Co-operative aerial images: A geomedia history of the view from above. (November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bender, Hendrik; Kanderske, Max
• Other Names: Fast Karin guest-editor.; Abend Pablo guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: New media & society. Volume 24:Number 11(2022)
• Page Start: 2468
• Page End: 2492
• Publication Date: 2022-11
• Subjects: Aerial photography -- balloon -- chains of operation -- co-operation -- co-operative action -- drone -- geomedia -- media geography -- oblique -- operative images -- satellite -- vertical; Mass media -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Mass media and culture -- Periodicals; Information technology -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Internet -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 302.2305
• DOI: 10.1177/14614448221122201
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1461-4448

Abstract

This article approaches aerial images from a media geographical perspective, tracing the development of three modes of seeing from above: historical aerial reconnaissance before and after the introduction of aerial photography; the advent of satellite-based remote sensing during the space age; and finally the development of drone-based imaging practices in the second half of the 20th century. Starting from the assumption that the aerial image is not a geomedium per se, but rather one that emerges as such through various co-operative processes of establishing geographical references with and within it, we draw on Goodwin's notions of "co-operative action" and Farocki's concept of "operative imagery" to theorize useful aerial images as co-operative images . Consequently, our historical analysis looks beyond the aerial image itself, taking into account the wider practices, infrastructures, and intended use cases involved in its operationalization.