Photogrammetry, the art and science of extracting meaningful 3D data from images, is not new, having been around in some form since before World War II, as photography played an important role in remote sensing. However, it has evolved over the years, and DAT/EM has grown along with it. The appeal of photogrammetry is that you can measure and model the real world just using your camera—but with enhanced features of photogrammetry software that include measuring, diagramming, and 3D modelling. 

Photogrammetric mapping using Summit Evolution, DAT/EM's digital workstation software, and its features are changing the landscape of extracting information from overhead imagery—it’s a game-changer for drone capabilities or 3D modelling for the construction, oil, timber, and transportation industry.

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Process of Photogrammetry 

The mapping process starts with taking photographs in conjunction with surveyed ground control to tie the imagery to real-world coordinates.  A process called analytical aerotriangulation is then used to densify that ground control and determine the precise position and orientation for each image taken. Once completed, mapping software such as DAT/EM’s Summit Evolution extracts such information as the shape of the ground, the roof dimensions of buildings, road centerlines, pile volumes, and drainage networks.  A stereo workstation operator then uses 3D viewing system to examine the stereomodels within the project area to accurately capture the desired information for use in published maps or in a Geographic Information System.

There are two types of photogrammetry: aerial and terrestrial. Aerial photogrammetry (including drone-collected imagery) allows for a camera attachment, mounted on either a drone or aircraft which is pointed vertically at the ground. You then take multiple photos as the drone or aircraft moves along the flight line(s).

Terrestrial photogrammetry, or close-range photogrammetry, uses a horizontally-fixed ground-based camera mounted on either a tripod or a pole or handheld. Aerial photogrammetry is typically used for topographic products such as maps and terrain models, whereas terrestrial is used for building mapping, cliff face modeling, historic restoration, etc. 

Now, what if you could have a workstation that is not only user-friendly, but encompasses a set of powerful tools that discover and capture 3D information from stereo to data, including:

• CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and GIS (Geographic Information System) 
• User Interfaces
• 3D Stereo vector superimposition
• Automated feature editing
• Contour generation
• And more

Modern photogrammetric software is more than just about the data, it’s about the usability of said software, hence why this workstation is paramount in giving you the tools necessary to secure 3D information. You can use it with aerial, terrestrial, satellite, Synthetic Aperture Radar and LiDAR data to capture the information necessary for a given project. 

The Skinny on Photogrammetric Software

Before we delve into the photogrammetric workstation, let’s talk about a little about the software. Simply put, softcopy photogrammetry software is a computer application that gives you the tools to extract information precisely and accurately from a series of mathematically geolocated and oriented images in conjunction with calibrated camera information, including lens focal length, camera lens distortions, etc. The project-based information management system uses Microsoft-compliant windows and dialogue boxes and it provides users with tools to manage smaller projects comprised of single stereo pairs, as well as large bundle-adjusted projects. 

Summit Evolution offers interior, relative, and absolute orientation tools. 

• Interior orientation takes image pixel coordinates and transforms them into photo coordinates, with either a manual or automatic orientation. 
• Relative orientation brings two images of a stereo pair and lines them up, so you can view them in stereo, again using either manual or automatic relative orientation.
• Absolute orientation takes relatively oriented stereo pairs and creates 3D ground coordinates.

The software also improves image viewability with blended or pixelated selections, allowing vector data accuracy improvement; this allows for measuring, dynamic zooming, and movement within pixels, making for a superb subpixel viewing.

Photogrammetry applications include fabrication and manufacturing, public safety and forensics investigation, engineering, architecture, and surveying, 2D template pattern digitizing, mining and geology, science academics, research, and film animation.With the growth in drone technology, the interest in photogrammetry has increased and DAT/EM has met the needs of those who want best in-class software for obtaining and extracting 3D information. Here is a list of impressive features for modern photogrammetry and where we stack up with the digital photogrammetric workstation, the next superior product for today’s technological world.

Features of Modern Photogrammetry

There are many key features to consider when selecting a softcopy photogrammetry workstation. These include supporting:

• Monochromatic, panchromatic, and three-and-multi-channel multispectral imagery
• Scanned aerial film, frame, and push-broom digital airborne cameras
• Small and medium-format metric cameras
• Close-range imagers
• Orthophotos
• RPC satellite imagery
• LIDAR
• UAS imagery
• Synthetic aperture radar

For quick setup, Summit Evolution Softcopy imports third-party softcopy and pre-processed UAS projects, aerotriangulation results, and other orientations. It also provides a full range of manual and automatic image orientation capabilities, with the ability to digitize 3D vectors that go directly into AutoCAD, MicroStation, ArcGIS, or Global Mapper, using DAT/EM’s Capture interface.

Another great feature of the Summit Evolution Softcopy is its robust, easy-to-use interface, ensuring maximum productivity. The 3D vector split window with multiple viewports gives a close-up, bird’s eye view of the project, offering a variety of visualization and feedback tools. You will also love its ability to apply coordinate transformation.

Other features include:

• Terrain Visualizer tool for real-time, dynamic preview of contours while it creates and edits DTM and break line objects—the idea is to make it easy on the eyes but create a clear image of detail.
• Allowing the use of PCI Geomatica and GDB data (requires a PCI license) that interfaces to the DAT/EM PCI Propack
• Contour Creator™ for creating and writing the finished contours to the CAD file
• DAT/EM Ortho-Mosaic module for easy and exact orthomosaic creation
• Limitless zoom levels, fast pan, and automatic loading of neighbouring stereo models with DAT/EM Superimposition o CAD and GIS vectors over the image view
• Airfield3D™ standards-compliant airspace obstruction mapping tool
• Professional to mobile licensing levels available

Using photogrammetry software, such as Summit Evolution, is a cost-effective way to generate precise, accurate geospatial information efficiently across a broad range of projects and mapping applications. 

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Breakdown of Feature Comparison

Summit Evolution offers four product levels: Professional, Feature Collection, Lite, and UAS. 

All levels include stereo superimposition of vector data in the stereo window, terrain visualization, contour creation and editing, point translation coordinate transformation, and built-in drawing tools.

The Professional version includes project setup, orthorectification and mosaicking, Airfield3D and orientation/bundle adjustment capability.

Feature Collection is a vector capture-only workstation configuration and does not include orientation creation, ortho/mosaic, project setup, nor Airfield3D tools. Both Professional and Feature Collection take advantage of precision 3D input devices, such as a Stealth or GGS Softmouse 3D cursor. 

Lite and UAS provide a limited set of editing tools and use a standard system mouse for input.  UAS also includes Landscape, a point viewing/classification/editing tool for use with LiDAR data.

All levels include one license of Capture to interface with a designated CAD package plus a license of MapEditor for enhanced batch editing of generated map data.

Contact Summit Evolution Today

The future of photogrammetry is here. With a smorgasbord of features DAT/EM Summit Evolution offers, it’s time to take your mapping operation to the next level. With a network of resellers worldwide, you can access the ground-breaking software for yourself and/or your customers. For over thirty years, DAT/EM has been developing digital mapping photogrammetric software in Anchorage, Alaska. We provide worldwide email, telephone, and web-based support for all our products, and on-site training.

For any questions or concerns, we welcome your call at 1-800-770-3681 in the U.S. or Canada at (907) 522-3681. Visit our support page for technical tips, webinars, downloads, release notes, and more here. 

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