It is very easy to identify the various transport routes on aerial photographs. We can see types of roads, railway lines, stations, airports and ports. Photographs of urban areas are often used by those who manage transport routes and networks in order to ensure there is no traffic congestion. Indeed, many traffic calming and traffic management strategies can easily be seen on an aerial photograph.
Yellow boxes Roundabouts Traffic lights Filter lanes One-way streets Ring roads Car parks
Double lines Pedestrianised streets
Allow traffic to flow into a main street and keep areas such as in front of fire stations free from traffic.
Reduce traffic where main road networks meet. Direct traffic and give an opportunity for traffic to flow. Allow traffic to turn right and therefore avoid cars backing up behind.
Organise and keep traffic flowing in one direction if the street is narrow. Mean that cars don’t have to have to go into town centres. Journey times are shorter and towns are not as congested.
Provide an alternative to parking at the side of the road.
Prevent people from parking at the side of the road where it is not suitable to do so. With no cars allowed, these streets make shopping a more pleasant and easy experience for shoppers.
: Figure 7.13 An oblique aerial view of Mitchelstown, Co. Cork Look at the photograph above and say what measures have been put in place to help traffic.
ACT VITY 119
Geographical Skills for Second Years: Ordnance Survey and aerial photograph skills
