Introduction to

Digital
Photogrammetry
Dr. Raid Al-Tahir
Department of Geomatics Engineering and Land Management
The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine

What is Photogrammetry?

Photogrammetry is the science, art and technology of

obtaining reliable information from photographs
using photographic and electromagnetic images, qualitative and
quantitative characteristics of objects and the environment can be
obtained.

Photogrammetry and LiDAR are:

The primary means of providing detailed topographic mapping

and DEMs over medium to large areas.
The second most popular means of measuring ground-based
features.
They bring together topics in geodesy, surveying, adjustments,
and remote sensing and apply them to practical mapping and
measurement problems.

Modern Aerial Platforms

Photogrammetric Methods

Photogrammetric methods are classified based on the

type of input and re-construction technique:

Analogue Photogrammetry
Analytical Photogrammetry
Digital Photogrammetry

Definitions:

Photo: the conventional concept of photograph on film

Image: the photo in digital representation

1st Phase of Photogrammetry

Analog Photogrammetry (1900-1970)

Optical and mechanical stereoscopic plotting;

Orientation was done in a pure optical-mechanical way

Images are hardcopies (photographs, diapositives).

Physically re-creates 3D model for measurements.

1907
1914

First stereo-plotter (UK)

World War I: Aerial reconnaissance

2nd Phase of Photogrammetry

Analytical Photogrammetry (1960-2000)

Computer-based analytical stereo-plotter,

Mathematically create a stereo model (from measured photo
coordinates).

1941
1957
1976

First computers
Introduction of the analytical concept
First analytical plotters (ISP-Helsinki)

3rd Phase of Photogrammetry

Digital Photogrammetry (1990-present)

Similar to analytical photogrammetry, but photos are replaced by

digital images,
Measurements and image viewing are on a computer monitor
instead through optics.
Can also incorporate computer vision and digital image
processing techniques.
A totally digital work-flow has many advantages, much faster,
and less costs (no film development).

Photogrammetric Stereo-plotters
Analytical
stereo-plotter

Analogue stereo-plotter

Digital Workstation

Quiz

The main difference between analytical photogrammetry

and digital photogrammetry is:

The type of the mathematical model.

The type of input imagery.
The type of computer (i.e., analytical computer vs. digital).
The type of input measurements (i.e. model coordinates vs.
image coordinates).

What is Digital Photogrammetry?

Digital Photogrammetric Workstation (DPW):

Digital photogrammetry is based on softcopy image;

Hardware and software to derive photogrammetric products

from digital imagery using manual and automated techniques
(ISPRS)

Converted from hardcopy film imagery via scanning,

Acquired from direct digital imaging of the terrain.

Restitution is achieved analytically by software

manipulation of image files.

This difference has a great influence on the workflow of

photogrammetric process and the diversity of products.

Photogrammetric Workflow

Conventional photogrammetry uses film-based photos;

negatives, diapositives, or prints.

Why Digital Photogrammetry?

End-user demands are digital.

Image based map products are now commonly specified in most

projects, notably digital orthophotos and Digital Terrain Models.

New benefits...

Digital image analysis and processing

Process automation (customising / scripting)
Data management (mass storage)
GIS-integration (database revision & update)

Why Digital Photogrammetry?

Production is far more efficient.

Unmatched versatility:

Production of orthoimagery
DTM-generation
Space-based to close-range

High potential for automation:

No repetition of interior orientation; it is done once

Automation frees operator for more complex tasks
Automation leads to higher productivity

The Map Machine

Camera

Flight Plan
Specifications
from
map contract

Map Machine

Map

Invoice

Disciplines
Discipline

Analog

Analytical

Computer
Assisted

Digital

Optics
Mechanics
Electronics
Numerical Mathematics
Statistics
Information
Computer Graphics
Data Banks
Data Base Management Sys
Signal Processing
Image Processing
Computer Vision
Expert Systems
Pattern Recognition

Digital photogrammetry requires background knowledge from an extremely

broad and diverse body of disciplines.

Digital Aerial Cameras

Metric cameras:

LH systems ADS40.
Z/I imaging DMC 2001.
Vexcel UltarCamD.

Advantages:

No film, no film processing.

Built-in GPS.
Extremely fast; Next day data.
Direct acquisition of multi-spectral
digital imagery.
Near-IR useful for vegetation health
assessments.

Softcopy Workstations

Photogrammetric Products

Nearly all mapping is currently done

using digital systems, even when the
final product is a paper map.

Image products.
Numerical products.
Graphical products.

Image Products

Reduced/enlarged photographs.

Rectified imagery

Orthophotos

Effects of camera tilt removed.

Effects of camera tilt and terrain
relief removed.

Mosaics

Assembling individual
orthophotos.

Numerical Products

Supplementary control.

Profiles and cross sections.

e.g., Highway design.

Inventory (volumetric)
calculations.

3-D positions of points by aerial

triangulation.

e.g., Mineral deposits.

Digital elevation model (DEM).

Digital representation of the

terrain.

Graphical Products

Planimetric maps (horizontal position of

ground features)

Topographic maps (planimetric features

and the elevation of the terrain)

Thematic and special maps (e.g.,

Transportation network, vegetation types..)

Quiz

What are the similarities and differences between digital

photogrammetry and conventional photogrammetry?