definition
When the position of the camera is high above the actor, it is called a high angle shot. If the camera angle is higher, then it is an aerial shot.
director's intention
The director uses a high angle shot to show the character as part of their wider surroundings. It might be used to link the ideas in a story between character and setting or to create a smooth transition from one scene to the next.
impact on audience
The impact on the audience will depend on the subject material. The example below is to make the audience endeared towards the creature. The one above allows the audience to see Bilbo dwarfed by his surroundings in Rivendell.