Aerial photo interpretation for the evaluation of vegetation and soil resources

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explain how human ingenuity can be brought to bear, using aerial photographs, in the evaluation of two of the most important of these resources, vegetation and soil, as the first step toward their wise use. Photo interpretation is the act of examining photographic images for the purpose of identifying objects and conditions and judging their significant. The efficient use of aerial photos, combined with only a limited amount of field work, provides such a means. Photographs may emphasize the wrong features. Objects which are in direct sunlight and in direct view from the camera station tend to appear the most conspicuous on aerial photographs regardless of their importance to the soil scientist or vegetation expert.