‫بسم هللا الرحمن الرحيم‬l

Introduction to Photogrammetry
t is a science and technology to derive the spatial measurement and other
mathematical products from the photograph. The word photogrammetry is made
from three Greek words.

Development Cycles of the Photogrammetry.

The development of the photogrammetry from year 1850 went through different
cycles, each cycles is of around 50 years.

Plane Table Photogrammetry: This cycle started form year 1850 to year 1900

Analog Photogrammetry: It started form year 1900 to year 1960. Optical or

mechanical instruments were used to reconstruct the 3D geometry from the
overlapping images. The main product during this phase was topographic map.

Analytical Photogrammetry: Computer replaces the expensive optical or

mechanical components. The resulting devices were digital/analog hybrids. The
outputs were the topographic map but in the digital format for example DEM
(digital elevation map) or digital map.

Digital Photogrammetry: Digital Photogrammetry is also called softcopy

photogrammetry, it is applied to digital images that is stored in the computer. The
output of this is in the digital format: Digital Elevation Model (DEM), digital
maps, digital othophotos stored in the computer.

Application of Photogrammetry:
1. Topographic Maps
2. Creation of Orthoimages, Digital Elevation Models, Virtual Landscapes
3. Nadir image which is important for the mapping
4. Overlap and sidelap is required to provide 3D information
5. Land Survey and Highway Engineering
6. Creating different type of maps, tax maps, soil maps, forest maps, geologic
maps
7. Photogrammetry is also used for traffic management system
8. It is heavily used by the Military System: mission planning, rehearsal and
targeting
Types of Photogrammetry: Photogrammetry can be classified in different ways but
the standard way is to split into two fields based on the mounted camera position.
On this basis we have Aerial Photogrammetry and Close Range Photogrammetry

Aerial Photogrammetry: Camera is mounted on the airplane and mostly pointing

vertically downwards toward the ground. Numerous overlapping pictures or
images are taken along the flight path.

Close Range Photogrammetry: In this type of photogrammetry camera is closed to

the object usually hand held or in a tripod. Usually this type of photogrammetry is
done for non-topographic purpose, like building measurement, forensic and
accident scenes, film sets, engineering structures and so on.
General Information

There is no universally accepted definition of photogrammetry. The definition

given below captures the most important notion of photogrammetry.
Photogrammetry Defined

Photogrammetry is the science of obtaining reliable information about the

properties of surfaces and objects without physical contact with the objects,
and of measuring and interpreting this information

The name “photogrammetry" is derived from the three Greek words phos or phot
which means light, gramma which means letter or something drawn, and metrein,
the noun of measure

Types of Photogrammetry

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When to Use Photogrammetry

Each project has a unique set of conditions that will determine which mapping
techniques should be utilized. Surveys in consultation with the Project Manager
will determine if photogrammetry will be used on a project
The following are factors to consider when deciding to use Photogrammetry:
• Photogrammetry is a cost efficient surveying method for mapping large areas.
• Photogrammetry may be safer than other surveying methods. It is safer to take
photographs of a dangerous area than to place surveyors in harms way.
• Photogrammetry provides the ability to map areas inaccessible to field crews.
• Photogrammetry creates a photographic record of the project site (snapshot in
time).
• Photogrammetry produces useful digital products such as orthophotos.
• Photogrammetry produces electronic terrain models.

When Not to Use Photogrammetry

Photogrammetry is not the solution for all mapping situations. Photogrammetry
may not be appropriate under the following conditions:

• The accuracy required for a mapping project is greater than the accuracy
achievable with photogrammetric methods.

• The scope of the work is not large enough to justify the costs of surveying the
photo control and performing the subsequent photogrammetric processes.

However, when unsafe field conditions are encountered, safety shall hold a higher
weight than cost in the decision process.
Geometric Characteristics of Aerial Photographs:

Aerial photographs are classified into two categories: vertical or oblique.

Vertical photographs have the camera axis directed as vertically as possible. Most
of time vertical photography use single lens camera to acquire remotely sensed
image. It is very hard to obtain a true vertical image due to the angular rotation or
tilts. This angular rotation or tilts are due to the angular attitude of the aircraft at
the instant of exposure. This unavoidable tilts which results in 1 to 3 degree
inclination of camera optical axis results in the capturing of titled photographs.

If there is intention of degree of inclination of camera optical axis then it is called

Oblique photographs. High oblique photographs contains the image of horizon
and Low Oblique photographs exclude it.