Photogrammetry is the use of photography in surveying and mapping. It’s used to measure distances between objects, and photogrammetry software can utilize images to create 3D renderings. While in its early days it was used mostly for topographic mapping, it’s recently been used in a number of unexpected ways.

Unmanned Aerial Photogrammetric Survey is the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to take photos for use in photogrammetry, the science of making measurements from photographs. Instruments manufactured for UAVs could be mounted on unmanned flying platforms of various sizes and types, such as octocopters.

Topographic Maps illustrate elevation with the use of contour lines and spot elevations. Planimetric Maps show features such as roads, buildings, water, fences, vegetation, bridges, railroads.