Introduction to Photogrammetry
Elements of Photogrammetry-
Author: Paul R. Wolf
Definition
Definitions:
Photogrammetry (Photos:- Light Gramma:- Letter or something drawn
Metrein:- to Measure)
”The science or art of obtaining reliable measurements by means of
photographs.”
”Photogrammetry is the art, science, and technology of obtaining reliable information
about physical objects and the environment through the processes of recording,
measuring, and interpreting photographic images and patterns of electromagnetic
radiant energy and other phenomena.” (ASPRS, 1980)
Type of Photogrammetry
Interpretative: visualizing photograph
Metric: measurement of photograph
terrestrial Photogrammetry
Aerial Photogrammetry
Terrestrial Photogrammetry
Taken with
ground-based
cameras
Position and
orientation often
measured
TERRESTRIAL PHOTOGRAMMETRY
Photograph vs. Image
Photograph Image
A scene which was detected as well A scene which was detected
as recorded on film. electronically.
Chemical reactions on a light Generate an electrical signal
sensitive film detects the intensity of proportional to the incoming
the incoming energy.
energy.
Simple, cheap, well known. Can sense in many wavelengths,
data can be easily converted
into digital form for automated
processing.
Only sense in the wavelength of Complex,
0.3 – 0.9 μm, manual interpretation. Expensive sensors
Why Photogrammetry………
Measuring values and camera constants
Why Photogrammetry
• Extracting geometrical information and
producing maps.
• Cheaper than terrestrial methods.
• Extracting qualitative information.
• High speed of map generation.
Why Photogrammetry………
Ideal technology when measuring objects such
as
– Vast regions to be mapped
– Irregular shapes and
– Objects that are too
• Hot or cold
• Soft
• Delicate
• Inaccessible
• Toxic
• Radioactive to touch
Photogrammetric Types
Photogrammetric Types from Applications Point
of View (d is distance from camera to object)
Close Range Photogrammetry d<10 m
Terrestrial Photogrammetry 10 m<d<100 m
Aerial Photogrammetry 2 km<d<10 km
Space Photogrammetry 30 km<d
Aerial Photogrammetry
Working of a digital Camera
Types of photographs (categorized by tilt)
• Vertical - camera axis as nearly vertical as
Possible
• Oblique - camera axis intentionally tilted
• Low Oblique
• High Oblique
Types of photographs
Aerial Terrestrial
Oblique
Vertical
Low oblique
(does not include horizon)
Truly Vertical
High oblique
(includes horizon)
Tilted
(1deg< angle < 3deg)
Vertical Aerial Photogrammetry
Mainly used for
mapping
Low Oblique
Low oblique (no horizon)
High Oblique
• Horizon line
in the photo
Vertical aerial images are not map!
• Maps are based on parallel projection while
photo has central projection
• Maps have a unique scale while image scale
varies depending on terrain relief
• Maps are interpreted while photos should be
interpreted
• Photo is detailed while maps are generalized
Projection systems
Scale of a vertical photograph
•Scale of a photograph is the ratio of a distance on a photo to the same
distance on the ground.
Ground Coordinates from a Single Vertical Photograph
• With image coordinate
system defined, we
define an arbitrary
ground coordinate
system.
• That ground system
could be used to
compute distances and
azimuths. Coordinates
can also be
transformed to any
system
• In that ground system
Taking photographs
Taking Vertical Aerial Photographs
• Photos taken in parallel flight strips
Taking Vertical Aerial Photographs
• Each successive photograph overlap previous photo
Forward Overlap (End Lap)
Aerial Photography
Stereo pair
•Over lap about 60%
Aerial Photography – Stereo pair
•Aerial Base: the
distance between two
•Over lap about 60% successive projection
centers
Side Overlap (Side Lap)
Taking Vertical Aerial Photographs
• Position of camera at each exposure called
exposure station
• Flying height – altitude of camera
• Adjacent flight strips overlap – side overlap
• Block of photos – photos of 2 or more side lapping
strips
Block of photographs
Projection Plotters
Direct Optical Projection Stereo plotters
MULTIPLEX MODEL SKETCH
Direct Optical Projection Stereo plotters
Nistri Photomultiplex Kelsh Stereoplotter
Model D III
Direct Optical Projection Stereo plotters
Kern PG-2 analog stereo-plotter.
Direct Optical Projection Stereo plotters
Kern PG-3 analog stereo-plotter, Switzerland
Direct Optical Projection Stereo plotters
Wild A-10 analog stereo-plotter.
Digital systems
Digital systems require that the aerial photographs be
scanned as high-resolution images.