Photography from a kite is a cost effective, low carbon, method of recording archaeological sites from above. It can produce unique viewpoints for publication or promotional images. Vertical or oblique images can be used for site recording and monitoring.

Our lightweight equipment allows us to access and photograph the most remote sites.

Using digital cameras allows the collection of many images per session. These can be stitched into larger images and if required, rectified. This makes it a suitable method to rapidly map archaeological sites.

Important Information

All sites are risk assessed before a commission is accepted.

The legal height for flying kites in the UK is 60m but within 5km of an airfield this reduces to 30m. The camera is suspended below the kite so does not reach this height. These height restrictions limit the field of view but multiple images can be stitched together.

Sites near power lines are unsuitable and trees and buildings can cause turbulent air making kite flying difficult. Wind direction on a particular day can make the difference between being able to operate on a site or not.

Flying in crowded areas can be difficult. Flying near traffic could be dangerous.

Kites used are generally very quiet and climb quickly therefore causing minimal disruption to wildlife and farm animals.

Wind in the range of 6-20mph is required.

Wind and lighting conditions vary and it may be necessary to spend several hours on site until the conditions are ideal. We only however charge for flying time.

One hour flying will produce many images.