How Drone Photography Helped an Artist Reimagine Savannah

A creative use of drone imagery to support architectural artwork

When retired architect Ivan Chow set out to create a hand-drawn aerial illustration of downtown Savannah, he quickly ran into a problem. The tools he was used to—Google Maps and Google Earth—just weren’t enough. Key parts of the city were missing, and outdated satellite views couldn’t provide the detail he needed. That’s when drone photography stepped in.

Turning to Art After Architecture

With over 40 years in architecture, Chow turned his focus to fine art in retirement. His goal? To honor the city he calls home. He wanted to sketch Savannah from above—capturing its charm, layout, and changing skyline in one single view.

But while online maps gave him a general starting point, they couldn’t show the city as it is today. “I realized I couldn’t draw what I couldn’t see,” Chow said. “Google Earth just didn’t reflect the Savannah that exists today.”

The Challenge with Traditional Aerial Tools

Chow noticed that major developments were missing from the satellite images. The SCAD Museum of Art, Eastern Wharf, Plant Riverside, and the Atlantic Hotel simply weren’t there. The data was likely 7 to 10 years old.

That’s when he started looking for a new solution. He needed updated aerial reference photos—something accurate, clear, and current.

Creative Use of Drone Imagery

Instead of trying to source expensive or inaccessible high-altitude images, Chow teamed up with a drone services provider. Though drones are limited by FAA regulations to 400 feet above ground, they offer an incredible tool for capturing detailed, ground-referenced visuals.

The drone team mapped out key areas Chow needed and captured high-resolution images from multiple angles. These shots gave him a closer look at the missing buildings and urban features.

“Even though the Atlantic Hotel wasn’t finished, the drone image gave me exactly the footprint I needed,” Chow said.

Using those images, he scaled and composited the reference materials. That allowed him to recreate the view he originally imagined, even without a true 6,000-foot vantage point.

From Drone Data to Hand-Drawn Art

Chow didn’t need to copy a satellite image exactly. Instead, he used the drone photos to accurately project building shapes and street grids into his artwork. It gave him the creative freedom to build a cityscape by hand—rooted in reality, yet full of expression.

“We’re used to digital maps and 3D models,” he said. “But something hand-drawn, made from real images, feels more human.”

The Result: Aerial Art with a Human Touch

This project is a perfect example of creative uses for drone imagery beyond traditional applications. Drones are often associated with surveying, inspections, or construction documentation. But for Chow, they became a bridge between art and technology.

The final drawing celebrates Savannah’s past and present—using today’s tools to create something timeless.

Check out the full interview between Ivan Chow and Ryan Murphy

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