Contrary to common belief, aerial survey has nothing to do with surveying.  Survey in this sense means "to view", and in that respect, is actually quite similar to sightseeing.  The major difference is that sightseeing is generally considered to be for pleasure, and aerial survey is done for business.   

Business people choosing a location for a new branch office, real estate agents showing remote property, or the general lay of the land or neighboring properties.  Developers looking for that perfect demographic can’t get better information anywhere than from the air.  Investors who want to see what is behind that mountain or fence, or how far the water actually backs up.  These are typical uses for our aerial survey customers.