Accuracy of three dimensional coordinate determination using large format camera photography

Abstract

Investigations were conducted at the University of New Brunswick into the accuracy obtainable for coordinate determination utilizing large format camera (LFC) photography taken from the Space Shuttle. The locations of 118 ground control points (CCP) were identified on a strip of 9 photographs taken during Orbit 38 of Space Shuttle mission 41G, October 1984. The strip, of approximate scale 1:788 000 extends overa 400 km track from Empress to Rockglen in Saskatchewan, Canada. The GCP used were road intersections for which coordinates could be obtained from terrestrial observations. Photograph coordinates were observed in an OMIAP-2C analytical plotter. Computations included image refinement, analytical model formation, independent model and bundle aero-triangulation, and single image transformations. The accuracy of derived ground coordinates was evaluated by comparing computed and known ground positions of check points. Conclusions are drawn on the performance of the LFC photography as a means of coordinate determination, and its application in support of mapping.