A picture, a plane and the flat terrain. Please explain.

In summary, the conversation was about how to demonstrate that the terrain in front of the photographed plane is flat and without slope. The photograph was taken during the first flight by Orville Wright in 1903 in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The speaker suggests using clues in the photo such as the terrain and objects on it, as well as extrapolating from the height of the camera. However, due to the limitations of a 2D photograph, other knowledge about the situation is needed to fully understand the terrain. The speaker also mentions the possibility of measuring or using a geological survey to confirm the flatness of the terrain.
  • #1
simplex1
50
1
A problem of photogrammetry

How can be demonstrated that the terrain in front of the plane you see in the photo is flat and there is no slope going down there?

Dec-17-1903-Flyer1TakingOffFirstFlight120Feet.jpg

First flight, 120 feet in 12 seconds, 10:35 a.m, December 17, 1903; Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Orville Wright at the controls.

If it helps you can download the entire large size image (TIFF 17.2mb ) here: http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/00652085/
 
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  • #2
You use the clues in the photo - look at what the terrain consists of, objects on the terrain, and shadows.
Extrapolate from apparent height of the camera. It helps if you know the dimensions of some of the objects photographed.

In general a photograph is a 2D projection of a 3D structure, so information is lost.
You have to use other knowledge about the situation to recover the missing data.

The easy approach is just to look up the location the picture was taken and go there and measure (or use a geological survey).
Since it is a natural setting, the ground is unlikely to be "flat". For the first piloted etc flight, only the launch was level, using rails, s I see no reason to suspect the ground is all that flat for the entire course. But then, I've never been to Kitty Hawk, maybe it's a noteably flat place.

What do you need to know for?
 
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  • #3
I think that what the OP is after is if the ground is level or not, which you can't tell from a picture.
 
  • #4
In general you cannot tell from a picture ... however in a picture of hills, to take an extreme example, it's a fair bet that the ground is not level.
There are other possible clues - some of them in the picture above - which can help.

But the context is important.
 

Related to A picture, a plane and the flat terrain. Please explain.

1. What is the significance of a picture, a plane, and flat terrain in science?

The concept of a picture, a plane, and flat terrain is often used in science to explain the principles of geometry and perspective. It serves as a simple visual representation of how objects and surfaces are perceived and measured in relation to each other.

2. How does a picture, a plane, and flat terrain relate to the study of optics?

In optics, a picture represents an image formed by light rays reflecting off of a plane surface. The surface of the picture is essentially a flat terrain, and understanding the principles of perspective is crucial in accurately interpreting the image formed.

3. Can a picture, a plane, and flat terrain be used to study other fields of science?

Yes, the concept can also be applied to fields such as geography, geology, and cartography. In these fields, a picture can be used to represent a map or a topographical view, with the plane representing the surface of the Earth and the flat terrain representing a specific area of land.

4. How does the relationship between a picture, a plane, and flat terrain change in three-dimensional space?

In three-dimensional space, the concept of a picture, a plane, and flat terrain becomes more complex. The picture now represents a three-dimensional object, the plane becomes a plane in 3D space, and the flat terrain represents a specific area or volume in that space. The principles of perspective and geometry still apply, but in a more intricate way.

5. Are there any real-life applications of the concept of a picture, a plane, and flat terrain?

Yes, this concept is used in various industries such as architecture, engineering, and design to create accurate representations and measurements of objects and spaces. It is also used in photography and film to create realistic and visually appealing images. Additionally, understanding these principles can aid in navigation and spatial awareness.

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