Step 1: Concept
Aerial photographs are classified into vertical and oblique based on the orientation of the camera axis relative to the ground.
Step 2: Meaning
A truly vertical photograph has an optical axis pointing straight down at exactly 90 degrees. However, maintaining a perfect 90 degrees in a moving aircraft is practically impossible.
Step 3: Analysis
• Due to aircraft roll, pitch, and yaw, almost all aerial photos have some unintentional tilt.
• In photogrammetry, an image with an unintentional tilt of $1^\circ$ to $3^\circ$ is practically treated and accepted as a vertical photograph.
• Photos intentionally taken with a tilt greater than $3^\circ$ are classified as oblique photographs.
Step 4: Conclusion
The standard threshold for an image to remain classified as vertical is less than 3 degrees of tilt.
Final Answer: 3