Aerial Photogrammetry

By
PGRNI Pussella

Definition
Photogrammetry is defined as the art , science
and technology of obtaining reliable
information about physical objects and the
environment through a process of recording,
measuring and interpretation of photographic
images.
The science of photo analysis

Photogrammetry & Remote Sensing

The art, science and technique to obtain
reliable geometric and thematic information
on the earth and its physical environment by
acquisition, measurement and interpretation
of images, which are obtained by remote
sensing sensor systems

Introduction
Traditional application Extracting topographic
information from aerial photographs
Present To process satellite images for
topographic and non topographic information
of the terrain.
Introduced in 1851

Introduction
Objective is
Inverse the process of photography (i.e.
reconstruction of the object space from
image space).
Results can be, Coordinates of
the required object points,
Topographical/Thematic
maps
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Photogrammetry & Related Discipline

Term PHOTOGRAMMETRY was derived from Greek
words
Photos
: Light
Graphem :To engrave, write or record
Metrein :
To measure
Light engrave data measuring
The most important factor is, that the objects are
measured without being touched. Hence, in
broader sense; including all disciplines, the term
Remote Sensing can be used to describe the
Photogrammetry.
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Photogrammetry & Related Discipline

Other Branches of photography used in the science
of photogrammetry:
Space Photogrammetry: If the camera is fixed
in space. It may be mounted in a satellite, or
positioned on the moon or a planet.
Close-range Photogrammetry: If the camera is
kept quite close to the object to obtain the
detailed information about object.
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Photogrammetry & Related Discipline

Aerial photogrammetry is mainly used to produce
topographical or thematical maps and
digital terrain models.
But, Photogrammetry alone cannot produce a map.
Why?
All details cannot be seen in the photographs.

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Advantages

Birds eye view of the ground

Analog to the human eye system
High resolution
High information density
Multidisciplinary applications
Permanent records
Low cost
Time saving

Limitations
Effects of atmospheric conditions
Spectral sensitivity limited
Loss of film

Introduction
Why use Photogrammetry ?......
Special Application Areas
Archeology

Cultural heritage
Close-Range Photogrammetry Architecture,
Industry
Police (accidents, forensic medicine)
Medicine
Biometry
Extraterrestrial, star-camera, astronomy
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Later, developed stereo viewing

instruments were used to produce
topo-maps from near vertical
photographs.
In 1930, Analogue stereo
plotters.
In 1958, Analytical stereo
plotters
Since 1980, Digital
Photgrammetry with
increasing automation GPS
flights. Digital workstations
In 2000, Digital large format
cameras.e.g. ADS40, DMC
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Histroic Review
Analogue Film Cameras:

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Histroic Review
Metric Aerial Film Cameras:

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Histroic Review
Elements of a metric aerial film camera

Camera body with lens (nozzle)

Film cassette
Camera mount (stabilized)
Navigation system (telescope and overlap
control device)
TODAY:
Connection to GPS [and INS]
Flight planning computer
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Aerial Photography
Single point perspective view of the
earth surface called Aerial Photograph.
Infinite number of rays go
through camera one point:
perspective centre, it make
geometric model.

Aerial Photography
Basic Concepts of Aerial Photography:
Film: most air photo missions are flown using black and
white film, however color, infrared, and false-color
infrared film are sometimes used for special projects.
Focal length: the distance from the middle of the camera
lens to the focal plane (i.e. the film). As focal length
increases, image distortion decreases. The focal length is
precisely measured when the camera is calibrated.
Scale: the ratio of the distance between two points on a
photo to the actual distance between the same two
points on the ground.

Aerial Photography
Basic Concepts of Aerial Photography:

Aerial Photography
Can you used aerial photograph as a map
directly?
Aerial photographs are simple point perspective views
of the earth surface where as maps are orthogonal
representation of all surface.
Size, shape and position of objects are distorted in
aerial photographs.
However, aerial photographs can be used to reconstruct maps
and to accurately measure distances and heights.

Aerial Photography
If the terrain is completely flat and
horizontal, then the photograph can be used
as a map.
If difference heights occur, then objects are
displace from their location.
Aerial photograph can not used as a map.

Aerial Photography
What is a Map?

Map can be consider as an orthogonal

projection of the terrain to a horizontal
plane at a reduce scale.
But photograph produces a perspective
image of a central projection of the
terrain surface.

How to prepare maps from Aerial

Photographs?
To overcome relief distortion, two photographs
are taken of the same area at different positions.

These photographs are overlapped and can be

used to see stereo model.
Using this principal, a map can be prepared.

Types of Aerial Photographs

Aerial photography most commonly divided into two
major types, the vertical and the oblique.
Each type depends upon the attitude of the camera
with respect to the earth's surface when the
photograph is taken.
Vertical or Near Vertical Photography
Camera axis is < 3 from vertical
Oblique Photography
Camera axis is > 3 from vertical
Low obliqueno horizon
High obliqueincludes horizon

Property of an Aerial Photographs

Fiducials: permanent reference
points exposed onto the
photograph.
Principal Point (PP): Center of
photofound by intersection of
lines drawn between opposing
fiducials.

Nadir: image of point directly

below airplane at time of photo
(Nadir will equal PP for vertical
photos).

Property of an Aerial Photographs

Photo sizes
18cm 18cm
23cm 23cm

Fiducial marks
Position of the bubble
Barometer information
Calibration information
Principle distance