HOME Kite Aerial Photography Service

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.

 
Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds - oblique stitched image
Kite

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.

Cairn
Prehistoric cairn monument - vertical image


Red Brook Engine House, Standedge Canal Tunnel
Two examples of horse gin circles

Temple Newsome

Temple Newsome House, Leeds


View down a lead smeltmill chimney

Guibal Fanhouse
Detail of Guibal Fanhouse Huntcliffe Mine, Brotton

Sandal Castle
Oblique view of Sandal Castle, Wakefield
Sandal Castle
Vertical view of Sandal Castle, Wakefield

MoreMore examples of our work can be found on our flickr site

Other Applications - Panoramic views


Halifax, West Yorkshire

Corus Redcar
Corus Steel Plant, Redcar

Other possible uses:

land management / environmental monitoring such as:
vegetation monitoring, monitoring river and coastal erosion, footpath management.

Marketing and promotional images.

Contact us to discuss your requirements and to request a quotation:

Address 1-3 Ashleigh Street,
  Halifax,
  West Yorkshire,
  HX3 6QZ.
Telephone 01422 251237
Email meerstone@blueyonder.co.uk

©All images here presented at low resolution copyright Meerstone 2008