What is an orthophoto?

An orthophoto is defined as an aerial photograph that has been geometrically rectified to ensure that the scale is uniform across the entire image. This process involves correcting the image for any distortions caused by the camera angle, topography, and other factors. As a result, orthophotos can be used as accurate maps, where distances can be measured directly from the image, and features can be integrated with other GIS data.

This geometrical correction is crucial for various applications, including urban planning, environmental monitoring, and land-use analysis, as it allows for reliable spatial analysis and measurements. The precision of orthophotos enables surveyors and planners to make informed decisions based on the spatial arrangement of features depicted in the imagery.