Trends in development of agricultural aerial photography technology

Abstract

Aerial photography is becoming an integral part of remote sensing in digital agriculture. The first aerial photographs were taken in the mid-19th century. (Research purpose) The paper aims to retrospectively analyze the evolution of aerial photography equipment for capturing agricultural lands, beginning with the creation of the first aerial photograph up to the present day. (Materials and methods) A historical-analytical approach was employed to examine the existing literature. Within this study, the development of agricultural aerial photography equipment was categorized into four distinct time periods: 1885-1908, 1909-1945, 1946-1979, and from 1980 to the present day. (Results and discussion) In the initial phase of experimental aerial photographic equipment development, significant advancements were achieved, encompassing the emergence of the first photograph, the creation of portable cameras and their adaptation for use with hot air balloons and kites, rockets, and birds. Technological growth in the first half of the 20th century contributed to elevating aerial photography to a versatile tool applied for a wide range of intelligence operations, including agricultural tasks. The evolution of space technologies in the second half of the 20th century resulted in the rapid development of both aerial photography equipment and their carriers. This progress facilitated the use of color aerial photography for the examination of the Earth's surface. The advancements of digital technologies at the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century facilitated the use of high-resolution digital aerial cameras mounted on various carrier platforms, ranging from unmanned aircraft to artificial Earth satellites. (Conclusions) A retrospective analysis reveals that the development and creation of equipment for aerial photography of agricultural lands unfolded in a sporadic fashion. This progression was closely intertwined with global political, social, and economic situation, as well as the state of technological advancement in related areas. Over the coming decade, the sustained application of aerial photography in agriculture is poised to enhance the efficiency of unmanned aircraft, reduce the production costs associated with aerial photography, and facilitate the widespread adoption of digital remote sensing technology within the agricultural sector.