Chapter 3 Stereo Imagery

‫ جامعة القاهرة‬- ‫كلية الهندسة‬
‫شعبة هندسة الجيوماتكس‬

‫ نظم المعلومات‬102 ‫أشغ‬ ‫الفصل الدراسي الثاني‬ ‫ثانية مدني‬
‫األرضية والجوية‬
Public Works Department

Faculty of Engineering - Cairo University
PBW 201 B
GROUND AND AERIAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Prepared by
Dr. Adel S. El-komy

Assistant Professor of Surveying and Photogrammetry
Faculty of Engineering Cairo University
Spring 2015 – 2016
Chapter 3: Flight Planning and 2015/ 2016 ‫ عادل سليمان الكومي‬.‫ د‬:‫إعداد‬
Stereoscopic vision
3. Flight Planning and stereoscopic vision
3. Stereo imagery and stereoscopic vision.
3.1 Flight Planning.
3.2 Stereoscopic Vision.
3.3 Parallax and parallax equations.
3.4 Terrestrial and close‐range photogrammetry applications.
3.5 Problems.
3.1 Flight Planning.
Information ordinarily calculated in flight planning includes

1) Flying height above mean sea leve1. 2) Distance between exposures.
3) Number of photographs per flight line. 4) Distance between flight lines.
5) Number of flight lines. 6) Total number of photographs.
In the following will discussed the factors affecting on the flight mission.
 Ground Coverage.
Usually square format photography is used and the area covered on the ground will be a square
area assuming that the terrain is horizontal. This area depends on the format size, flying height
above ground as well as camera focal length. Fig. (3.1) illustrates the effect of these variables
on the ground coverage. The ground surface area covered by a single photograph (G2) may be
readily calculated using equation (3.1).
G2 = Area of format x (scale factor)2 ………………. (3.1)
Stereoscopic vision
 Overlap and Side lap.
The concept of overlap sometimes referred to as end lap and side lap are represented
schematically in Figs. (3.2) and (3.3) respectively.
Fig. 3.1 Change in Ground Coverage (G * G) due to:
Fig. 3.2 Overlap between successive aerial photographs and B is the air base.
Stereoscopic vision
Fig. 3.3 Sidelap between adjacent strips, S is the spacing between flight lines.
Overlap between successive photographs is required to ensure stereoscopic coverage in the

overlap area. Accordingly a minimum 50% overlap should exist between successive
photographs. However, to avoid the possibility of having gaps it is a common practice to
design the flight such that the photographs are obtained with 60% or more overlap. This serves
as a precaution against the effect of wind, drift, tilt of photograph or other factors.
From figures (3.2), and (3.3) the amount of overlap and side lap are expressed by equation
(3.2), and (3.3).
𝐆−𝐁
Overlap = ( 𝐆
)x 100 ………………….. (3.2)
𝐆−𝐒
Sidelap = ( 𝐆
)x 100 ………………….. (3.3)
Where side lap as a precaution against the effect of excessive tilts, variation of flying height
or large terrain undulations.
Another flight mission that will be affected such as (Purpose, Scale requirements, Weather
conditions, and Wind effect).
Stereoscopic vision
 Design of flight map.
The boundaries of the area to be covered, the direction of flight lines as well as the position
of each exposure station should be shown on the flight map. These should be drawn to scale
on any existing map of the area concerned. Systematic coverage is obtained by flying the
aircraft at a fixed height, and in a series of straight lines. As the aircraft flies along one
straight line, photographs will be taken at regular intervals. The photographs taken during
the time that the aircraft flies along any one by 60% overlap. Having flown one complete
strip, the aircraft must turn around and fly back along another strip such that a sidelap of
approximately 25% exists between adjacent strips. The strips are normally flown in a
direction parallel with the longest dimension of the area to be covered unless otherwise
specified. Likewise, adjacent strips are known collectively as a block.
The steps followed in preparing a flight map, computing number or strips and photos are
explained with the help of Fig. (3.4), assuming R% overlap and P% side lap and square
ground coverage of (G x G).
Fig. 3.4 Design elements of a flight map for an area (L1 x l2).
Stereoscopic vision
𝑃
Lateral advance per strip (S) = (1 −
100
) x G ………………….. (3.4)
Usually first and last flight lines are taken inside the boundaries of the area with an amount
equals 0.2 G to ensure lateral coverage outside the project area. Accordingly, the number
of strips approximated to the nearest higher round figure is computed using equation (5.5).
𝐋𝟐 −𝟎.𝟒 𝐱 𝐆
Number of strips = (
𝐒
)+ 1 ………………….. (3.5)
𝑅
Lateral advance per photo (B) = (1 −
100
) x G ………….. (3.6)
It is common practice to take two extra photos beyond the project boundaries at each end.
Therefore the number of photographs per strip approximated to the nearest higher round
figure is given by equation (3.7).
𝐿
Number of photos per strip = ( 1 ) + 4 ………….. (3.7)
𝐵
3.2 Stereoscopic Viewing

