5.1.8 - Example 4.8
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Interactive Audio Lesson
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Introduction to Graphical Radial Triangulation
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Today, we're learning about graphical radial triangulation. It's a method that involves using photographs to create accurate maps by locating control points. Does anyone know what a Ground Control Point or GCP is?
Is it something like a reference point for accuracy in mapping?
Exactly! GCPs serve as reference points to ensure our maps are accurate. Now, can anyone think of what instruments we might need for this process?
Do we need a stereoscope and a ruler?
Yes! A mirror stereoscope is particularly helpful in viewing and transferring points between photographs.
But how do we actually select these control points?
Great question! We will select Principal Points, Minor Control Points, and Lateral Control Points. Each point has specific requirements related to elevation and position. Let's remember them as P-M-L: Principal, Minor, Lateral.
Steps in Graphical Radial Triangulation
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Now let's break down the steps in graphical radial triangulation. We start with laying out the photographs and identifying GCPs. Can anyone tell me what the second step involves?
Transferring the principal points to adjoining photographs, right?
Spot on! Then we select Minor Control Points, which help in further accuracy. Who can remind me about the qualities these MCPs should possess?
They should almost be at the same elevation and at a distance equating to twice the mean base of the adjoining photographs.
Great job! This step is crucial in maintaining consistency and reducing errors. Let's not forget about the Lateral Control Points that serve as connections between different strips.
Adjusting Photographs and Scaling
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As we proceed, it's vital to adjust photographs to a common scale, especially due to elevation differences. Can anyone explain why this is necessary?
Because if the heights vary, the scale of the photographs also changes, right?
Exactly! And improper scaling can lead to considerable errors in final maps. What tools do we use for scaling adjustments?
We use a tracing sheet and compare the known control data, adjusting every minor control plot.
Correct! Remember to always check for errors between adjacent strips—keeping discrepancies below 3 mm is key.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
The section focuses on the methods used in graphical radial triangulation, including selecting principal points, minor and lateral control points, and adjusting the photographs for uniform scale. It also covers different types of aerial triangulation and the significance of ground control points in improving mapping accuracy.
Detailed
Detailed Summary
This section outlines the important techniques involved in graphical radial triangulation using simple instruments such as a mirror stereoscope and a ruler. The process initiates with identifying Ground Control Points (GCPs) on photographs and involves several steps:
- Identifying GCPs: Photographs are arranged in strips where GCPs are marked.
- Determining Principal Points: Each photograph's principal point is found and transferred to adjoining photographs as conjugate points.
- Selecting Minor Control Points (MCPs): These are picked around the principal point with specific elevation and positional requirements.
- Transferring MCPs: These points are transferred stereoscopically to adjoining photographs.
- Choosing Lateral Control Points (LCPs): Located in the center of lateral overlaps to connect strips, ensuring accuracy across different strips.
- Graphical Adjustment: Photographs are adjusted to a common scale due to elevation differences, utilizing techniques to plot uniformly scaled photographs for accurate mapping. The crucial aspects of scaling, errors from elevation differences, and careful selection of control points for minimizing discrepancies in final maps are highlighted. Finally, block triangulation is briefly contrasted, noting its computational advantages over strip triangulation.
The section serves to educate on the practices in photogrammetric mapping, essential for producing accurate topographic and thematic maps.
Audio Book
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Mapping a Rectangular Area
Chapter 1 of 4
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Chapter Content
A rectangular area 130 km x 120 km is to be mapped from aerial photographs taken to a scale of 1/20000. The focal length of the lens of the camera to be used is 152 mm and each print is to be 230 mm square. Provision is to be made for a 60% overlap between successive exposures and a 25% lateral overlap.
Detailed Explanation
In this chunk, we are tasked with mapping a rectangular area of 130 km by 120 km using aerial photographs. The key details are the scale of the photographs, which is 1/20000, and the camera lens focal length of 152 mm. The scale indicates that 1 unit on the photograph represents 20000 units on the ground. Thus, the aerial photographs must adequately cover the given area while accounting for overlaps to ensure complete coverage.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you are taking a series of photographs of a large park to create a complete map. You need to ensure each photo overlaps with the previous one—like pieces of a puzzle—so that no sections of the park are missed.
