Corradina, Victoria T.2015-12-032015-12-032015http://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/17261Aerial photography provides a valuable perspective that can enhance how we study and solve geographic problems. The basic science problem addressed in this thesis is the fusion of data and knowledge from different sources of information that represent different perspectives of the Earth. This thesis explores how the integration of digital photography with satellite imagery can create low-cost, high resolution images to complement both the temporal and spatial resolution of satellite imagery. Aerial photography is captured using a Helikite Aerostat and digital cameras. The Helikite is a cross between a kite and a balloon and is an inexpensive, portable platform that allows for a versatile approach to low-altitude aerial photography. Aerial photographs can be georeferenced using Ground Control Points (GCP) in a field site. GCPs provide links between the aerial photography and satellite imagery and are obtained by a refurbished 1984 TopCon survey instrument. Once georeferenced, these photographs can be integrated relative to Google Earth satellite imagery. The main goal of this thesis is to develop a low-cost, license free method that is functional in the Arctic. This thesis applies open-source algorithms, incorporating the Geospatial Data Abstraction Library (GDAL) to georeference aerial photography collected by a Helikite Aerostat and compares the result to ESRI commercial software. Commercial software methods are extremely useful for solving geographic problems, but are not accessible to many due to its cost and limitation on international export. This thesis aims to find open-source alternative to commercial software that is low-cost and accessible to everyone high.Aerial photography.Remote-sensing images.Open source software.Balloons, Kite.Digital cameras.Cost control.Thesis930888048