The term stereoscopic viewing means seeing an object in three dimensions. This is a process
that requires two-eyed vision. In Figure 3.5, two eyes L and R are separated by a distance b
called the eye base. When the eyes are focused on point A, their optical axes converge to form
angle φ1 and when sighting on B, φ2 is produced. Angles φ1 and φ2 are called parallactic angles.
Each parallactic angle we can computed from equation (3.8) as:
𝑏 𝑏
φ1 = 2 tan-1 , φ2 = 2 tan-1 ……………………. (3.8)
𝑑𝐴 𝑑𝐵
where
dA and dB are the distance that happens then stereoscopy, which differ from one
person to other
Stereoscopic vision
b is the eye base, which differ from one person to other
The shortest distance of clear stereoscopic depth perception for the average adult is about 10
inches. The eye base of the average adult is approximately 2.6 inches. The maximum parallatic
angle formed by the eye, assuming 10 inches as the minimum focusing distance, is therefore
equal 15o computed from equation (3.8).
If two photographs of the same subject are taken from two different perspectives or camera
stations, the left print viewed with the left eye and simultaneously the right print seen with the
right eye, a mental impression of a three-dimensional model results.
Fig. 3.5 Parallactic angles in stereoscopic viewing.
The stereoscope shown in Figure 3.6 permits viewing photographs stereoscopically by

enabling the left and right eyes to focus comfortably on the left and right prints, respectively,
assuming proper orientation has been made of the overlapping pair of photographs under the
instrument. Correct orientation requires the two photographs to be laid out in the same order
they were taken with the stereoscope so set that the line joining its lens centers is parallel with
Stereoscopic vision
the direction of flight. The print spacing is varied, carefully maintaining this parallelism, until
a clear three-dimensional view (stereoscopic model) is obtained.
Fig. 3.6 Folding mirror stereoscope with parallax bar.

3.3 Parallax and Parallax Equations.
Parallax is defined as the apparent displacement of the position of an object with respect to a
frame of reference due to a shift in the point of observation. By using the camera format as a
frame of reference, it can be seen that parallax exists for all images appearing on successive
photographs due to forward motion between exposures. Points closer to the camera (of higher
elevation) will appear to move faster and have greater parallaxes than lower ones.
Parallax of a point is a function of its relief and consequently measuring it provides a means
of calculating elevations. It is also possible to compute X and Y ground coordinates from
parallax, the parallax of the point is then calculated from the expression:
p = x – x1 …………………………………….. (3.9)
Stereoscopic vision
Photographic coordinates x and x1 are measured on the left-hand and right-hand prints,
respectively, with due regard given for algebraic signs.
Figure 3.7 illustrates an overlapping pair of vertical photographs exposed at equal flight
heights H above datum. The distance between exposure stations L and L1 is called B, the air
base. The inset figure shows the two exposure stations L and L1in superposition to make the
similarity of triangles La’1a’and LA’L1 more easily recognized. When these two similar
triangles are equated, there results
𝐩 𝐁 𝐁𝐟
= , from which, H–h= ……………….……… (3.10)
𝐟 𝐇−𝐡 𝐩
Fig. 3.7 Stereoscopic parallax relationships.

Also from similar triangles LOA’ and Loa’,
𝐱
X = (H – h) …………………………………….. (3.11)
𝐟
Stereoscopic vision
Substituting Equation (3.10) into (3.11) gives
𝐁
X= x ……………….………………………….. (3.12)
𝐩
and from triangles LAA ‘ and Laa’ , with substitution of Equation (3.10) yields
𝐁
Y= y ……………….………………………….. (3.13)
𝐩
In Equations (3.12) and (3.13), X and Y are ground coordinates of a point ,the parallax of the
point is p, x and y the photographic coordinates of a point on the left-hand print, H the flying
height above datum, h the point’s elevation above the same datum, and f the camera focal
length.
Equations (3.10) through (3.13), commonly called the parallax equations, are useful in
calculating horizontal lengths of lines and elevations of points. They also provide the
fundamental basis for the design and operation of stereoscopic plotting instruments.
Example 3.1
The length of line AB and elevations of points A and B, whose images appear on two
overlapping vertical photographs, are needed. The flying height above datum was 4050 ft and
the air base was 2410 ft. The camera had a 6-in. focal length. Measured photographic
coordinates (in inches) on the left-hand image are, xa = 2.10, xb = 3.50, ya = 2.00, and yb = -
1.05; on the right-hand image x1a = -2.25 and x1b = -1.17
Solution:
Pa = xa – x1a = 2.10 – (-2.25) = 4.35 in
Pb = xb – x1b = 3.50 – (-1.17) = 4.67 in,
B 𝟐𝟒𝟏𝟎 𝐱 𝟐.𝟏𝟎 B 𝟐𝟒𝟏𝟎 𝐱 𝟑.𝟓𝟎
XA = xa = = 1160 ft , XB = xb = = 1810 ft
pa 𝟒.𝟑𝟓 pb 𝟒.𝟔𝟕
Stereoscopic vision
B 𝟐𝟒𝟏𝟎 𝐱 𝟐.𝟎𝟎 B 𝟐𝟒𝟏𝟎 𝐱 (−𝟏.𝟎𝟓)
YA = ya = = 1110 ft , YB = yb = = - 542 ft
pa 𝟒.𝟑𝟓 pb 𝟒.𝟔𝟕
Line AB = √(1160 − 1810)2 + (1110 + 542)2 = 1780 ft

