Aerial photography reveals details about the earth that may not be obvious on the ground. Farmers use these photographs to find the most productive areas of their farmlands. Aerial photographs also help developers design new residential or commercial areas. Environmental studies using aerial photographs may help to prevent wastewater from entering area rivers and streams. Aerial photographs also help identify various types of wildlife habitat found in South Carolina.

Images in this section are excerpts from infrared aerial photographs taken 20,000 feet above the earth. Infrared film produces altered images that reveal details about the surface features, vegetation, water resources, and urbanized areas of the earth. Click on a landform region below to view an aerial photograph.

Blue Ridge Landform | A Natural State
Blue Ridge Landform | A Natural State

Photo

Aerial photograph courtesy of SC Dept. of Natural Resources, Map Lab Featured Artists: Clemson Nature-Based Art | Nancy Basket | Nils Udo The rocky Blue Ridge of upstate South Carolina is the smallest...
Coastal Plains Landform | A Natural State
Coastal Plains Landform | A Natural State

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Aerial photograph courtesy of SC Dept. of Natural Resources, Map Lab Featured Artists: Art in Park | Jimmie Dinkins | Pearl Fryar | Phil Greene | Tim Greene Ranging from slightly hilly to flat, the...
Coastal Zone Landform | A Natural State
Coastal Zone Landform | A Natural State

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Aerial photograph courtesy of SC Dept. of Natural Resources, Map Lab Featured Artists: Arianne King Comer | Herb Parker | Tom Boozer Every year, the beaches, marshes, and other Coastal Zone features...
Piedmont Landform | A Natural State
Piedmont Landform | A Natural State

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Aerial photograph courtesy of SC Dept. of Natural Resources, Map Lab Featured Artists: Billie Anne McKellar | Peter Werner | Petroglyphs | Steven Ferrell The mountainous upstate transitions into the...
Sandhills Landform | A Natural State
Sandhills Landform | A Natural State

Photo

Aerial photograph courtesy of SC Dept. of Natural Resources, Map Lab Featured Artists: Brian Rust | Janet Orselli | Leslie Pierce The Sandhills is a band of 100,000 million year old sand dunes and...