Florin Savopol
A DIGITAL MULTI CCD CAMERA SYSTEM FOR NEAR REAL-TIME MAPPING
F. Savopol'", M. Chapman? and M. Boulianne^?
(1) Geomatics Canada, Ottawa, Canada
(2) Ryerson Polytechnic University, Toronto, Canada
(3) Université Laval, Québec, Canada
Esavopol ? NRCan.gc.ca
mchapman @acs.ryerson.ca
Michel.Boulianne G scg.ulaval.ca
Working Group C#/G#
KEY WORDS: Digital Camera, CCD Camera, Real Time Mapping, Multiple Sensors System, Sensors Integration.
ABSTRACT
Recently, Canada had to deal with three major natural disasters over a short period of time: flooding in the Saguenay
area (province of Quebec) following heavy rain and the collapse of a water dam, flooding in Manitoba and an ice storm
in Quebec and Ontario. In each of these situations, the emergency services faced two mapping problems:
a) the need for up-to-date existing topographical information on both digital and classical (paper) support showing the
situation before the emergency situation (i.e., position of existing roads, bridges, community facilities, houses, etc.);
b) to acquire as quickly as possible, digital (eventually georeferenced) images from the disaster area in order to
understand the situation, to evaluate the damage and the risk of injuries or additional damage and for the supervision of
the rescue effort.
In the past, emergency services have used video recording from helicopters for reconnaissance purposes (disaster
understanding and evaluation) but these images had a poor resolution and no metric quality. We propose the use of a
new *Digital Multicamera System" able to provide imagery for both rapid reconnaissance and emergency mapping.
In order to demonstrate the feasibility of such a system, the present research work had two major goals:
1. To build a “Digital Multicamera System" for airborne image data collection by using 2 or more (preferably 4) digital
frame cameras in order to maintain a higher image resolution over a wide area. Also, adapt software for the system
calibration and for data extraction based on the results of a bundle adjustment.
2. To test this “Digital Multicamera System" in real flight conditions as an airborne image acquisition system and
evaluate its potential for real-time emergency mapping by using a radio link for image data download.
1 INTRODUCTION
The compilation from classical, film based, aerial photographs was and is still the most popular method for topographic
data acquisition for the production of new maps and for the revision of old and/or inaccurate maps and databases. For
the image orientation and compilation steps, the introduction of digital photogrammetry software marked the transition
to digital solutions, thus dramatically reducing any delays. The data acquisition step that previously relied upon
photographs recorded on film represents a time consuming and expensive process. Now, the increased use of
Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) for new thematic mapping applications is pushing the need for quality, up-to-
date data ready for end-user consumption.
Some thematic mapping applications rely on real-time or near real-time data addressing the specialized needs of such
disciplines as emergency response services, environmental impact assessment and response, utility corridor
management and resource management.
In order to meet these requirements, we have to find solutions for to main problems:
- the image data capture in digital form with an acceptable resolution and
- the rapid, near real-time transmission of the image data to the user.
266 International Archives of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. Vol. XXXIII, Part Bl. Amsterdam 2000.
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