Photogrammetry | Types, Application, Advantages & Disadvantages

Photogrammetry is defined as the art, science, and technology of obtaining reliable information about physical objects and the environment through the process of recording, measuring, and interpreting photographic images and patterns of recorded radiant electromagnetic energy phenomena.

  1. Types of Photographs  

Mainly there are two types of photographs they are:

a. Terrestrial Photograph  

It is the branch of photogrammetry in which photographs are taken from a fixed position on or near the ground and the photograph thus taken is known as terrestrial photogrammetry.

b. Aerial Photograph  

The branch of photogrammetry in which photographs are taken from a camera mounted in aircraft flying over the area and the photograph thus taken is known as aerial photogrammetry.

There are 2 types of photographs in Aerial Photogrammetry.

a. Vertical Photograph

These are photographs that are taken from the air with the axis of the camera vertically.

b. Oblique Photograph 

These are photographs that are taken from the air with the axis of the camera tilted vertically.

  2. Application  

It has been used in several areas.

1. Geology

Structural geology, investigation of water resources and analysis of thermal patterns on the earth’s surface, geomorphological studies including investigation of shore features, earthquakes, flood, and eruption.

2. Forestry

Timber inventories, cover maps, acreage studies.

3. Agriculture

Soil type, soil conservation, crop planting, crop diseases, crop-acreage.

4. Design and construction

Data is needed for site and route, especially for alternate schemes for photogrammetry.

5. Planning of cities and highways

New highway locations, detailed design of construction contracts, planning of civic improvements.

6. Cadastral

Cadastral problems such as determination of landlines for assessment of taxes. Large-scale cadastral maps are prepared for the reapportionment of land.

7. Environmental studies

Land-use studies

8. Exploration

To identify and zero down to areas for various exploratory jobs such as oil or exploration.

9. Military intelligence

Reconnaissance for the deployment of forces, planning maneuvers, assessing effects of the operation, and initiating problems related to topography, and terrain condition of works.

10. Miscellaneous

Crime detection, traffic studies, oceanography, meteorological observation, architectural and archaeological surveys, and contouring beef cattle for animal husbandry.

  3. Advantages of Photogrammetry  

Some advantages of photogrammetry over conventional surveying and mapping methods are as follows:

a. It provides a permanent photographic record of conditions of features on the field.

b. It provides a broad view of the project area, identifying topographic and cultural features.

c. ft can be used in locations that are difficult, unsafe, or impossible to access

d. Photogrammetry is an ideal surveying method for toxic areas.

e. Road surveys can be done without disturbing traffic or endangering the field crew.

  4. Disadvantages of Photogrammetry  

a. Weather conditions (winds, clouds, haze, etc.) affect the aerial photography process and the quality of the images.

b. Seasonal conditions affect the aerial photographs.

c. Hidden grounds caused by man-made objects, such as an overpass and a roof, cannot be mapped with photogrammetry.

d. The accuracy of the mapping depends on flight height and the accuracy of the field survey.