The Orthophoto and Orthophotomap: Characteristics, Development and Application

Widespread distribution and increasing use of orthophotomaps suggest that all cartographers, whether or not they are involved in their creation, should be familiar with these products. This paper attempts to define the specific elements and capabilities of orthophotography and orthophotomapping. First, the fundamental processes of orthophoto rectification are examined, thus enabling the researcher to recognize both the advantages and limitations of the orthophoto product. Secondly, several cartographic applications of orthophotomapping are examined. These applications are considered with the view that orthophotomapping represents a technique by which spatially arrayed data might be both more accurately measured and communicated because of the special attributes of the orthophotomap, namely, the image of an aerial photograph and the metric qualities of a controlled line map.