The information obtained through an aerial photography can be used to characterize past and present forest use, as well as document site changes over time. Analysis and interpretation of aerial photographs coupled with selected field verification of the maps provides a cost-effective means of creating land used or resource maps.

A land use map developed during an environmental assessment can provide "safe planning" lines for development which avoid unnecessary wetland encroachments and which minimize the extent of unavoidable encroachments.

Aerial photo interpretation can be used to detect the probabilities of rare ecosystems or habitats supporting threatened or endangered species. Analysis of current and historical photographs can be used to document land use changes such as development, drainage patterns, ecosystem health, and habitat quality.