4 ms·
Surprised that helicopters can detect a license plate given the steep angles. Maybe front plates that don't have as much of a trunk occluding the overhead view?
by squokko 4y ago
Surprised that helicopters can detect a license plate given the steep angles. Maybe front plates that don't have as much of a trunk occluding the overhead view?
- defrost 4y agoLicence plates are readable at elevation angles of 30 degrees or less. For a police helicopter patrol height of 500ft (150m) this means that cars further out than 1000ft (300m) from the plumb drop point below the helicopter are being viewed at an elevation of under 27 degrees. It's more a question of having a good auto stabilisation mount and zoom capabilities (and clear skies).
- squokko 4y agoah yes, did not think of this. Looking for cars really far out. Wonder then what the helicopter is really necessary for. Why aren't the cops just installing these cameras on the tops of tall municipal buildings?