2 
FROM DIGITAL COMPONENTS TO INTEGRATED SYSTEMS 
IN PHOTOGRAMME TRY 
INTRODUCTION 
The implementation of digital components in photogramme trie systems has estab 
lished one of the most significant mile-stones in the development of photogramme try. 
It has affected fundamentally the further course of development and opened the way 
for new applications. 
After the initial stage of a more or less subtle search for appropriate implications 
of digital components in photogramme try, the pattern of development has achieved 
a more distinct contour. Concurrently, vigorous development is taking place in the 
rational integration of digital components in photogramme trie restitution systems. 
Among these, mini-computers occupy a central position. Mini-computers have 
broad applications because of their modularity, performance, price and software. 
Development in the area of mini-computers therefore tends to be stable. 
This paper outlines the impact of digital equipment components on existing photo- 
grammetric systems and assesses future development trends. Attention is focussed 
particularly on the conceptual aspect of such systems„ 
There are several reasons for incorporating digital equipment components in photo- 
grammetric systems. Some typical examples are: to increase flexibility, to extend 
applicability, to raise accuracy and speed, and to improve comfort and simplicity 
of operation. All of these qualities need not be present in each system, as the 
various systems may be dedicated to different areas of application. 
Digital components are suited to supporting automatic operations. After the initial 
development stage, which was signified by incorporating digital co-ordinate gener 
ating and recording devices, two typical lines of development have evolved: 
- The off-line use of a digital computer, e. g. for pre-processing, intermediate 
processing, and/or post-processing of the photogrammetric data; 
- To interface a digital computer with the mechanical and/or optical components 
of a system for on-line control. 
In the following, consideration will be given to the general principles, the large scale 
restitution concept, and particularly to the concepts of automatic orthophoto printing 
and digital mono-plotting. ( ~ ~~ ‘ 
IN FORM AT IONSBI BLi OTH EK 
UNIVERSITÄTSBIBLIOTHEK 
HANNOVER