A vertical photograph is taken with the camera pointed as straight down as possible. Allowable tolerance is usually + 3° from the perpendicular (plumb) line to the camera axis. A vertical photograph has the following characteristics:

1. The lens axis is perpendicular to the surface of the earth 2. It covers a relatively small area 3. The shape of the ground area covered on a single vertical photo closely approximates a square or rectangle 4. Being a view from above, it gives an unfamiliar view of the ground 5. Distance and directions may approach the accuracy of maps if taken over flat terrain 6. Relief is not readily apparent.

Relationship of the vertical aerial photograph with the ground (www.map-reading.com)