Seen from above : The theoretical future of aerial photos in land use, environmental and planning study

Stephen N.G. DAVIES, Lawrence W.C. LAI*, Mark Hansley CHUA

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Journal PublicationsJournal Article (refereed)peer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Although there is growing interest in the subjectivity of ground photos, similar criticism of aerial photos as a media product widely used in land use, environmental planning and management is seemingly absent. Inspired by pioneering work of Dorrian and Pousin (2013) and informed by the idea of Farman (2010) that users of aerial images can re-contextualise and subvert “master representation”, this paper attempts to offer an explanation for this contrast and argues that it is harder to wage a subjectivist battle against aerial photography than against ground photos and discusses the possible better use of government possessed aerial photo data in a digital form. Four reasons for this based on disinterested observation, data neutrality, psychology and focus are offered. Two thought experiments and examples are used to help explanation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)19-28
Number of pages10
JournalLand Use Policy
Volume78
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2018
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2018

Keywords

  • Aerial photographs
  • Big data
  • Heritage
  • Land use
  • Maps

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Seen from above : The theoretical future of aerial photos in land use, environmental and planning study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this