PHOTOGRAPH READING AND INTERPRETATION
What is photograph?
Photograph: Is a picture taken by means of chemical lights on a special prepared paper by using a camera. However photographs are the true image pictures showing truly appearance of the earth’s surface. Objectives on the flat bodies of special pieces of paper taken with the use of a camera and chemically printed.
Photography: is the science of taking photograph.
Photograph interpretation: is process of analyzing and identifying various features found on the photograph. Features that can be shown on the photographs include natural and artificial features.
Natural features
i. Land forms such as Mountain/hills, plateaus, valleys, basins, slopes, depressions, etc.
ii. Vegetation.
iii. Water bodies.
iv. land surface.
v. Horizon.
vi. Organisms like animals, birds, people, etc.
Artificial or man-made
i. Roads.
ii. Railways.
iii. Settlements/population.
iv. crops.
v. Man made water bodies like dams, canals, etc.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE QUALITY OF PHOTOGRAPH
1. The size of the camera: the photograph taken by camera with high focal length give high quality compared with pictured produced by camera with low focal length.
2. The experience of photographer: The photograph produced by photographer with high experience give high quality compared with one taken by photographer with low experience.
3. Land forms or relief: This include some features such as mountain, valleys, plains, depression, slopes, and so on they affect the quality of photographs.
4. Time: The photograph which taken many years ago differ in quality from one produced currently time.
5. Weather condition: The photograph taken during the cloud cover differs from one taken from the sun light.
6. The Colour: The colored photograph give high qualities hence differ from the colorless photograph in quality.
IMPORTANCE OF/USES OF PHOTOGRAPH
1. They used in military purpose.
2. They used to store geographical information’s for future use
3. They used in land use planning.
4. They help in providing the distribution of geographical information such as climate, vegetation, etc
5. They used to show the settlement pattern of the place.
6. They used in to show various economic activities such as agriculture, transportations, mining, lumbering, etc.
TYPES OF PHOTOGRAPH ON GEOGRAPHICAL PHENOMENAL
Photographs are classified according to the appearance of the images on them relatively to the orientation of the photographic views. Also; photographs are classified by considering the nature of platform from which the camera and photographic view has been mounted and set. By regarding the two categorizing factors, the numerous photographs are broadly classified into the following types:-
i. Horizontal/ground photographs.
ii. Vertical aerial photographs.
iii. Oblique photographs.
iv. Satellite photographs.
1. GROUND (HORIZONTAL) PHOTOGRAPHS
These are photographs that are taken horizontally when the camera placed near the ground surface.
These are the photographic prints of which whose images have been captured and recorded on film as photographic views horizontally set with camera mounted on the platform of the ground I e the photographic view by camera towards the object is from the surface level of ground the camera is placed fixed on a tripled stand very close to the ground comparatively Ground photographs are also known as terrestrial photographs.
The horizontal photographic view may target a particular object or the general scenery of the area it is thus; the horizontal photographs may show major object or the general scenery of the area basing on this horizontal photographs sub divided into two:-
i. Close up ground photographs.
ii. General view ground photographs
(a). Close up ground photographs: These are ground photographs which are produced as the photographic view focuses on a major item such as a tree a person an animal a house and others of the same reflection. The particular item obscures most of the other details behind it and thus the picture shows a died ground These photographs are alternatively known as particular view photograph.
(b). General view ground photographs: These are ground photograph which are taken by the photographic views with mounted camera focusing the general scenery of area. the photographic view are not intercepted by an obstacle as a result all objects at an area recorded on the film and printed to appear on the photo by getting progressively smaller from the fore ground to back ground hence; the photograph give the general view of the scenery this photograph does not shows horizons.
NB: Horizon means part of the photograph which show sky or where the land and sky apparently meet.
