3.7. Design and Algorithmic Aspects of Digital 
Photogrammetric Systems 
(Intercommission WG 11/111; chairmen: Prof Dr Heinrich Ebner, 
FRG, and Prof Dr Ian Dowman, UK) 
The intercommission Working Group 11/111 studies the following 
subjects: 
- Definition of the functions and performance capabilities 
expected of digital photogrammetric systems 
- Critical evaluation of existing systems 
- Proposals for development, aiming at widespread use of 
such systems in practice 
- Digital photogrammetric systems comprise hardware and 
software designed to derive photogrammetric products from 
digital imagery, using manual and automatic techniques and 
algorithms for point determination, surface reconstruction, 
feature extraction and digital image transformation. 
- The design aspects include system architecture and 
individual components, interfaces for data input and output 
and geographical information systems, and the human interface. 
- The algorithmic aspects are related to real-time and on-line 
procedures, restitution modes such as mono, stereo, multi 
image, and parallel processing. 
One of the main issues studied by the WG is the role of 
hardware relative to software. Given the fast development in 
hardware, the existence of flexible and partable software is a 
key necessity for the success of any digital photogrammetric 
system. 
Another main question yet to be answered is "What can digital 
equipment do that analytical plotters cannot?" (U Helava)