An Introduction to Photogrammetry

Prepared by Adarsh M S

Overview
Photogrammetry
Definition Photogrammetry is the technique of measuring objects (2D or 3D) from photographs Measurement
Distance, area, elevations

Product
Digital elevation models Orthophotos Thematic GIS data Other derived products

Photogrammetry Meaning
Photo meaning picture grammetry meaning measurement

It is the technique of measuring objects

(2D or 3D) from photographs

Key points
Its most important feature is the fact, that the objects are measured without being touched. touched. It is a REMOTESENSING technique. It is a close range method of measuring objects. It is a 3-dimensional coordinate measuring 3technique that uses PHOTORAPHS as the fundamental medium for measurement.

Definition
Definition of Photogrammetry: hotogrammetry has been defined by the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) as the art, science, and technology of obtaining reliable information about physical objects and the environment through processes of recording, measuring and interpreting photographic images and patterns of recorded radiant electromagnetic energy and other phenomena

History of Photogrammetry
The first use of Photogrammetry was by Arago, a French geodesist, in 1840. This included topographic and 1840. terrestrial. The first aerial Photogrammetry was by the French in 1849 using kites and balloons. 18511851- French officer Aime Laussedat develops the first photogram metrical devices and methods. He is seen as the father of Photogrammetry

1858 - Gasparchard Tournachon photographs Bievre (outside Paris) from a balloon

1858: 1858: The German architect A. Meydenbauer develops photogram metrical techniques for the documentation of buildings. U.S.G.S. adopted Photogrammetry as mapping process in 1894 mapping border between Canada and Alaska.

History of Photogrammetry
Airplanes brought great change to Photogrammetry.
1st used in 1913. Used extensively in WWI photo interpretation. Used in WWII mapping for reconnaissance and intelligence.

WWII 1960 used often, expensive and accuracy problems for engineering design. After mid 60 s advent of computer and plotting has made photogrammetric mapping accurate and affordable.

How it is done ? It is done

through
a process of

recording , measuring and interpreting aerial and terrestrial photographs.

The results can be

 coordinates of the required object-points  topographical and thematical maps  rectified photographs (orthophoto).

Photography the first part

Photography - The First Part of Photogrammetry Taking photographs is, of course, essential for making a photogrammetric measurement. To obtain the high accuracy, reliability and automation the system is capable of, photographs must be of the highest quality.

The three main considerations for good photography are: 1. Field of View 2. Focusing 3. Exposure

Metrology - The Second Part of Photogrammetry

Types of Photogrammetry
1.Depending on the lenses-setting: Far range Photogrammetry (with camera distance setting to indefinite) Close range Photogrammetry (with camera distance settings to finite values). 2.Another grouping can be : Aerial Photogrammetry (which is mostly far range Photogrammetry) Terrestrial Photogrammetry (mostly close range Photogrammetry).

Details
Aerial series of photographs of an area of terrain in sequence using a precision camera. Terrestrial photos taken from a fixed and usually known position on or near the ground with the camera axis horizontal or nearly so. Close range camera close to object being observed. Most often used when direct measurement is impractical.

Principle of Photogrammetry
The main principle is TRIANGULATION . Eyes use the principle of TRIANGULATION to gauge distance (depth perception). TRIANGULATION is also the principle used by theodolites for coordinate measurement.

Photogrammetry Steps

Photographing Devices

Metric cameras
They have stable and precisely known internal geometries and very low lens distortions. The principal distance is constant, which means, that the lens cannot be sharpened when taking photographs. The image coordinate system is defined by (mostly) four fiducial marks, which are mounted on the frame of the camera. Aerial metric cameras are built into aero planes mostly looking straight downwards.

Metric cameras
 Have stable and precisely known internal geometries and very low lens distortions Very expensive devices

 The principal distance is constant The lens cannot be sharpened when taking photographs

Cont.

Metric cameras

 Only usable within a limit range of distances from the objects  Image coordinate system is defined by (mostly) four fiducial marks

Today, all images format is 23 by 23 centimeters

Metric cameras Shapes

Three samples of Metric Cameras

Stereometric camera
The overlapping area of these two photographs (which are called a stereopair ) can be seen in 3D, simulating man's stereoscopic vision. In practice, a stereo pair can be produced with a single camera from two positions or using a stereo metric camera. A stereo metric camera in principle consists of two metric cameras mounted at both ends of a bar, which has a precisely measured length (mostly 40 or 120 cm). Both cameras have the same geometric properties. Since they are adjusted to the normal case, stereo pairs are created easily.

Stereometric cameras
 There are two projection centers on a base bar  Similar to the two images from our retinas the overlapping area of the two photographs (which are called a stereopair) can be seen in 3D

Stereometric cameras
consists of two metric cameras mounted at both ends of a bar

images length mostly are 40 or 120 centimeters

Amateur cameras
The photogrammetrist speaks of an amateur camera , when the internal geometry is not stable and unknown, as is the case with any normal commercially available camera. Photographing a test field with many control points and at a repeatably fixed distance setting (for example at infinity), a calibration of the camera can be calculated. They can only be used for purposes, where no high accuracy is demanded. The precision will never reach that of metric cameras.

Amateur cameras
 Internal geometries is not stable and unknown Very expensive devices and highly technically Calibration can be calculated Cameras frame corners function as fiducials purposes, where no high accuracy is demanded

Why Photogrammetry is useful ?

provides a unique way of observing and recording information, without the requirement of a physical presence.

More precise than Remote Sensing techniques.

photograph inaccessible, or dangerous subject matter, with little or no risk to equipment and personnel.

Wide use for all applications.

What are the Limitations ?

The following are merely some of the limitations . It must be done during the day, preferably without cloud shadow

It takes long time ( a month or two ) if compared with other methods

It is expensive for wide areas