\Photogrammetry
- is the science of using photographs to obtain measurements and create maps or
3D models of physical objects and the Earth's surface.
- The term itself means 'measuring from light-drawn images.'
- By analyzing overlapping photographs, it is possible to reconstruct the shape,
size, and position of objects in two or three dimensions.
- Photogrammetry is widely used in mapping, surveying, geology, engineering, and
urban planning.
Aerial photography
- is the process of taking photographs from airborne platforms such as airplanes,
drones, or satellites.
- To properly cover an area, aerial photographs are captured in parallel flight runs.
- Each image overlaps with the next to ensure continuity and accurate
measurements.
1. End Lap must greater than one half the picture width specified not less
than 55% nor more than 65% in order that the center of one picture is
included in both adjacent photograph.
2. Side lap should average at 25% with less than 15. More than 35% is
unacceptable.
3. For making map purposes, the variable includes the focal length of the
aerial camera, the desired combination of map scale and contour interval,
and the ratio of map scale to photograph scale.
These overlaps allow stereoscopic viewing, where two images of the same area taken
from slightly different positions are analyzed to provide depth perception.
Focal Length of Aerial Cameras
The focal length of the aerial camera is one of the most important parameters in
determining the scale, magnification, and field of view of an image:
• Shorter focal length → Covers a larger area but with less detail.
• Longer focal length → Covers a smaller area but provides greater magnification and
detail.
Instruments Used in Photogrammetry
Different specialized instruments are used for photogrammetric analysis and mapping.
These include:
• Wild Autograph
• Kern PG2 Zeiss Stereoplanigraph
• Kelsh and Balplex stereoscopic plotters
HOW PHOTOGRAMMETRY AND GROUND SURVEYS WORK TOGETHER
TO MAKE SURE MEASUREMENTS FROM AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS ARE
ACCURATE
1. Features not visible in photos
- Sometimes, aerial photographs don’t clearly show everything (like hidden
soil types, underground features, or small objects).
- In this case, surveyors go to the ground and take direct measurements.
2. Ground surveys and identification
- Important spots on the ground (like reference points, corners of land, or
boundaries) are marked so they can easily be matched with points in the
photographs.
3. Accuracy with triangulation
- Triangulation means fixing locations by measuring angles and distances
between points
- The accuracy depends on the location:
Rural areas: third-order triangulation is acceptable (error up to 1
in 5,000).
Urban areas: second-order triangulation is required (more
accurate, error up to 1 in 10,000).
Tools for measurement
- Modern Theodolites → measure angles accurately.
- EDM (Electronic Distance Measuring devices) → measure distances using
infrared beams, microwaves, or laser light
Photogrammetry + Digitizer → Digital Terrain Models (DTM)
When aerial photographs are matched with ground survey data and fed into a computer:
- A digital terrain model (DTM) is created
- This model shows the horizontal and vertical positions of the ground (like 3D
maps of land surfaces).
- The computer stores this information in a data bank for easy recall and use in
projects.
In short: Photogrammetry becomes more reliable when combined with ground
surveys. Photos give the big picture, while ground measurements make it precise.
Together, they produce digital 3D models of the land that engineers can use for planning
roads, bridges, drainage, and other designs.7. Digital Terrain Model (DTM)
Digital Terrain Model
- is a computerized representation of the Earth's surface elevations.
- It is created by mathematically transforming elevation data into digital form.
• Orthorectification: The process of projecting an aerial photo onto a reference
plane (datum) to remove distortions caused by terrain, tilt, or lens issues.
• Mosaic: A composite image made by stitching multiple orthorectified
photographs together, creating a seamless, large-scale image with uniform scale.
What computers can produce from aerial photographs + survey data
- Profiles
→ A side view of the road showing how the ground goes up and down (like a
slope drawing).
- Cross sections
→ A slice of the road at certain points showing its width, lanes, and layers.
- Cut and fill earthwork quantities
→ How much soil must be cut (removed) or filled (added) to make the road level.
- Motorist’s view of the road
→ A simulation of how the road will look when you drive on it.
Separate maps that can be easily plotted
From photographs and computer records, engineers can make detailed maps showing:
- Highways → roads and planned extensions.
- Drainage → canals, ditches, and water flow systems.
- Housing → locations of existing houses or planned residential areas.
- Land use and zoning → areas for farming, residential, commercial, or industrial
purposes.
- Property assessment → land boundaries and values for tax or ownership
purposes.
Role of ground surveys
- Ground surveys are only supplemental.
- This means engineers only go to the field for details that photos cannot capture
(like underground utilities, soil strength, or hidden features).
Orthophotographs
Definition: An aerial photo that has been corrected for scale and tilt (so it’s like looking
at the land from straight above, with no distortions).
- When corrected photos are matched together, they form a mosaic (a large
seamless photo).
- These mosaics show much greater detail than maps and are more accurate for
engineering and right-of-way planning