ABSTRACT
Aerial surveillance began when humans climbed trees and cliffs to get a better view for spotting food, shelter, fuel sources, predators, and the activities of other people. When great fleets of ships began to sail the oceans, telescopes were carried up to crow’s nests to observe lands and other ships from a distance. Not long after humans first flew in hot air balloons, they realized they could use telescopes, binoculars, and photographic equipment from better vantage points if they combined them with aerial technologies. Soon airplanes enable them to see from unprecedented heights and the development devices specifically designed for surveilling from planes, helicopters, and spacecraft began.
