Question
How are physical and cultural features on satellite imageries identified and interpreted? Explain giving suitable examples.
Solution
The eight elements like size, shape, shadow, tone, colour, texture, pattern and relationship are used to identified the physical and cultural features.
Cultural features : These are easily recognisable features in an aerial photograph. Railway lines appear as thin and dark. Certain associated features like stations and sidings make their identification easier. Roads are noticiable through lighter tone. Bridges are recognised as they span water bodies. Urban features like residential buildings, offices etc. can be easily recognised.
Physical features : Tropical rainforests have a near continuous canopy with few clearings. They can be easily identified as the trees are tall to 75-80 m. They appear as unbroken sheet of dark tone. Grasslands are marked by groves. Grass appears in light grey tones in darker tones.