Characteristics of ground photographs
1. They show large size features.
2. They show features clearly.
3. They show large horizon.
4. They cover small areas.
5. They have no stable or uniform scale.
6. They show only front view of the object.
Below is a good example of ground photograph
Advantages of ground photographs
1. It is simple to interpret
2. It shows features clearly.
3. It is simple to produce.
4. They show large size features.
5. It saves time.
Disadvantages of ground photographs
1. It covers small area.
2. It has no uniform scale.
3. It shows only front views.
4. It does not used in map making
2. OBLIQUE PHOTOGRAPHS
Oblique photographs: These are the photographs that are taken from the titled angle of not less than ninety degree (90°).
Photographs are taken from titled angle such as elevated land (mountain), tall building, tower, or by low flying of air craft. Tilting of the photo graphic view from high height produces the high oblique photographs which commonly show both horizons and surface.
Types of oblique photographs
By regarding from where the tilted photographic view set; oblique photographs are divided into two and include;-
i. Ground oblique photographs/low oblique: these are photographs that are taken from low titled land from the angle between 30° to 50°. This might be from the mountain or Tawer. These make smaller coverage and are termed as low oblique aerial photographs.
ii. Aerial oblique/High oblique: These are oblique that are taken from the angle of less than 90° degree, thi_ ranging from 65 75° or 80° This might be from the low flying air craft.
Characteristics of oblique photographs
1. They cover relative large scale.
2. They show two side views i.e. front and top views.
3. They show small horizons.
4. They show many features.
5. They have no stable scale.
6. They are not used in map making.
Advantagess of oblique photographs
1. They shows two side views.
2. They covers relative large area.
3. They shows many details.
4. They are easier to identify.
Disavantages of oblique phostographs
1. They do not have uniform scale.
2. Then do not used in map making.
3. They are expensive to produce.
4. Time consuming during interpretation.
Example of oblique photos
3. VERTICAL PHOTOGRAPHS
Vertical aerial photographs: These are photographs taken from the angle of ninety degree completely. They normally taken by flying air craft. According to the history the first vertical aerial photograph was taken from a balloon by a French man in 1855 and were much improved in Germany However; the importance of these photographs for map making became during the first and second world wars when maps were needed for military purposes.
Vertical aerial photographs have less scale distortion and mostly used for map making and assessments of the geographical features and measurements.
Characteristics of vertical aerial photographs
1. They cover large area e.g. the whole country.
2. They have stable scale.
3. They are used in map making.
4. They show only the top view.
5. It show small size features.
6. They are taken by aircraft.
Advantages of vertical photographs
1. They cover large area.
2. They used in map making.
3. They show many details.
4. They have stable scale.
Disadvantages
1. They shows only one side view (top side view).
2. They are expensive to produce.
3. They are difficult to interpret.
4. They shows small size objects.
5. Time consuming. In both during production and interpretation Example of vertical aerial photographs
Basic elements of vertical photographs interpretation
1. Patterns: It is about layout (spatial arrangement) of observable objects on the photograph with reflection to the actual area. Consideration of patterns help to recognize features and translated to other geographical facts. For instance; the pattern of the rivers on the stand the nature of relief and rocks. E.g. radial pattern if observed gives an impression that the area has rocks of uniform hardness. Scattered settlements may make people to understand that, people engage in animal keeping or scattered cultivation.
2. Shape: refers to the general from, structure or outline of individual objects on photo and up on the area or the regularities of the objects on the photo and up on the photographed area. This is basically helps to recognize natural and man made features. Usually regular shape indicates man made features, while irregular shape indicates natural feature. For instance; if vegetation on the photograph observed regular, reflects that, the vegetation is of planted trees.
3. Textures: refers to the shade pattern or smoothness and coarseness of objects on the photograph. Some objects on the photo like that of vegetation display a shade pattern which can be course or light. It is thus; the consideration of the objects textures on the photograph in relation to other consideration helps to reveal the size and concentration of objects on the photo and up on the area. For instance if plants on the photograph observed to have course texture impress that the vegetation is of closely big trees.
4. Colour: refers to the relative brightness of objects on the photograph. Commonly objects on the photo display colours and the common colours are of either dark or light especially on the black and white print. The colours have reflection to certain objects. For instance the dark coloured objects on the photo may reflects a road dense forest etc; while lighter colour reflects railway, grassland etc. But to recognize specific object, it requires other considerations of the objects on their pattern, texture, shape etc. e.g. the dark coloured liner object reflects a road.
