Aerial exploration and its offshoots. Aerial views of the Amazon jungle, Himalayas, deserts of Arabia, Antarctica. Early aerial exploration - especially in the Amazon, the polar regions, Africa, Middle East, first overflight of Everest in 1933. Aerial exploration today - use of aircraft to support expeditions, especially polar treks, and to rescue explorers in trouble. Aerial survey - its use in mapmaking through air photography, and in finding oil. The helicopter and the oil business - how it acts as the lifeline to the ocean oil rigs.