Final answer:
Digital aerial photography today is mainly captured using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), marking a significant advancement from earlier methods, improving efficiency and offering diverse applications including environmental surveillance and military reconnaissance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Today, digital aerial photography is obtained by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones. Over years, the advancement of remote sensing technology has led to significant changes in how we collect data about the Earth's surface. UAVs have become integral tools in various applications, offering a higher degree of flexibility and lower operational costs compared to traditional manned aircraft. Aerial vehicles like drones can now be utilized to capture high-resolution images for a variety of purposes, including environmental monitoring, mapping, and even military reconnaissance.
The history of aerial reconnaissance dates back to the times of combatant armies using aircraft for observation, progressing to present day where sophisticated UAVs equipped with advanced sensors perform detailed and extensive surveying tasks. The transition from analog periods where photographic films were used, to digital eras where electronic detectors are in play, reflects the evolution of aerial photography techniques. Similarly, the shift from conventional topographic mapping to digital data and online-based applications showcases the transformative impact of technological advancements on the field.
Originally, observations for various applications were conducted using aircraft such as Learjets and modified Boeing 747s like the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). Now, with the advent of ever-improving technology, UAVs are a central component of modern aerial photography, vastly enhancing the efficiency and range of data that can be collected from above the Earth's surface.