5. Association: takes into account of the relationship between features in an area. It has to bear in mind that, some objects are always found in association with others. It is thus; the identification of features that one would expect to associate with other features may provide a clue about other objects. For example the presence of ox bow lake reflects the presence of a flood plain as such associated in a food plan.
6. Site (location): If the location of a photographed area is recognized the person who likely to realize other facts which also present in the area. The location is revealed by considering the feature present on the photograph.
7. Size: It is about apparent bigness of the features on the photograph. The consideration help to recognize size of photographed area and relative photo scale size. For instance; if objects appear bigger on the photo; make reflection that smaller area covered and the photograph has large scale. Conversely; if objects appear much smaller impress that; wider area covered the photograph subjected to small scale.
4. SATELLITE PHOTOGRAPHS
Satellite photographs: These are the photographs whose images recorded (taken) electronically with the use of a scanner as a sensor placed in a satellite.
Most photographs of earth and other planets made by means of artificial satellites in which multi spectral scanners installed (equipped) The scanning view is directed towards the land space from the satellite operating in a very high altitude. Satellite operates at vertical distance of 900km above the mean sea level. The satellites are equipped with sensitive receptors called multi spectral scanners which reflect details from the earth’s surface.
The data recorded by multispectral scanners are relayed (sent) electronically to ground stations where with other electronic machines the imaginary data processed to develop photographs which give much details up on meteorological condition, geology, soil, pollution, forests, and crops. The satellite imagery have daily used for weather for forecasting, provide information for mapping, land use and plotting the landscape details and other uses.
Types of satellite images.
Satellite imagery are recognized by considering types of data they display.
i. Landsat satellite images: these provide details about earth’s resources.
ii. Meteorsat satellite images: These are imagies which are used for providing informations about weather forecasting.
Uses of satellite images
i. They are used in weather forecasting to predict weather which likely to occur in some days to day.
ii. They are used to monitor forest fires, ice flows and ocean currents.
iii. They are used for resources assessments. i.e. satellite photographs are used to reveal the resources which present in different parts of the earth’s surface.
iv. They are used for mapping purposes. The boundaries of countries, continents and other features which appear on maps mostly traced from the satellite imagery.
v. They are used for environmental management.
vi. Satellite imagery facilitates scientific studies. For instance; satellite imagery used to detect sea surface temperatures.
vii. They are used for military purposes. Satellite imagery provide secure communication for the military.
Disadvantage of satellite images
1. They are most expensive to be produced as it can be compared to all other forms of photographs.
2. They are difficult to be processed.
3. They require high skill to be interpreted because of their colour composites.
DIFFERENCE BTN PHOTOGRAPH AND MAP
Photograph and map differ on the following aspects.
1. Map has a key while photograph have no key.
2. Map has stable scale but photograph have no stable scale.
3. Map covers large area while photograph cover small area.
4. Map production takes long time while photograph taking take short time.
5. Map interpretation is difficult while phonograph interpretation is easier.
6. Photograph show all features found on the area taken while map is selective.
SIMILARITIES BTN PHOTOGRAPH AND MAP
1. Both photograph and map represent parts of the earth surface.
2. Both photograph and map has scale. Although map has stable scale.
3. Both photograph and map used to store geographical informations.
4. Both map and photographs are used in land use planning. E.g. land use for agriculture, mining, industries, settlement, etc.
5. Both map and photographs they are used in military purpose.
6. Both map and photograph used to show the distribution of geographical information’s such as climate, vegetation, water bodies, etc.
7. Both map and photograph they are used to indicate human activities such as mining, agriculture, transportation, etc.
ADVANTAGES OF PHOGRAPH OVER MAP
1. Photograph shows the real features such as houses, cars, etc.
2. Photography show all features found on the region while map is selective.
3. Photograph taking takes short time than map production.
4. Phonograph interpretation is easier than map.
5. Photography can be taken anywhere.
6. Photograph production is less expensive.
PARTS OF PHOTOGRAPH
the photograph is divided into three parts both horizontally and vertically. Horizontally It is divided into foreground, middle ground and back ground.
