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Home / Photogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing, Number 4 / April 2003

Open Access Synergistic Fusion of GPS and Photogrammetrically Generated Elevation Models

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Digital elevation models (DEMs) produced from photogrammetric data sources have long relied on the use of ground control points to give them scale and orientation. However, in areas such as coastlines, landslides, or glaciers, where identification of suitable natural features and pre-marking is difficult, the use of conventional ground control may be unfeasible. This paper reports on research that uses independently collected DEMs derived from kinematic GPS to orient surfaces produced by aerial photogrammetric methods, using a least-squares surface matching algorithm. During algorithm development, three stages of testing were carried out, using increasingly more complex datasets. Initially, simulated surfaces were used to validate the matching theory and program. Then, a DEM derived from conventional aerial photography was matched with a GPS model, highlighting the effectiveness of surface matching to recover systematic errors in datasets. Finally, surfaces derived from small format digital imagery were successfully fused with wireframe GPS surfaces, the high redundancy and automation potential creating an elegant and cheaper alternative to photocontrol.

Document Type: Research Article

Publication date: 01 April 2003

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  • The official journal of the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing - the Imaging and Geospatial Information Society (ASPRS). This highly respected publication covers all facets of photogrammetry and remote sensing methods and technologies.

    Founded in 1934, the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) is a scientific association serving over 7,000 professional members around the world. Our mission is to advance knowledge and improve understanding of mapping sciences to promote the responsible applications of photogrammetry, remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and supporting technologies.
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