What is an orthophoto?

An orthophoto is an aerial image that has been orthorectified: geometric distortion from camera angle and terrain is corrected so scale is uniform across the image and coordinates align with BGT and BRT. Suitable as a measurable map background.

In the Netherlands current orthophotos via PDOK as WMS and download; often RGB, sometimes CIR for vegetation. Resolution typically 8–25 cm in built-up areas. In GeoApps and web viewers the standard backdrop under vector layers.

An orthophoto is not a raw aerial photo or uncorrected satellite composite. Where facades and visible objects matter, oblique imagery and street view complement the orthophoto. It is raster data (pixels), not vector.