The foreground: is the area nearest to the camera.
Middle ground: is the area between foreground and the back ground. Background: is the furthest area from the camera.
For case of description of location of features on the photograph it is appropriate to use these division.
|
Left |
Centre |
Right |
|
left background |
central background |
right background |
|
left middle ground |
central middle ground |
Right middle background |
|
left foreground |
central foreground |
right foreground |
WAYS/ TECHNIQUES (CONSIDERATIONS) IN PHOTOGRAPH INTERPRETATION
1. IDENTIFICATION OF TITLE OF THE PHOTOGRAPH
Determine the title of photograph: normally the title of photograph can be well
identified by observing the type of activities that are taking place on the area.
E.g
2. IDENTIFICATION OF RELIEF
Relief: refers to the physical appearance of an area by contrasting landforms. Relief features are many and varied in nature. The common relief features that can be easily identified on the photograph include the following:-
i. Flat landscapes: These types of relief are characterized by being extensive level or more gentle sloped. The flatland can be of lowlands or uplands. The flat land is known as plains and has altitude less that 500m above the mean level. Flatlands of high altitudes above 500m are called plateaus. To recognize if the flat land is of plain or plateau, requires other considerations for instance; if the flat land is under coffee cultivation is recognize to be of plateau with consideration that the crop requires high altitude.
ii. Dulating landscapes: These area the landscapes which appear or observed to rise steeply or more steeply or more steeply above the surrounding area. These are of two patterns including hilly and mountains landscapes.
-Hilly recognized if the dulating landscape covers much wider area on the photo.
-Mountains recognize if the dulating landscape covers much wider area on the photo.
To describe the relief of the photographed area, the following procedure should be followed.
-Identity and name the relief features observed on the photograph.
-Locate the position of varied relief forms on the photograph. i.e. whether it is on the fore, middle and back ground.
-Give the general description of the relief.
3. IDENTIFICATION OF TYPE OF PHOTOGRAPH
The common types of photographs given for examination purpose are of the horizontal, oblique and vertical. To identify the type of photograph given, consideration should be paid to the characteristics of the photograph relatively to the appearance of the object’s images.
i. Ground photograph: This can be identified with the observation of following.
-If the photograph shows the front view of the images of objects.
-Objects get progressively smaller from the foreground towards background. If horizons
- see it tells, the ground photograph is of general view; but if horizons not observed it tells the type of ground photo is of close up.
-If ground covered is assessed small.
ii. Oblique photograph: It can be identified with the observation of the following:-
-If on the photograph; images displaced as they occupy apparently linear position.
-If on the photograph; images objects have both side and top views.
-If on the photograph; objects get progressively smaller from the fore ground to back wards.
-If the photo shows horizon; it is judged to be of the high oblique photo not observed, it can be judged as low oblique photograph.
iii. Vertical aerial photograph: It can be identified with the observation of the following:-
-If on the photograph; objects have the top views as the photographic views was vertically directed towards the landscape.
-If on the photograph; objects are not distorted in size following the uniformity coverage of ground on the photograph.
-If ground covered is assessed large.
4. IDENTIFICATION OF SITE (LOCATION) OF THE FEATURES
It is considerably to where the photograph might have been taken. In order to suggest where the photograph might have been taken; the user should have enough knowledge on the distribution of human activities; and manmade and physical features with in Tanzania, East Africa, Africa, and else where in the words. As for example; the type of a crop grown will give a clue where the photograph might have been taken.
For instance, If the photograph shows sugar can plantation, it can be suggested that, the photograph might have taken in Mtibwa, Kilombero,Moshi and
Kagera.
It is so as the areas mentioned, are under cultivation of sugar cane in large scale.If the photograph shows water falls, it can be suggested that, the photograph was taken from; Kidatu, Kalambo, and Tana. It is so as the mentioned areas have the HEP stations using waterfalls to generate the power.
