Abstract: In order to compensate the forward image motion of a mapping camera on an aircraft, a method by adjusting the relationship between the shutter exposure time of the camera and the speed-altitude ratio of the aircraft was put forward. The causes of the forward image motion were studied. Firstly, the operation principles of the color area array CCD and the camera system were introduced. Then the causes of the forward image motion were analyzed based on the imaging principle of the optical system. Finally, the errors of the speed-altitude ratio and the exposure time were analyzed. The experimental results show that the errors are controlled within allowable limit and it meets the compensation requirement of less than 1.5 pixel for the forward image motion.