heliograph; solar telegraph
A device that uses sunlight and mirrors to send signals over long distances. Related to 日照計 (sunshine recorder) but distinct in purpose.
See also: 日照計
In the 19th century, armies used heliographs to communicate with distant units.
heliographic process
In photography, an early process for reproducing images using sunlight and a light-sensitive surface.
Niépce took the first photograph using a technique called heliography.