5. IDENTIFICATION OF TIME AT WHICH THE PHOTOGRAPH WAS TAKEN
The time at which the photograph might have been taken is complex matter. This is because; no exactly time can be appointed out by the photograph. It remain to be a matter of generalization on whether the photograph was taken in the morning noon or evening. There are two suggestions for the time:-
(a). Observation of the shadow of the objects.
i. During the morning: shadow casts long and lies western side. This is is because; the sun is in eastern side. Thus the diagram if it could be of photograph would impress that the photograph was taken during the morning.
ii. During the evening: If the photograph was taken during evening time, its shadow lies eastern side because the sun is in western side. The diagram below if could be of photograph, would impress that, the photo was taken in the evening time.
iii. During the after noon: If the photograph has been taken at afternoon, its shadow lies around object. This is because the sun is over head at that particular period of time.
(b) Observation of the human activities.
It is much to the observation of agricultural activities carried out on photograph. Human activities particularly of agriculture are carried out with respect to time consideration. It is thus; if on a photograph a certain human activity is observed, can be considered to reveal the time at which the photograph might have been taken.
(c). Brightness of the image features: This has ideal reflection to the relative at which the photograph
might have been taken.
i. More bright images reflect the photograph to have been taken in the mid day time.
ii. Less bright images reflect the photograph to have been taken in the evening.
iii. Dark images reflect a photograph to have been taken during the night.
6. ESTIMATION OF SEASON AT WHICH THE PHOTOGRAPH MIGHT HAVE BEEN TAKEN
Seasons are of two dimensions including rainy and temperature seasons. Rainy seasons are two and include wet and dry. Temperature season are also two including hot (summer) and cool (winter). It is possible to judge the season in which the photographs was taken. The following considerations if observed of photographs may help to asses the season.
i. Bright clear skies with dry vegetation could indicate dry period or season.
ii. Luxuriant vegetation, young crops in the fields flowering plants and rainy clouds in the sky could indicate a rainy season.
iii. Winter would be reflected by the presence of snow on the ground.
iv. The type of cloth worm by people can also indicate the prevailing temperature season whether summer or winter e .g. The warm of thick clothe reflects winter season.
7. IDENTIFICATION OF POSITION OF CAMERA MAN.
To asses the position of the camera man or position of the photographer do the following:-
i. Study the photograph and observe which part the images of objects in the photograph are larger and decrease towards far from the fore ground.
ii. The part which shows big objects is the place (direction) from which the photograph was taken.
8. IDENTIFICATION OF NATURE OF SOIL
It is possible to recognize the nature of a soil found in an area by studying a respective photograph. Nature of soil recognized by taking into consideration the following if appear on the photograph:-
a. Kind of crops growing in an area: Some crops growing on certain soils. It is there fore, the consideration of crops if observed on the photograph may help ideally to deduce the soil type. Some cases for may include the following:-
i. Paddy; reflects impermeable heavy clay soil as the crop growing on such type of soil.
ii. Wheat; reflects light clay or heavy loam soil.
iii. Maize mostly reflects deep rich soil. However, maize grown on a very wide range of soil types.
iv. Tea and coffee reflect; volcanic deep fertile acidic soil which is also well drained.
v. Cocoa suggests; deep well drained light clay or loam soils.
vi. Coconuts and cashew nuts reflect that the area has sandy soils.
vii. Horticultural crops reflect loam soils the crops grow well on such soil.
It is thus; the students as well as other photo users must have wide knowledge on soil requirements for varied crops apart from the ones given.
b. The topography of an area: The consideration helps to reveal the depth and drainage of the soil.
i. If the photograph shows level land the soil is assessed being deep poorly drained.
ii. Sloppy topography reflects shallow well drained soils.
c. Natural vegetation: Consideration of vegetation helps to assess fertility and depth of the soil.
i. The presence of the dense forests; reflects deep fertile well drained soils.
ii. Poor vegetation reflects poor soils.
USES OF GEOGRAPHICAL PHOTOGRAPHS.
