Aerial photographs of selected areas are realistic representations of terrain and landscape and do not suffer loss of information through generalisation or coding of selected features, that is aerial photography does not preselect objects to be captured and depicted. Clearly then high demands are placed on the interpretation process in relation to mapping. Specialist training and knowledge are required in order to interpret and extract information from the aerial photos. Every extracted topic must be identified through thorough analysis. The environment can only be accurately documented and analysed by individuals richly experienced in interpretation. In addition data capture showing relationships (for e.g. plant erosion and water logging) and boundaries (e.g. plant communities in difficult to penetrate habitats) is often better and more detailed than that surveyed by conventional terrestrisal methods.

As a rule aerial images are photographed in strips with 60 per cent end-lap so that a pair of photos can be used to construct a three dimensional image. With such a methodology elements on the ground such as banks, embankments or high buildings take on a realistic three dimensional appearance.

Hansa Luftbild carries out production with four different kinds of films.

Panchromatic film corresponds in its sensitivity to the colour perceptions of the human eye. It is available as

- black and white films (almost always as negative film)
- colour films (either as negative or diapositive film)

These two types of films are also available as infrared film which is sensitive to the near infrared spectrum. The film is especially suitable for surveys of vegetation, and bodies of water. (It is not a suitable medium for imagery of warm targets – for the middle range of the infrared spectrum Hansa Luftbild offers the use of a specialised imaging system.) Infrared film is available as

- black and white film (almost always as negative film)
- colour infrared film (either as negative or diapositive film)

Panchromatic black and white film

is the traditional film used for aerial photography. The film is available in a wide range of resolutions, gradations and sensitivities. In contrast to "normal colour film" it can be used in combination with appropriate filters during hazy or misty weather. This and the fact that its geometric resolution is usually higher than that of colour film makes panchromatic black and white film the ideal medium for high altitude photography – that is small scale imagery.

Colour diapositive film

is the universal choice for large scale and medium scale imagery. It is utilised for restitution, photo maps and interpretation.

Colour negative film

by comparison is suitable for different ends, in that it yields high geometric resolution. Therefore the film is ideal for further digital processing – scans can be converted directly to positive images. Prior to analogue restitution a positive copy must be produced.

Colour infrared film (CIR film)

is sometimes described as "false colour film". Its three photo sensitive layers generate a colour composite which is built out of the colours yellow-green and red of the visible spectrum and the red of the near infrared spectrum.

The chlorophyll of living vegetation has greater light reflectance in the near infrared spectrum than does the green of the visible spectrum. This enables increased differentiation of vegetation, as well as indications of forest disease and damage, during imaging, indications not possible with the use of the green of the visible spectrum.

CIR film offers maximal relevant and useful information in the analysis of vegetation. Other frequent application of the technology include archaeological exploration, hydrological studies and channel mapping, irrigation studies and ice reconnaissance.

Black and white infrared film
is particularly useful for vegetation surveys for example in forest areas where increased contrast between water and land bodies is required.

The film’s outstanding capability in reducing haze effects is in demand for special applications.

For all the film types conventional image products can be produced for example contact prints, photo mosaics and enlargements, including large format pictures for wall display.

All digital processing is carried out on the precision photo scanner SCAI from Z/I Imaging, a system developed by Carl Zeiss. For various mapping requirements complete film rolls can be scanned automatically at the specified resolution using the autowinder system of the scanner. Single cut film sheets can also be scanned at the required resolution.