GEOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS OF KITE AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Kite aerial photography (KAP) is a means to acquire low-height, high-resolution imagery of diverse landscape features. The method employs large kites to lift radio-controlled camera rigs 50-150 m above the surface. Film or digital cameras are utilized to capture images in visible and near-infrared portions of the spectrum. Pictures may be taken in all orientations (vertical and oblique) and in all positions relative to the ground target and sun. In vertical views, KAP images typically have pixel resolution of 5-10 cm and depict ground areas of ½ to 1 hectare. KAP is highly portable, quick to set up and operate in the field, and relatively low in cost. KAP can be utilized in any situation with an open flying field adjacent to the target site. Suitable wind speed is 10-30 km/h. Kite aerial photography covers a height range that is impossible to reach from ground-based systems or from low-flying aircraft. Comparable systems, such as tethered balloons and blimps, are more expensive, difficult to transport, and cumbersome to operate in the field. We have utilized KAP for a wide variety of geological applications to document geomorphologic and hydrogeologic phenomena in Kansas, Estonia, and elsewhere. Kite aerial photography provides a source of ground truth for improved interpretation of conventional airphotos and satellite images.