Follow dinosaurs from above ... aircraft

Scientists are trying to understand more about dinosaurs by taking pictures of the footprints they left millions of years ago, from helicopters.

Researchers in a specially equipped helicopter island over the Moccasin mountains near Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Utah, USA, took photos of fossil footprints scattered across the rock surface. Red sand here.

A dinosaur footprint was taken from the helicopter on July 25 last.Photo: AP.

Tens of thousands of footprints of at least 6 dinosaurs - some with 3 fingers, another 5 fingers - left on this land about 180 million years ago.

This is the first time the helicopter has been used for this. A camera, which can capture details up to 1 centimeter, will help scientists have a keen look like the falcon about footprints on this 1.2 hectare area.

The photos will be used to create three-dimensional images and paths of footprints, so scientists will better understand dinosaur behavior. They can also be used for display to visitors.

The program is implemented by the BLM National Activity Center in Colorado.