CARTOSPOT is a system which enables us to produce, automatically, digital topographical maps and ground digital models from SPOT images. This paper describes methods, equipment and the different software modules used. The system’s possibilities, performance and advantages are also discussed. Although the the system is already operational and allows the production of ground digital models, topographical maps and by-products at a reasonable cost, improvements are proposed which should, in the future, allow a reduced realization time of these products and, therefore, their cost, and even improve their quality.