About Photogrammetry

Photogrammetry History

The science of photogrammetry started early in the 20th century with simple mechanical devices to orient two photographs relative to each other, and the resulting model relative to the ground.The technology progressed to the use of sophisticated optical-mechanical systems, but still using essentially the same concepts.

The late 60’s / early 70’s saw the introduction of computers using the concept of analytical photogrammetry in order to control precision instruments to orient and measure the stereo models. This results in very high precision due to precise numerical calculations as opposed to mechanical approximations. This method improved speed, efficiency, and accuracy and allowed transition from paper-based maps to digital maps.

A History In Pictures

Point Transfer Device

Stereoplotter

Softcopy Workstation

Digital Scanner

Flatscreen Monitor

3DTL Workstation


 
The early 90.s saw the introduction of Soft Copy photogrammetry. Soft Copy is based on scanned photographs displayed on a computer screen with the same mathematical concepts and precision as the analytical stereo plotter. Soft Copy displays two images on a single screen with special liquid crystal shutters that allow the left and right eye to see the left and right images resulting in 3D computer display. Soft Copy Photogrammetry allows us to view the ground with ALL the map data superimposed on the stereo model in STEREO and in COLOR. Soft Copy Photogrammetry is now the leading technology for mapping. WSDOT photogrammetry uses 100% Soft Copy technology.

 

SR 90 Hyak to Easton Project

The image below will make it easy to see how the photogrammetric design work is overlaid onto the orthophoto (corrected aerial photos) imagery. You will also see in inserts at different scales and a survey control point on the ground.

 



 

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Last updated: June 2007