Digital Photogrammetry; An Introduction

Compiled by Israel Taiwo

Introduction
Digital photogrammetry is the science and technology of deriving geometric measurements and
spatial information from digital images. It involves the process of capturing, processing, and
analyzing digital images to extract precise measurements and create accurate representations of
the physical world in digital form. Digital photogrammetry has revolutionized traditional
photogrammetry by leveraging advancements in digital imaging technology, computational
power, and software algorithms

Basic Elements of Digital Photogrammetry

In photogrammetry, digital images captured by cameras are used to reconstruct three-dimensional
objects or scenes. These images serve as the primary data source for generating 3D models,
orthophotos, digital surface models (DSMs), and other spatial information. The basic elements of digital
photogrammetry include:

1. Digital Images: Digital images captured by cameras or other imaging devices serve as the
primary data source for photogrammetric analysis. These images contain visual information
about the scene or object being surveyed and are used to reconstruct three-dimensional
geometry and spatial features.

2. Control Points: Control points are precise, identifiable features in the scene with known
coordinates in the real world. They serve as reference points for georeferencing and orienting
the images during the photogrammetric processing. Ground control points (GCPs) are typically
established on the ground using GPS or surveying techniques and are used to tie the
photogrammetric model to the Earth's coordinate system.

3. Tie Points: Tie points are common features or keypoints identified in overlapping images. They
serve as matching points used to establish correspondences between images and to compute
the relative orientation and alignment of the images. Tie points are essential for image
matching, bundle adjustment, and generating accurate 3D models.

4. Camera Parameters: Camera parameters, such as focal length, sensor size, lens distortion, and
camera orientation, are critical for accurate photogrammetric reconstruction. These parameters
characterize the geometric properties of the camera and are used to model the imaging process,
correct distortions, and compute the spatial relationship between the images and the scene.

5. Photogrammetric Software: Photogrammetric software tools and algorithms are used to

process and analyze the digital images, perform geometric calculations, and generate 3D
models, orthophotos, and other spatial products. These software packages typically include
functionalities for image alignment, bundle adjustment, dense matching, triangulation, and
surface reconstruction. E.g. Agisoft Metashape Professional, WebODM, etc.
 6. Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and Digital Surface Models (DSMs): DEMs and DSMs are
digital representations of the elevation of the terrain surface and object heights, respectively.
These raster datasets are derived from photogrammetric processing and provide valuable
information about the topography and relief of the surveyed area.

7. Orthophotos: Orthophotos are geometrically corrected aerial images that have been
orthorectified to remove distortions caused by terrain relief and camera perspective.
Orthophotos provide accurate representations of the Earth's surface and are commonly used as
base maps for GIS analysis, mapping, and visualization.

These elements work together in the photogrammetric process to acquire, process, and analyze digital
imagery and derive accurate spatial information about the physical world.

Uses and Advantages of Digital Photogrammetry

Uses of Digital Photogrammetry:

 Mapping and Surveying: Digital photogrammetry is widely used in mapping and surveying
applications to create accurate maps, orthophotos, and elevation models.

 Urban Planning and Infrastructure Development: It is used to assess land use, plan urban
developments, monitor infrastructure projects, and manage natural resources.

 Environmental Monitoring: Digital photogrammetry aids in monitoring changes in landscapes,

coastal areas, forests, and other environmental features over time.

 Disaster Management: It facilitates rapid damage assessment, emergency response planning,

and post-disaster recovery efforts by providing detailed spatial information.

 Precision Agriculture: Digital photogrammetry assists in crop monitoring, yield estimation, and
precision agriculture practices by providing high-resolution imagery and terrain models.

Advantages of digital photogrammetry include:

 Cost-Effectiveness: Digital photogrammetry reduces the need for field surveys and manual
measurements, leading to cost savings in mapping and surveying projects.

 High Accuracy: Digital photogrammetry allows for precise measurements and spatial analysis,
leading to accurate 3D models and maps.

