H. Orthophotos

1. General

A map has a constant scale, an aerial photo rarely does. As discussed previously, photo scale is a function of elevation, Figure H-1.

Figure H-1 Variable Photo Scales

For a photo to have a uniform scale throughout requires that all its image points be at the same elevation, Figure H-2.

Figure H-2 Constant Photo Scale

Essentially flat terrain has a uniform photo scale - at the terrain's elevation. Higher and lower flat terrain have different uniform scales. Elevation still plays a part with photo scale. Even with flat terrain at a specific elevation, there's still the issue of relief displacement.