Average Height Above Ground Level
Chapter 2 of 4
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Chapter Content
a) Average height above ground level: H = f / S = 152 mm / (1/20000) = 152 * 20000 * 10^-3 = 3040 m.
Detailed Explanation
To calculate the average height at which the aircraft must operate, we use the formula H = f/S, where H is the height, f is the focal length of the camera, and S is the scale of the photograph. With the focal length of 152 mm and a scale of 1/20000, we convert the scale to its reciprocal and compute the height needed to take photographs that accurately reflect the specified area.
Examples & Analogies
Think of using a telescope where the lens size corresponds to how far you can see. Here, the focal length of the camera lens determines how high up we need to be to capture a wide enough view of the area being mapped.
Time Interval Between Exposures
Chapter 3 of 4
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Chapter Content
b) Let the flight line be parallel to the 130 km length. Since there is a 60% overlap between successive exposures, the effective length of each photograph is 40% of 230 mm, i.e., 0.4*230 = 92 mm. The ground distance covered by this photo length is 92 mm * 20000 * 10^-3 = 1840 m. Number of photographs per strip = 130,000 / 1840 = 70.65 ≈ 71 photos. The operating speed of the aircraft is 200 km/h. To cover a length of 130 km, the aircraft needs 130 / 200 = 0.65 hour. Since the exposures are at regular intervals, time interval between exposures = 0.65 hour / 71 ≈ 33.12 sec.
Detailed Explanation
This chunk focuses on determining the time needed between each photograph taken. A 60% overlap means that each photo covers only 40% of its full width when capturing the next section. Calculating the effective photo length allows us to determine how many photos are needed to cover the entire flight path. Dividing the total coverage time by the number of photographs gives the time interval between exposures, ensuring a systematic approach to photographing the area.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine taking quick snapshots of a parade. You can only capture sections that overlap with each previous shot; if you time your shots improperly, you may miss capturing important details in the parade.
Minimum Number of Photographs Required
Chapter 4 of 4
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Chapter Content
c) The width of the area to be photographed is 120 km. A 25% lateral overlap results in an effective photo length of 230 mm, which is 0.75 * 230 = 172.5 mm. The ground distance covered by this width is 172.5 mm * 20000 * 10^-3 = 3450 m. Number of strips = 120,000 / 3450 ≈ 35 strips. Minimum number of photographs required = 71 * 35 = 2485.
Detailed Explanation
Next, we calculate how many strips of photographs are needed to cover the width of the rectangular area, accounting for a 25% lateral overlap. By reducing the effective photo length due to overlap, we find the total ground coverage per photograph. Then, dividing the total area width by the ground coverage gives the number of strips required. Finally, multiplying the number of photographs per strip by the number of strips gives us the minimum number of photographs needed.
Examples & Analogies
Think of layering sheets of colorful cellophane to create a large artwork. Each sheet needs to overlap with neighboring sheets for a coherent final piece. Similar strategies apply when taking aerial photographs, ensuring all parts of the area are covered.
Key Concepts
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Graphical Radial Triangulation: A method using photographs for accurate mapping based on identifying and connecting control points.
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Ground Control Points: Essential reference points for ensuring accuracy in mapping.
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Scaling Adjustment: The process of aligning photographs to a common scale to avoid errors due to elevation differences.
Examples & Applications
In an aerial mapping project, if one of the GCPs is mislocated, it can result in significant errors in the final map.
Selecting MCPs requires careful evaluation of their relative elevation to maintain accuracy in height measurement.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
To map the land with precision, we place our GCPs with great vision.
Stories
Imagine surveying a vast forest, and placing GCPs in clearings to guide your mapping journey.
Memory Tools
Use P-M-L: Principal, Minor, Lateral for remembering control points.
Acronyms
GCP for Ground Control Points - our map's backbone!
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Ground Control Points (GCPs)
Reference points used in aerial photography and mapping to ensure accuracy.
- Principal Point
The central point in a photograph from which measurements are referenced.
- Minor Control Points (MCPs)
Points selected near the principal point to aid in mapping accuracy.
- Lateral Control Points (LCPs)
Points chosen in the center of overlaps to connect different photographic strips.
- Stereoscope
An instrument used to view pairs of photographs to create a three-dimensional effect.
- Radial Triangulation
A photogrammetric technique used to define point positions using radial lines from a principal point.
Reference links
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