 Efficiency: It enables rapid data acquisition and processing, resulting in faster project
turnaround times.

 Non-Destructive: Digital photogrammetry allows for the non-destructive documentation and

analysis of physical features and objects without direct contact.

Operation of a Digital Photogrammetry Workstation (DPW)

A Digital Photogrammetry Workstation (DPW) is a computer system equipped with specialized hardware
and software for processing and analyzing digital imagery in photogrammetry applications. A DPW
streamlines the photogrammetric workflow by providing tools and capabilities for efficiently processing,
analyzing, and interpreting digital imagery to derive accurate spatial information The operation of a
DPW typically involves the following steps:

 Data Input: Digital images captured by cameras or other imaging devices are imported into the
DPW.

 Image Preprocessing: The images may undergo preprocessing steps such as color balancing,
geometric correction, and image enhancement to improve their quality and consistency.

 Image Orientation: The images are oriented and georeferenced to establish their spatial
relationship and orientation relative to the Earth's surface.

 Feature Extraction: Key features in the images, such as ground control points (GCPs), tie points,
and image keypoints, are identified and extracted to facilitate the photogrammetric processing.

 Triangulation and Reconstruction: Photogrammetric algorithms are applied to the images to

reconstruct the geometry of the scene, generate point clouds, and create 3D models.

 Data Analysis: The processed data, including orthophotos, DSMs, and 3D models, are analyzed
and interpreted to extract useful information for various applications.

 Output Generation: The final outputs, such as maps, reports, and visualizations, are generated
and exported for further use and dissemination.

Typical Procedure for processing Orthomosaic and DSM from UAV

Imageries in Agisoft Metashape Professional Software
Processing orthomosaics and DSMs from UAV imagery in Agisoft Metashape Professional involves
several steps. Below is a typical procedure for this process:

1. Import Images: Open Agisoft Metashape Professional and import the UAV images captured
during the survey flight.

2. Align Photos: Use the "Align Photos" tool to automatically align the imported images. This
process matches features in overlapping images to determine their relative positions and
orientations.

3. Set Coordinate System: Specify the coordinate system for the project, especially if ground
control points (GCPs) are used for georeferencing.

4. Add Ground Control Points (Optional): If ground control points were collected during the UAV
flight or from an external survey, add them to the project to improve the accuracy of the
reconstruction.

5. Optimize Camera Alignment: Optimize the camera alignment using the "Optimize Cameras"
tool to refine the camera positions and orientations based on the alignment results.
 6. Build Dense Point Cloud: Generate a dense point cloud using the "Build Dense Cloud" tool. This
process calculates 3D coordinates for each pixel in the images, creating a detailed
representation of the surface.

7. Generate Digital Surface Model (DSM): From the dense point cloud, create a digital surface
model (DSM) using the "Build DSM" tool. The DSM represents the elevation of the terrain and
surface features.

8. Generate Orthomosaic: Generate an orthomosaic from the aligned images and DSM using the
"Build Orthomosaic" tool. The orthomosaic is a georeferenced, orthorectified image that
combines the color information from the images with the elevation information from the DSM.

9. Export Orthomosaic and DSM: Export the orthomosaic and DSM in the desired format for
further analysis or use in GIS software, CAD applications, or other tools.

10. Quality Check: Perform a quality check on the orthomosaic and DSM to ensure accuracy and
completeness. Verify that the features and terrain in the orthomosaic and DSM match the
ground truth and meet the project requirements.

11. Refinement (Optional): Depending on the project requirements and quality of results, you may
refine the processing parameters, reoptimize the camera alignment, or add additional control
points to improve the accuracy of the orthomosaic and DSM.

12. Documentation and Reporting: Document the processing steps and results, including any
deviations from the expected outcomes, and prepare a report summarizing the project findings
and deliverables.

By following these steps in Agisoft Metashape Professional, you can efficiently process UAV imagery to
generate high-quality orthomosaics and DSMs for various applications such as mapping, surveying, land
management, and environmental monitoring.