What is Photomapping?

Introduction

Photomapping is the process of creating a map from a picture base. In all likelihood, computer map production, including analog processing, will have replaced human map creating for well over 90% of all maps.

Definitions and Principles

Photomapping is the process of creating a map with cartographic enhancements” drawn from a photomosaic, which is “a composite photographic image of the ground,” or, more precisely, as a controlled photomosaic in which “individual photographs are rectified for tilt and brought to a common scale (at least at certain control points).

In general, imagery is corrected by fitting the projected pictures of each shot to a set of four control points whose coordinates have been obtained from an existing map or from ground measurements.

When these rectified, scaled images are placed on a grid of control points, a satisfactory correspondence between them can be accomplished through skilled trimming and fitting as well as usage of areas around the principal point where the relief displacements (which cannot be erased) are at a minimum.

It is reasonable to expect that some sort of photomap will become the standard general map of the future.

Photomapping appears to be the only acceptable approach to take reasonable benefit” of future data sources such as high-altitude aircraft and satellite imagery.

Photomapping Applications

Archaeology Photomapping

Historic air photos photography were utilized to aid in the development of a reconstruction of the Ventura mission that led excavations of the structure’s walls, demonstrating the link between orthophoto mapping and archaeology.

Overhead photography has been routinely used at archaeological sites to map surface remnants and excavation exposures.

The following platforms have been suggested for obtaining these photographs:

World War One War Balloons
Meteorological balloons made of rubber.
Platforms made of wood.
Metal frameworks built on top of an excavation exposed.
Ladders can be used alone or in conjunction with poles or planks.
Ladders with three legs.
Poles with single and multiple sections
Tripods and bipods.
Tetrapod aerial bucket trucks (“cherry pickers”) and light weight individuals dangling from a neighboring tree limb.
Excavation exposures have been recorded using hand-held near-nadir over-head digital images and geographic information systems (GIS).

Photomapping in Architecture

Architecture firms can use photomapping to quickly and accurately create new foundation drawings from existing photographs.

Pay slips have been used for this purpose and it is relatively easy to overlay them with the photographic lines. Ascertain the orientation of the building and where foundation walls are likely to be present based on existing photographs.

Photomapping at the Design Center

Photomapping is used to help the design team to give the final project a distinguished and unique look that complements their vision of the future.

By using photomapping, it can significantly enhance understanding of three-dimensional shapes.

The following steps pertaining to photomapping are taken by various design teams:

Identify ideal castings and input them in an appropriate CAD data base. Determine where a mesh/collar/reinforcement will be needed on application drawings (e.g., a curve along a wall or at the intersection of two different types of materials).

Obtain construction photos along with the CAD drawings. If a mesh/collar/reinforcement is desired, then draw out a basic grid on which to place the image of the desired shape.

The photograph will serve as a guide for placement and refinement. Use photomapping software to create a digital image that allows tracing of lines, curves and vertices between corresponding points on CAD drawings and photographs.

Photomapping in Museums

The ability to provide a variety of different ways for museum visitors to approach a collections and exhibitions of artifacts have forced museums to rethink the ways in which they serve their viewers and patrons.

Museums are making sure that there is an interaction among objects, texts, audio-visual devices and interactive stations to enhance the museum experience of the visitor.

Photomapping is used in museums to transform digital images into three dimensional models or, more generally, images into real objects.

Photomapping, in the context of “museum imaging”, involves taking photographs of a collections or museum objects, thus allowing for the proper interpretation and presentation of those objects in a way that is appropriate for those viewing them (p.284).

Photomapping at the Construction Site

Photomapping is useful for recording construction.

It can be used to organize, record, and track construction progress as it proceeds.
It can enhance safety by identifying material movement as it occurs.
It can be used to monitor construction equipment.
It can be used as a cost-effective means of measuring and mapping foundations, walls and related structures.

By utilizing photomapping at construction sites, it can used as an effective way to document the construction process visually allowing for an efficient and thorough form of communication between the team members and patrons.

Photomapping Methods

Photomapping is an approach that uses photogrammetry methods in order to create 2D maps or 3D models from photographs that are taken at ground level or from aerial imaging perspectives.

Photogrammetry is a combination of the two words ‘photography’ and ‘lithography’.

It involves the use of photography to record topographical data that is later used to create a map or model.

The main advantages of photogrammetry are:

It can be very affordable; it has been found to be one of the most cost-effective ways to create maps and plans.
The accuracy of images produced also depends on factors such as camera settings, subject position and angle, digital processing, and pre-existing data.

Photogrammetry is used in the following ways:

For capturing the images required to create maps and plans.
For obtaining models of things that are difficult to build in real life (such as buildings, bridges, etc.).
For creating 3D scenes of things that cannot be built in real life.
Aerial photogrammetry uses an aerial platform such as a helicopter or an airplane for photographing objects for creating photographs and plans.
Photomapping an Area

The components of the photogrammetry process are as follows:

Identify a site/area to be mapped.
Define the shapes, dimensions and material of objects to be photographed.
Set up a tripod and camera so that you can take all ground level photographs needed. Attach a control device to the camera so that it can be moved slowly over the area being photographed.

Photomapping Advantages

It can be used to make plans and maps quickly and accurately. It can help visualize the development of a project. It can provide visual assistance to workers involved in a project.

Photomapping Disadvantages

Photomapping is used to create 3D models from 2D photographs. The quality and authenticity of the models depends on how well the photographs were taken and whether the photograph was taken with a digital camera or with film.

Can also be a source of information about the locations, shapes and amounts of various materials at a particular site as it can give realistic results for items that are not visible to the naked eye.

