A computer-implemented method of creating high-dynamic range images, the method comprising: determining, by one or more computing devices, a signal-to-noise ratio objective associated with an overhead imaging platform configured to capture one or more images of a region of interest, the signal-to-noise ratio objective specifying a desired signal-to-noise ratio behaviour as a function of a brightness of the region of interest, wherein the signal-to-noise ratio objective is to shape a signal-to-noise ratio curve based at least in part on an expected brightness distribution associated with the region of interest, the one or more computing devices determining the expected brightness distribution based at least in part on a location of the overhead imaging platform, a location of the sun relative to the earth, an albedo associated with the region of interest, atmospheric absorption, or expected atmospheric condition; determining, by the one or more computing devices, an exposure profile associated with the overhead imaging platform based at least in part on the signal-to-noise ratio objective; obtaining, by the one or more computing devices, data indicative of a plurality of image frames, each depicting at least a portion of the region of interest, the plurality of image frames being captured by the overhead imaging platform in accordance with the exposure profile, wherein the exposure profile comprises a plurality of exposure or integration times to be used in capturing the plurality of image frames; and generating, by the one or more computing devices, a high-dynamic range image of at least a portion of the region of interest based at least in part on the plurality of image frames. determining, by one or more computing devices, a signal-to-noise ratio objective associated with an overhead imaging platform configured to capture one or more images of a region of interest, the signal-to-noise ratio objective specifying a desired signal-to-noise ratio behaviour as a function of a brightness of the region of interest, wherein the signal-to-noise ratio objective is to shape a signal-to-noise ratio curve based at least in part on an expected brightness distribution associated with the region of interest, the one or more computing devices determining the expected brightness distribution based at least in part on a location of the overhead imaging platform, a location of the sun relative to the earth, an albedo associated with the region of interest, atmospheric absorption, or expected atmospheric condition; determining, by the one or more computing devices, an exposure profile associated with the overhead imaging platform based at least in part on the signal-to-noise ratio objective; obtaining, by the one or more computing devices, data indicative of a plurality of image frames, each depicting at least a portion of the region of interest, the plurality of image frames being captured by the overhead imaging platform in accordance with the exposure profile, wherein the exposure profile comprises a plurality of exposure or integration times to be used in capturing the plurality of image frames; and generating, by the one or more computing devices, a high-dynamic range image of at least a portion of the region of interest based at least in part on the plurality of image frames.