In article the modern condition of topographical air photography is characterized and the basic tendencies of its development are reflected: transition from analogue to digital aerial surveying systems; perfection of surveying systems for three-dimensional mapping; transition to more economic manned and unmanned air vehicles (UAV); working out of projects of UAV equipment with lidar and thermal imager along with optical surveying systems, etc.; perfection of the special software for UAV. The basic perspective problems of development of topographical air photography are noted: necessity of regulatory provision for UAV use of air space; perfection of regulatory and technical bases for air photography works and creation of cartographical production from air photography materials; working out of an economic universal topographical domestic camera providing its installation both on UAV and on piloted air vehicles; increase of productivity of air photography of the big areas by combining groups of UAV into a network; working out of technologies of UAV management on the basis of satellite communication; organization of the uniform centralized system for monitoring of end products quality, etc.