Stereophotogrammetric Techniques Research Articles

Principles of self-calibration and visual effects for digital camera distortion

Abstract Producing accurate spatial data with stereo photogrammetric techniques is a challenging task, and the central projection of the space needs to be defined as closely as possible to its real form in each image taken for the relevant production. Interior camera parameters that define the exact imaging geometry of the camera and the exterior orientation parameters that locate and rotate the imaging directions in a coordinate system have to be known accurately for this correct definition. All distortions sourcing from lens and sensor planes and their recording geometry are significant as they are not suitable for detection with manual measurements. It is of vital importance to clearly understand the camera self-calibration concept with respect to the lens and the sensor plane geometry and include every possible distortion source as an unknown parameter in the calibration adjustments as they are all modellable systematic errors. In this study, possible distortion sources and self-calibration adjustments are explained in detail with a recently developed visualization software. The distortion sources investigated in the study are radial, tangential, differential scale, and axial skewing distortion. Thanks to the developed software, image center point, distorted grids, undistorted grids, and principal points were visualized. As a result, the most important element of obtaining accurate and precise photogrammetric productions is the correct definition of the central projection of the space for each image, and therefore, the study explains an accurate and robust procedure with the correct definition and use of correct camera internal parameters.

Visual Observation of the 6 June 2005 Descending Reflectivity Core

A visual observation of a descending reflectivity core (DRC) is presented in tandem with radar data from the Frederick, OK WSR-88D for a supercell storm that occurred on 6 June 2005. The DRC appeared as a dense column of precipitation to the right of the main core, west-southwest of the wall cloud. Through the use of stereo photogrammetric techniques, it is shown that these rain elements corresponded with a local maximum of reflectivity within the supercell echo appendage.

Comparison between stereophotogrammetric, digital, and conventional impression techniques in implant-supported fixed complete arch prostheses: An in vitro study

Statement of problemConventional impressions and digital intraoral scanning for implant-supported fixed complete arch prostheses still have many problems that influence accuracy. Although stereophotogrammetry may offer a reliable alternative to other techniques, it has seldom been investigated. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to measure and compare the intraoral scan body deviations of the reference cast with the intraoral scan body distortions obtained by conventional, digital, and stereophotogrammetric techniques. Materials and methodsAn edentulous maxillary “all-on-four” cast was prepared with 2 straight and two 17-degree angled screw-retained abutments screwed on the implant. Three capture techniques were compared: the conventional impression technique (CI group) using impression plaster (IP), the digital intraoral scanning (DIS group) technique, and the stereophotogrammetry (SPG group) technique. A calibrated extraoral scanner was used to digitize the definitive cast to compare its intraoral scan body positions with those of the other techniques in terms of global angular distortion and 3D deviations of the whole scan body and flat angled surface alone by using an inspection and metrology software program and the best fit alignment technique. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests showed normal distribution of the quantitative variables. Thus, the repeated measures analyses of variance followed by univariate analysis and Bonferroni multiple comparison tests were performed to analyze the data (α=.05). ResultsSignificant global angular discrepancies and 3D deviations of the whole scan body and flat angled surface were found among the CI, DI, and SPG groups for both trueness (P<.001) and precision (P<.001). ConclusionsThe stereophotogrammetry capture technique reported the highest accuracy in terms of trueness and precision for the intraoral scan bodies of all the techniques evaluated. However, at the flat angled surface region of the scan body, higher trueness was detected with the digital technique. Conventional impressions showed better trueness results than the digital ones, but the opposite was true of precision.

Application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-Acquired Topography for Quantifying Typhoon-Driven Landslide Volume and Its Potential Topographic Impact on Rivers in Mountainous Catchments

Landslides are highly erosional processes that dominate sediment mobilization and reshape landscapes in orogenic belts. Therefore, quantifying and characterizing landslide volume is essential to disaster prevention and understanding landscape evolution in mountainous rivers. Progressive development of the structure-from-motion (SfM) and multi-view stereo (MVS) photogrammetric techniques and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) provides low-cost and high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs), compared to traditional aerial photogrammetry at the same resolution. In this study, we quantified landslide volume and change in river channel volume at meter-scale accuracy for the Laishe River catchment of southern Taiwan from 2009 to 2015, which provides reliable data for discussing sediment transport and morphological response. The observations indicate that Typhoon Morakot in August 2009, induced a landslide volume of 31.63 million (M) m3, which is equal to 87% of the six-year sediment production. Typhoon Morakot also caused the deposition of 8.2 M m3 in the Laishe River. Additionally, this study demonstrates the feasibility of using UAVs to quantify the migration of landslide material and changes in channel area and volume, and the detection of landslide dams. In conclusion, two sources of images, especially those by UAVs, were used to decipher the consequence and potential hazard, social impact, and morphological changes in a mountainous river.

