The optical technology has been with us for a while now, since the ages of the pin-hole camera, to the current era of digital cameras and drones. One thing that remains unparalleled is that cameras play a major role in our lives, from individual to societal level, from fun to business; there are lots and lots of things you can do with this technology. However, despite, the high utility of this technology, what is important noting here is the far it has come from and yet this is apparently not the end. It will be thrilling to see the next generation of this technology.

Optical instruments processes light waves to enhance an image for viewing, or analyze light waves (or photons) to determine one of a number of characteristic properties. If we want to make things look bigger, we need to use converging mirrors or lenses. Diverging mirrors or lenses gives smaller images.

Early forms optical instruments included the telescopes and microscopes, which were developed in the 17th century. They were, in many instances, instruments of prestige as much as instruments of science, making up in finely tooled leather and polished wood for a flawed optical performance.

In the nineteenth century the polarization of light was discovered, a property of light scarcely perceived by the human eye. The Scottish physicist David Brewster made important discoveries about polarized light and another Scot, William Nicol, devised the standard method of producing polarized light at will, using his Nicol prisms.

Photographic cameras (see Photography) were developed from the camera of early centuries and were greatly improved as lens imaging became better understood. David Brewster also developed the lenticular stereoscope, in 1849, which became hugely popular in combination with stereoscopic pictures marketed by many photographers. Earlier (in 1817) Brewster had invented the kaleidoscope, another immensely popular optical toy which never had any pretensions to be a scientific instrument. The stereoscope, though, has serious uses. For example, it is from stereoscopic aerial pictures that the Ordnance Survey now constructs its very accurate topographic maps.

Sourced From: http://findfunfacts.appspot.com/science_technology/optic.html

Even though the cameras have developed significantly over the time, it goes without saying that they still have a number of shortcomings still stalking them. One area of concern when it comes to this field is the issue of hand-held cameras, which you will find on cell phones and are generally in large numbers out there. This abundance raises question when it comes to matters privacy and quality among other related issues.

With cameras being built into virtually every cellphone and media device released to market, handheld cameras are becoming increasingly ubiquitous. This means more moments of significance are caught on film, but increasing handheld camera use is not entirely beneficial. The arguments for negative effects of handheld cameras broadly fall under a few headings.

Privacy

Privacy concerns abound when it comes to the subject of handheld cameras. Many people feel as though placing a camera in every cellphone means a drastic decrease in privacy for everyone. There is rarely a moment in the day where anyone is more than a few hand swipes away from photographing or capturing video of those around them. This can lead to handheld cameras being used for less than savory purposes.

Image Quality Issues

An argument can be made that, while an increase in handheld camera usage does mean an increase in photography, it is at the cost of quality. Handheld cameras are typically not as sophisticated, and do not possess as sensitive equipment as more expensive, bulkier models. This produces an interesting situation wherein individual media consumers are exposed to more low-quality imagery than in times past. As more and more historical events are documented first by individuals with handheld cameras, this trend in reducing quality will continue. It remains to be seen if handheld cameras will improve at a similar rate.

Sourced From: http://www.ehow.com/info_8428419_negative-effects-handheld-cameras.html

Among the latest developments in the optical technology are the drones; remotely controlled cameras which are useful in a number of ways. Their capability to record remotely makes drones stand out as one of their kind. The best part of it is just how effectively drones can be of assistance in handling matters concerning disaster.

Drones can be useful for many disaster-related incidents, from helping extinguish fires to evacuate casualties and deliver supplies and equipment needed. Zurich as a co-sponsor of the study explained the details on drones and its functions to assist in handling after-effect disasters at the annual conference & exhibition of Risk Insurance Management Society [RIMS] which was held on April 27 in New Orleans. The conference was attended by thousands of insurance industry experts and most of the industries are based in North America.

The study entitled ‘Drones for Disaster Response and Relief Operations’ argues that the collected aerial data from drones can be used before, during, and after disasters. The study also stated an overview regarding possible solutions, recommendation on how to remove regulatory barriers, and deployment models. In addition, it is revealed that drones are able to perform the ‘3D’ tasks which are coined byProperty Casualties 360as dirty, dull, and dangerous task.

Drones can assist risk management to prevent potential losses before the disasters hit in certain areas by terrain mapping. British researchers in Malaysia used drones to map patterns of deforestation which was correlated with the growing malaria incidences. The study also revealed that drones still work properly even in unsafe environments for humans. After 9/11 incident, drones were used to reach the victims who caught in awfully narrow spaces and unstable rubble piles. In short, when the disaster rescuers face the difficulties in reaching the victims, drones can be used efficiently to handle the work.

Sourced From: https://erm-academy.org/publication/risk-management-article/importance-drones-handling-disaster-related-incidents