Our Pocket-sized World

The freshness of a New Year always brings the hope of ‘new beginnings'. For me it's always been a time for reflection and planning. I'm a big fan of photography, so much so that I'll click my camera in the oddest of places. I keep a collection of my work, and it's at times of ‘new beginnings' that I go through the year's photos.

There is power in pictures: each shot captures a moment as if frozen in time. The image is a true representation of the actual object. Going through photos will bring a smile to the lips, a tear to the eye, a memory... but it's always a great way to focus on the future.

Photogrammetry is a branch of surveying that uses photographic images as a basis for inference. It is the art and science of obtaining reliable measurements using photographs that can be taken either from the air or at close range. Aerial phogrammetry involves mounting a camera on an aircraft and usually pointing it vertically downwards to capture multiple overlapping shots over a pre-marked and referenced strip of landscape. The end output is typically a map, drawing or three-dimensional model of some real-world scene/object. Most maps in general use today are the result of photogrammetric surveys.

On the other hand, close-range photogrammetry involves mounting a camera close to the subject for non-topographic work such as forensic investigation or construction.

The passion for pictures and photography doesn't have to be limited to collecting memories and images. Photogrammetry allows one to accurately capture the world on a small piece of paper and empower it as a guide and decision-making tool for significant forums.

And you thought the world was too big to fit into your pocket...!

Moreblessings Shoko, BSc

Zimbabwe

E-mail: Mobl...@yahoo.com