CEE/IES/FOR 403: Geometric Analysis of Vertical Aerial Photographs
Course Syllabus: Fall 1998 (5 weeks: Oct. 6 - Nov. 5)

LECTURE: 8:50-9:40am Tues. & Thurs., rm. 2265 Engineering Hall

LAB: 3:30-5:25pm Thurs., rm. 1213 Engineering Hall

INSTRUCTOR: Dan Rodman
                            1205 Engineering Hall
                            262-1262 / 280-8315
                            e-mail: dcrodman@students.wisc.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION / PURPOSE: This 5-week course is an overview of the photogrammetric (photography measurement) procedures used to obtain reliable spatial measurements and maps from vertical aerial photographs. Analysis of single photographs and stereopairs is emphasized and the basic operating principles of mechanical and digital stereoplotters are presented. Upon completion of this module, students should be familiar with the geometry of vertical aerial photographs; the devices used to obtain photogrammetric measurements; and the production of maps, orthophotos and digital elevation models from aerial photographs. Laboratory work provides experience in measuring distances, directions, heights, and areas from vertical aerial photographs.

This course is intended to prepare the student for the extensive day-to-day use of vertical areial photographs in natural resource management, engineering, land planning, and environmental assessment. While profound technical and institutional changes are increasing the use of digital non-photographic remote sensing systems, traditional aerial photography continues to serve as the primary means of obtaining spatial data in many applications. Airphotos are also a valuable source of historical information, and are often used as "ground truth" to calibrate and verify satellite-based analysis. Likewise, airphotos are a major source of data for modern geographic information systems (GIS).

PREREQUISITES: MATH 221 (first semester calculus) or equivalent, CEE301 or CEE353 (classes introducing remote sensing concepts), or consent of instructor. Proficiency in college algebra and trigonometry is essential. This course will also make limited use of differential calculus.

TEXT (ONLY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING)

Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation, Third Edition, Lillesand and Kiefer. Wiley Publishers, 1994.

Elements of Photogrammetry, Second Edition, Wolf. McGraw-Hill Publ., 1983. (This book is recommended for students intending to take CEE404 - Mapping with Aerial Photographs. Or CEE405 Digital Photorammetry)

 EQUIPMENT YOU MUST BRING: A measurement scale for taking precise measurements. A metric or English scale is permitted. A metric scale must be graduated to 1 mm or finer (so measurements can be estimated to 0.1 mm), and an English scale to 0.1 inch or finer (so measurements can be estimated to 0.01 inch).

GRADING BASIS:   Homework and Laboratory Exercises:        60%
                                    Final Examination:                                         40%

LAB AND HOMEWORK POLICY All lab and homework problems are to be completed in a neat, logical and clear fashion. A 10% reduction in grade will be assessed for each weekday (or portion thereof) a lab or homework assignment is handed in late.

LECTURE AND LAB TOPIC SCHEDULE
 
DATE TOPIC & ASSIGNMENT
Tues, 10/6 Introduction & course mechanics, aerial cameras, lens characteristics, camera calibration. 
READING: L/K: 2.12 & 4.1, or Wolf: Chap. 4
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT #1: Camera Characteristics and Significant Figures
Thurs, 10/8 Shrinkage correction, significant figures, atmospheric refraction, earth curvature, types of air photos, scale over flat terrain
READING: L/K: 2.15 & 4.2, or Wolf: 6.1-6.6
LAB: ASSIGNMENT #2: Scale and Area Measurement
Tues, 10/13 Scale over varying terrain, example scale problems, area measurement
READING: L/K: pp. 165-169
Thurs, 10/15 Ground coordinates, horizontal distances, horizontal angles, ground control & example problem.
READING: L/K: 4.3-4.7, or Wolf: 6.7 & Chap. 15
LAB: ASSIGNMENT #3: Scale and Ground Coordinates
Tues, 10/20 Relief displacement, datum corrections, height determination, error estimation.
READING: L/K: 4.4, or Wolf 6.8 & 6.10
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT #4: Height Determination by Relief Displacement on Single Photo
Thurs, 10/22 Parallax definition and equations, parallax measurement.
READING: L/K: 4.5 & 4.6, or Wolf: 8.1-8.9
LAB: ASSIGNMENT #5: Parallax Measurement using Monoscopic Methods
Tues, 10/27 Photographic mission planning, introduction to stereoplotters
READING: L/K: 4.11, or Wolf: 16.1-16.12
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT #6: Photographic Flight Planning
Thurs, 10/29 Stereoplotters, orthophotographs, digital photogrammetry
READING: L/K: 4.9 & 4.10, or Wolf: 12.1-12.6, 12.10-12.11, 12.17-12.19, Chap. 13 LAB: ASSIGNMENT #7: Introduction to Digital Photogrammetry
Tues, 11/3 Continue stereoplotters, orthophotographs & digital photogrammetry; course summary, exam discussion, course evaluation
READING: L/K: 4.12
Thurs, 11/5 FINAL EXAM (during lecture period)
LAB: Make-up time