Photographs are produced purposely to meet certain objectives, and these are what considered as the uses of photographs. Some of the considerable uses of photographs include the following:-
1. They are used for map making in a number of ways as follow.
i. They make confirmation of the details to be surveyed in an area to be mapped.
ii. They can be used for preliminary mapping of areas.
iii. They are used for rapid survey of the remote areas which can not be reached.
2. They provide the basis for making geographical description and analysis. It is thus; photographs make people to understand the geographical details of areas represented.
3. They are used for making resources assessment more particularly of areas that can not be easily reached. For instance; assessment of plant species, wild animals and others.
4. They are used for military purposes and mostly used for doing reconnaissance in war.
5. Photographs are used for making measurements assessment of the geographical features particularly for areas that are not easily reached. The assessment can be on distance, size and height.
6. Photographs are used for engineering works. They give significant information that can be used to provide good basis in designing engineering structures.
7. Photographs are used to make storage of instant data of like; graduation, weddings, meeting. Family celebrations and others.
8. They are more applied for field investigation.
LIMITATIONS/SETBACKS/SHORTCOMINGS/WEAKNESS OF PHOTOGRAPH
1. Sometimes, photographs give un required details as the camera recording images on films are not selective. i.e. they provide mass details some of which are not needed in the analysis.
2. They give wrong impression on the size of objects: A big object on a photograph may look apparently larger. Hence people, who are not familiar with the objects observed on the photograph, develop wrong idea into their mind about the size of the objects.
3. Photographs are subjected to a problem of scale distortion. i.e. the ration of distance to ground is not uniform all over the photo, as it gets progress silvery smaller from the fore ground to back ground or from the centre to out wards. Hence; it is difficult to judge the used photo scale. How ever; the degree of photo scale distortion is much higher on horizontal and oblique photographs; and it is less enough on the vertical photographs.
4. Not all objects of the landscape can be easily seen on the photograph because of being hidden by location objects.
5. Photographs do not show clearly the major directions of the photographed area.
6. It is far more difficult to determine accurate measurement of the geographical features from the photograph, as the scale is not constant. It is thus; the measurements of the objects from the photographs particularly the horizontal and oblique photographs given on the estimation basis.
IDENTIFICATION OF CLIMATE ON THE PHOTIGRAPH
(a) Vegetation: Presence of thick forests indicates presence of high rainfall and low temperature. But presence of poor vegetation such as scrubs indicate semi arid climate.
(b). Water bodies: presence of large water bodies such ocean, lakes, rivers indicate high rainfall.
(c). Dressing styles: the type of dressing style on the photograph gives a clue about the weather and possible climate of an given area. i.e. light clothe indicates the hot climate condition and heavy clothes indicates the cold condition.
(d). Relief: presence of many mountains hills in the photograph indicate low temperature.
e). Human activities: presence pastoralism indicate high temperature and low rainfall, hence this imply tropical climate.
(e). Crops: some crops are temperature. growing in areas with high rainfall example coffee, cotton, Tea, Pyrethrum, hence presence of such crops in the photograph indicate high rainfall. But presence of sisal indicate high
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN ACTIVITIES
i. Agriculture: it indicated by presence of crop cultivation and live stock keeping
ii. Industrial activities: Due to the presence Factories, urban settlement such as buildings with tall chimney for issuing smoke, Large ware houses next to the building, Large lorries carrying loads of rocks.
iii. Fishing: it indicated by presence of ocean, lakes, rivers etc.
iv. Tourism: it indicated by presence of various tourist attractions on the photograph such as mountain.
v. Transportation: it indicated due to the presence of roads, railway, airports on the photograph. Presence of motor vehicles and roads, railway line, Presence of boats and ships and large water vessels, Animal carrying loads on their backs.
vi. Lumbering: it indicated by presence of people cutting trees, people loading trees
/lumber on lorries, logs floating down on rivers, logs pilled near a sawmill, large forest clearings, Many road ways ending on the forest.
IDENTIFICATION SETTLEMENTS ON THE PHOTOGRAPH
Settlement: is the place where people live and engage in various activities such as political, social and economic activities.
