The history of aerial archaeology in Italy can be divided into four main periods :

1°) Surveys from dirigible or captive balloons, to gather information on areas of major historical or topographical interest, such as the valley and mouth of the Tiber, Pompei, Ostia, the la goon of Venice) ;

2°) The first World War and the following years when military requirements greatly accelerated technical progress, such as the use of aircraft ;

3°) The second World War and the ensuing years with the discovery of the « prognostic » value of photo-interpretation, and especially through vertical shots ;

4°) The present situation, with excellent results obtained through the combined use of vertical and oblique air photographs, particularly in the ameliorated areas of the Po basin.