of the surveys can vary from individual property boundaries to reviewing subdivision and township borders.

Government agencies may use an aerial mapping company in California to develop Geographic Information Systems (GIS). A GIS is a topographic map showing the placement of sites such as fire stations, hospitals, schools, electrical and telephone switch stations and other infrastructure lines. These maps are invaluable in cases of large scale disaster such as the Kansas City or World Trade Center bombings.

Non profit organizations such as the California Coastal Records Project, which produces aerial photographic surveys of the California Coastline, also make use of aerial mapping companies in California. Other non-profits using aerial surveys include Cal State Northridge, California Aerial and Acoustic Sardine Survey, and Whittier College.

Topographic and hydrographic mapping are important information sources created with the assistance of aerial mapping. The commonly known “topo” map, are produced by the United States Forest Service for Forest Service and Wilderness lands. In creating these maps, contour elevation overlays are added to the three dimensional photos. The US Geological Survey uses aerial photographs and satellite information to produce reports. Much of this information is available online.

A problem with aerial photography is that the pictures will show the curvature of the earth, which becomes a distortion when placed on a flat map. In Orthophotography, computer assisted adjustments are made so that distances on the map can be measured to scale with correct distances. The curve of the earth is eliminated in spite of the distance from which the picture is taken.

Aerial Mapping services are based throughout California. Some are based in areas of specific interest, such as aerial photos of hot air balloon trips and even weddings. Traditional surveying and mapping is provided by companies based from Northern California to the Mexican border.

These companies know how to access the many data networks produced in this field. Many companies have decades of experience and they have updated and upgraded their services. They offer many different specialties for consumers, whether they be engineers, developers, conservation enthusiasts or cities and counties. A thorough search will allow the prospective customer to find exactly what fits their needs.

For more information visit Aerial Mapping.