Photomapping Summary

Photomapping is a part of the larger field of photogrammetry. Photomapping is one of the most cost-effective ways to create maps and plans.

The accuracy of photomapped images depends on factors such as camera settings, subject position and angle, digital processing, and pre-existing data. The output of photomapping is 3D models or 2D maps and plans.

Photomapping can be used to create a wide range of products such as maps and plans, construction progress reports, facility management reports and model simulations. It is a fast and cost-effective way to document current conditions to compare against designs, records and plans.

Photomapping projects typically require the time it takes to survey the area with the camera at ground level or from aerial platforms. Photomapping is essential to the field of construction, as it allows for a means of recording how construction projects are progressing.

It can be used to provide visual assistance to workers in the field. The output from photomapping can be used for a variety of products like maps and plans, 3D models and simulations.

Photomapping is cost-effective for creating photos and plans for construction projects as well as insurance purposes. These photos allow you to track where materials are going and help with safety compliance on job sites.

FAQs

What is photomapping?

Why do we need photomapping?

Photomapping is a part of the larger field of photogrammetry. Photogrammetry is a combination of the two words ‘photography’ and ‘lithography’. It involves the use of photography to record topographical data that is later used to create a map or model.

What are the advantages of photomapping?

Photomapping is a low-cost approach to creating maps and plans. It can be very affordable, one of the most cost-effective ways to create maps and plans.

How does photomapping work?

Photogrammetry is a combination of the two words “photography” and “lithography”. In this context, “photography” refers to the photography of a two- or three-dimensional object or scene, and “lithography” refers to the development of that photograph into a map or model.

Are photomapping maps and plans accurate?

The accuracy of photomapped images depends on the factors such as camera settings, subject position and angle, digital processing, and pre-existing data. It can be quite difficult to accurately record 3-dimensional image data that is taken with a digital camera.

Why is photomapping important for architects?

Photomapping is an important tool for architects because it can help visualize the development of a project, help visualize the locations and shapes of various materials at a site, map the progress of construction, document safety issues and also provide staff with an accurate way of documenting their work.

How are architectural firms using photomapping?

Architectural firms are incorporating photomapping into their workflow to create plans and maps for projects. In addition, architectural firms are also using photomapping as a way to visualize a project before it is built.

This is done by creating 3D models using photos taken at ground level or from aerial imaging perspectives.

Some architectural firms are using photomapping to create plans for projects that cannot be built in reality. Photomapping cars, houses and small buildings will give designers a better idea of what the finished product will look like.

Can photomapping be used to make 3D models from photos?

It is very possible to make 3D models from digital photos that have been taken at ground level or from aerial imaging perspectives. It can also be used for making 1:1 scale model of an object that cannot be built in real life.

What is a photogrammetric survey?

Photogrammetry is the study of making accurate measurements using pictures or digital photo images to locate features on or above the earth’s surface.

What is photogrammetric mapping?

Photogrammetry is a technique for obtaining precise and dependable data for mapping purposes.

Topographic mapping with photogrammetry is the acquisition of two digital aerial pictures of a location from different viewpoints. These aerial photos are then examined in order to generate maps for various projects.

What is aerial photographic survey?

Aerial survey is a means of collecting geomatics or other imagery using airplanes, helicopters, unmanned airborne vehicles (UAVs), balloons, or other aerial methods.

Today, aerial survey is frequently used as a synonym for aero-photogrammetry, a type of photogrammetry in which the camera is mounted in the air.

Is photogrammetry still relevant?

In reality, photogrammetry was hailed as a critical component of space exploration as early as the 1960s, and technical advances have made it much more vital. It can tell us about cloud patterns, create accurate maps of Earth, and collect information about distant planets.

Do we need photogrammetry?

When it comes to understanding the universe, no one could deny the significance of photogrammetry. By some estimates, we’ve taken as many as ten trillion photos since the 1800s.

Which factors will have an impact on the accuracy of photomapping?

The accuracy of photomapped images depends on factors like camera settings, subject position and angle, digital processing and pre-existing data.

What is a photo map used for?

A map created by superimposing orienting data and annotations on an aerial picture. A map created by superimposing a grid on one or more aerial pictures and adding place names, etc.

What is planimetric map?

Planimetric diagram [cartography] A map that solely shows the x, y coordinates of features and depicts horizontal distances.

What is photomosaic map?

Maps made up of overlapping aerial pictures whose edges have been shredded or clipped and matched to make a continuous visual representation of the earth’s surface.

How are Google map pictures taken?

The satellite and aerial photos in Google Earth are captured by cameras on satellites and aircraft, which collect each image at a specified date and time. These photographs are shown as a one seamless image, and the date may vary as you move your pointer across the map.

Are aerial photos planimetric maps?

Planimetric maps are formed up of lines drawn around both man-made and natural features. These features are retrieved from aerial photography—anything visible in the imagery can be digitized.

What is photo mosaic in remote sensing?

Image mosaicking is a technique that merges many photos with overlapping parts into a large-scale continuous high-resolution image (the images may have been collected at various times, from different viewing angles, or by separate sensors).

What is a mosaic print?

A Photo Mosaic is a collection of little photographs (called tiles) that are placed to form a larger picture (matching with a source photo). Upload your source image, choose the “Photo Mosaics” effect, then proceed to checkout to complete your print order.

What are small photos called?

Etymology. The term “thumbnail” refers to the human thumbnail and refers to the small size of an image or picture that is comparable to the size of the human thumbnail.

The term was then used figuratively, both as a noun and as an adjective, to refer to something tiny or succinct, such as a biographical article.

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