Bf 𝟐𝟒𝟏𝟎 𝒙 𝟔
hA = H - = 4050 - = 726 ft
pa 𝟒.𝟑𝟓
Bf 𝟐𝟒𝟏𝟎 𝒙 𝟔
hB = H - = 4050 - = 954 ft
pb 𝟒.𝟔𝟕
3.4 Terrestrial and close‐range photogrammetry

It deals with photographs taken with cameras located on the surface of the earth. The camera
may be handheld, mounted on tripods, or suspended from towers.
Terrestrial photogrammetry can be further classified:
 As close‐range photogrammetry if the camera‐ object distance is somewhere
between 0.1 m to 100m.
 As macrophotogrammetry if the camera‐object distance is in the 0.10 to 0.01 m range,
 As microphotogrammetry when the photos are exposed through a microscope.
Terrestrail Photogrammetry Applications:

– Architecture, – Aircraft manufacturing, – Shipbuilding
– Telecommunication, – Robotics, – Archaeology
– Medicine, – Criminology and police department
3.5 Problems
1. A flight plan for an area 10 mi wide and 15 mi long is required. The average terrain in the
area is 1500 ft above datum. The camera has a 6 in. focal length with 9 x 9 in format.
Overlap is to be 60%, sidelap 25%. The required scale of the photography is 1:12,000.
Stereoscopic vision
2. Aerial photography is to be taken of a tract of land that is 8 mi square. Flying height will
be 4000 ft above average terrain, and the camera has focal length 152.4 mm. If the focal
plane opening is 9 x 9 in , and minimum sidelap is 30%, how many flight lines will be
needed to cover this area?
3. Aerial photography was taken at a flying height 6800 ft above average terrain. If the camera
focal plane dimensions are 9 x 9 in , the focal length is 88.9 mm and the spacing between
adjacent flight lines is 13500 ft, what is the percent sidelap for this flying?
4. Photographs at a scale of 1 : 14400 are required to cover an area 40 mi square. The camera
has a focal length 89.0 mm and focal plane dimensions of 9 x 9 in, If overlap is 60% and
sidelap 30%, how many photos will be required to cover this area ?
5. An air base of 3205 ft exists for a pair of overlapping vertical photographs taken at a flying
height of 5500 ft above MSL with a camera having a focal length of 152.4 mm. Photo
coordinates of points A and B on the left photograph are xa = 40.50 mm, ya = 42.80 mm,
xb = 23.59 mm, and yb = -59.15 mm. The x photo coordinates on the right photograph are
xa = -60.68 mm and xb = -70.29 mm. Using the parallax equations, calculate horizontal
length AB, and the elevations of points A and B ?.
6. The following table gives the measured photo coordinates of points A, B, C, and D.
Point x (Left photo) mm x’ (Right photo) mm
A 55.37 - 33.02
B 72.26 - 19.63
C 97.64 6.35
D 104.36 12.04
Stereoscopic vision
 What are the lowest and highest points?
 Calculate the elevations of points A, B, C, and D. If a standard camera is used from a
flying height of 12000 ft above datum and the air base is 6300 ft?
7. A line on the ground AB of length 8352 ft. The focal length of the used camera is 150 mm.
The following measurements are made:
Point Left photo coordinates Parallax (mm)
x (mm) y (mm)
A 29.22 67.15 85.18
B 19.83 - 72.82 87.34
Compute the air base B and verify the length AB?
Stereoscopic vision

Chapter 3 Stereo Imagery

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‫ جامعة القاهرة‬- ‫كلية الهندسة‬

‫شعبة هندسة الجيوماتكس‬

Public Works Department

Dr. Adel S. El-komy

Spring 2015 – 2016

3.1 Flight Planning.

Information ordinarily calculated in flight planning includes

G2 = Area of format x (scale factor)2 ………………. (3.1)

Fig. 3.1 Change in Ground Coverage (G * G) due to:

Overlap between successive photographs is required to ensure stereoscopic coverage in the

3.2 Stereoscopic Viewing

Fig. 3.5 Parallactic angles in stereoscopic viewing.

The stereoscope shown in Figure 3.6 permits viewing photographs stereoscopically by

Fig. 3.6 Folding mirror stereoscope with parallax bar.

Fig. 3.7 Stereoscopic parallax relationships.

Line AB = √(1160 − 1810)2 + (1110 + 542)2 = 1780 ft

3.4 Terrestrial and close‐range photogrammetry

 As close‐range photogrammetry if the camera‐ object distance is somewhere

between 0.1 m to 100m.

 As macrophotogrammetry if the camera‐object distance is in the 0.10 to 0.01 m range,

 As microphotogrammetry when the photos are exposed through a microscope.

Terrestrail Photogrammetry Applications:

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