An aerial photo is not a map because: - A map has a single consistent scale and projects points to a defined elevation, while an aerial photo's scale changes with distance from the ground and provides a perspective view from one vantage point. - A map uses symbols and orthographic projection, whereas an aerial photo contains infinite detail from a single tilted perspective with potential geometric distortions. - A map has a defined coordinate system and projection, while an aerial photo requires definition of its own coordinate system.

2. An aerial photo is not a map.
A map has one scale.
An photo’s scale changes as the
distance from the exposure to the
ground changes

3. An aerial photo is not a map
• A map is a projection of points to a defined
elevation (often sea level).
• A photo is a “view” from a single vantage
point (the exposure).
• A single vantage point does not allow
projection of points to a defined elevation.

4. An aerial photo is not a map
• A map is an orthographic view. You are
always looking straight down at a feature.
• A photo is a perspective view. It is what a
part of the earth looks like from a unique
position (the exposure).

5. A photograph is not a map.
• A map cannot be “tilted” as it is in a
defined projection.
• An aerial photo can contain tip, tilt, or crab
which can cause distortion in an image.

6. A photograph is not a map.
• A map contains a finite amount of detail –
points, lines, and text.
• A photo contains an almost infinite amount
of detail (to the pixel level)

7. A photograph is not a map.
• Symbology is used to
define what points
and lines are on a
map.
• A human being
defines what objects
are on a photo.

8. A photo is not a map.
• A map has a defined projection – usually
state plane or Universal Transverse
Mercator (UTM)
• A user must define a coordinate system
for a photo.

9. A photo is not a map
• A map does not
contain relief
displacement as all
points are projected
to a defined elevation.
• A photo contains
relief displacement.

10. A photo is not a map
• A map does not
contain relief
displacement as all
points are projected
to a defined elevation.
• A photo contains
relief displacement.