Natural Light Diffusion for Aerial Photography: An Optical Strategy to Improve Image Clarity in Tropical Region Dipo Andimuharrom (a*), Asep Adang Supriyadi (a), Doddy Mendro Yuwono (b), Putro Nugroho (c)
(a) Department of Sensing Technology, Indonesia Defense University, West Java, Indonesia *dipo.andimuharrom[at]tp.idu.ac.id
(b) Department of Remote Sensing, Indonesia Geospatial Information Authority, West Java, Indonesia
(c) Faculty of Communication and Crative Design, Budi Luhur University, Jakarta, Indonesia
Abstract
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become essential tools in geovisual data acquisition for applications such as environmental mapping, spatial planning, and disaster mitigation, especially in geographically diverse and tropical regions like Indonesia. However, image quality is often degraded by harsh shadows caused by direct sunlight, limiting interpretability and reducing the accuracy of visual data. While many studies focus on post-processing corrections, this study investigates the potential of optimizing lighting conditions during image acquisition. We examine the role of cloud cover as a natural diffuser and simulate its effect using multi-layer diffusion filters in a controlled lab setting. Aerial photography simulations were conducted using a high-angle camera setup, directional lighting, and layered diffusers to replicate atmospheric light scattering. Quantitative analyses-including grayscale transformation, histogram analysis, and light scatter metrics-revealed that increasing diffuser layers led to more uniform lighting, reduced shadow intensity, and clearer surface visibility. These findings suggest that natural lighting conditions, particularly overcast skies, can be strategically utilized during UAV operations to enhance image quality without relying solely on computational corrections. This research contributes to UAV imaging methodology by providing practical insights into light-based optimizations in tropical field environments.
