Aerial Photographic Reconnaissance

one of the basic methods of aerial reconnaissance; it includes the photographing of enemy troops, engineering construction sites, and terrain with aerial cameras mounted on airplanes or on other types of aircraft and the developing and deciphering of photographs.

It is used to reveal and study targets, to determine their precise location by coordinates, and to refine topographical maps for the immediate security of military actions. Aerial photographing can be performed during the day by the natural illumination of the terrain or at night using artificial illumination from photographic bomb flares, photorockets, or specialized electrical equipment.