Main types of settlement
i) Rural
ii) Urban
1. RURAL SETTLEMENTS
Can be indicated by, Simple semi permanent and permanent buildings such as grass roofed houses or iron roofed houses with mud or brick walls.
Normally rural settlement it characterized by primary human activities such as arming, grazing or fishing, unplanned villages,
2. URBAN SETTLEMENTS
Permanent buildings, facilities for communication such as, Telephone lines, Telephone booths, Satellite dishes, Televisions.
SETTLEMENT PATTERNS
Settlement pattern: refers to the arrangement of settlement. The signs showing settlements on are observed to have varied arrangement. The most common pattern include the following:-
i. Dispersed pattern: It is alternatively called scattered settlement pattern The houses are widely spaced one to another
ii. Nucleated settlement pattern: Houses and other related form are compacted to another.
iii. Linear settlement pattern: Houses are concentrated along an elongated objected of economic significance like a road, river, railway lines and others
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION ON THE PHOTOGRAPH
Various forms of transport are shown differently. The following are indicators of transport :-
i. Motor transport, shown by either motor vehicles or roads.
ii. Railway transport, indicated by railway line with or without trains.
iii. Air transport, indicated by the large flat tarmac piece of ground with buildings on one side, and control tower (air craft may be parked on the runway near the airport buildings.)
iv. Water transport, indicates by the presence of boats, ships and large water vessels.
v. Facilitates such as telephone lines, satellite mast indicate the presence of communication services.
Example of railway transport
IDENTIFICATION OF DRAINAGE ON THE PHOTOGRAPH
Drainage is the processed by which water is removed from the land to a lake or to the sea by a system of water flow mostly of rivers. The systems which make the removal of water known as drainage feature. The common drainage features include; rivers, lakes, seas, swamps and others.
Water features appear bright in photographs and are easily recognizable on all types of photographs. It is thus; photographs may helps to assess drainage features and their different related aspects as follow:-
i. The presence of a body of flowing water reflects a river.
ii. The presence of a body of stagnant water may reflect a lake or swamp. To reveal the drainage feature if is of a lake or swamp, requires the making of other considerations.
iii. The presence of water falls and rapids indicates that the river is flowing in a steep region (landscape).
iv. Meanders show that the river is in the middle stage or old stage. Beside to this associated with the presence of flood plain
v. The presence of many channels or distributaries before the rivers enter the ocean or lakes. river, delta.
Drainage patterns of rivers are clearly observed on vertical aerial photographs and the following cases of related can be deduced.
If streams and main rivers form roughly a shape of a tree like structure, dendritic pattern deduced from the photograph.
i. If streams appear to join to the main river at right angles, trellis pattern is recognized.
ii. If streams appear to diverge to different directions from the conical shaped upland radial pattern is recognized.
IDENTIFICATION OF VEGETETION DISTRIBUTION ON THE PHOTOGRAPH
Vegetation: These are the plant covers which develop under natural conditions in a particular climate, relief and soil. However; due to human activities, most of areas have lost their natural (primary)
vegetation. The vegetation we commonly see in photographs with reflection to actual areas are likely to be secondary or derived.
The description of vegetation from photographs should take into account the following aspects.
i. Types of vegetation .e.g. forest, thickets, scrub, grass and marshes.
ii. Characteristics of plants observed on the photographs .i.e. describe the height and shape of the vegetation e. g. tall or short trees. In same cases a close study of the photograph can be reveal whether the leaves are broad, needle shaped or thorny.
iii. Try to identify some species of trees which are easily identifiable, e.g. the baobab or acacia trees.
iv. Relate vegetation types to climatic region, e.g. tropical rainforests, tropical grassland and desert vegetation.
v. Try to distinguish the planed vegetation from natural vegetation. Planed trees usually appear in patterns or in rows and the trees appear of the same species.
Note
(a) All aspect given above are so much useful in making description about the vegetation. However; description depends on recommendation of the question.
(b) It is also important; the description of vegetation should consider the