Assessment of gully development using geomorphic change detection between pre- and post-urbanization scenarios

Urbanization processes have caused changes in the runoff behavior, especially by impervious surfaces produced by paving and buildings. Impermeable surfaces prevent the infiltration of rainwater, increasing the volume and speed of runoff. Besides, inadequate urban planning coupled with heavy rains promotes the evolution of erosion processes, especially in peri-urban areas. This research aims to identify spatial patterns of geomorphic change in the gully areas due to urbanization in the city of Jacarei (SP). The methodology has the following steps: (1) elaboration of the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) from stereophotogrammetric techniques; (2) elaboration of the pre- and post-urbanization DEM; (3) extraction of contributing area using the D-Infinity method and of the topographic indices (topographic wetness, stream power, and compound topographic); and (4) calculate the difference between the pre- and post-urbanization topographic attributes. The preparation of the pre- and post-urbanization DEM used the MATCH-T DSM and DTMaster modules, both belonging to the INPHO system. Photogrammetric techniques allow the generation of digital models suitable for hydrological studies. The urbanization exposed an evident influence on the triggering of erosion, evidencing an increase of all topographic indices in areas that develop gullies.

Successional stages and their evolution in tropical forests using multi-temporal photogrammetric surface models and superpixels

Airborne photogrammetric image archives offer interesting possibilities for multi-temporal analyses of environmental evolution. The objective of this investigation was to develop a technique for classifying forest successional stages and performing multi-temporal analyses of the tree canopy based on tree height variances calculated from digital surface models (DSMs) created from photogrammetric imagery. Furthermore, our objective was to evaluate the usability of the technique in assessing the evolution of successional stages in a tropical forest. The local variance calculation in 3D space resulted in an image that was subdivided with a segmentation technique to generate small areas called superpixels. These superpixels, which use the local mean variance as an attribute, are assessed via cluster analysis to evaluate statistical similarity and define successional stage classes. The same superpixel shapes were located in georeferenced historical datasets to enable multi-temporal analysis. The cluster analysis of temporal superpixels enabled the spatiotemporal classification of forest canopy evolution. The technique was used to assess a tropical forest remnant in Brazil. Dense DSMs were generated with stereo-photogrammetric techniques using optical images (both film and digital images) from which height variances were computed. A cluster analysis of superpixels was performed to classify the forest canopy into four successional stages, which were consistent with Brazilian classification rules. The multi-temporal analysis identified six classes of forest cover evolution. Field data were collected in forest plots to validate the generated forest canopy classifications. The results showed that the proposed approach was feasible for forest cover classification and for identifying changes in the vertical forest structure and cover over time using only optical images.

Tracking Fine-Scale Structural Changes in Coastal Dune Morphology Using Kite Aerial Photography and Uncertainty-Assessed Structure-from-Motion Photogrammetry

Coastal dunes are globally-distributed dynamic ecosystems that occur at the land-sea interface. They are sensitive to disturbance both from natural forces and anthropogenic stressors, and therefore require regular monitoring to track changes in their form and function ultimately informing management decisions. Existing techniques employing satellite or airborne data lack the temporal or spatial resolution to resolve fine-scale changes in these environments, both temporally and spatially whilst fine-scale in-situ monitoring (e.g., terrestrial laser scanning) can be costly and is therefore confined to relatively small areas. The rise of proximal sensing-based Structure-from-Motion Multi-View Stereo (SfM-MVS) photogrammetric techniques for land surface surveying offers an alternative, scale-appropriate method for spatially distributed surveying of dune systems. Here we present the results of an inter- and intra-annual experiment which utilised a low-cost and highly portable kite aerial photography (KAP) and SfM-MVS workflow to track sub-decimetre spatial scale changes in dune morphology over timescales of between 3 and 12 months. We also compare KAP and drone surveys undertaken at near-coincident times of the same dune system to test the KAP reproducibility. Using a Monte Carlo based change detection approach (Multiscale Model to Model Cloud Comparison (M3C2)) which quantifies and accounts for survey uncertainty, we show that the KAP-based survey technique, whilst exhibiting higher x, y, z uncertainties than the equivalent drone methodology, is capable of delivering data describing dune system topographical change. Significant change (according to M3C2); both positive (accretion) and negative (erosion) was detected across 3, 6 and 12 months timescales with the majority of change detected below 500 mm. Significant topographic changes as small as ~20 mm were detected between surveys. We demonstrate that portable, low-cost consumer-grade KAP survey techniques, which have been employed for decades for hobbyist aerial photography, can now deliver science-grade data, and we argue that kites are well-suited to coastal survey where winds and sediment might otherwise impede surveys by other proximal sensing platforms, such as drones.

In vivo estimation of the shoulder joint center of rotation using magneto-inertial sensors: MRI-based accuracy and repeatability assessment

BackgroundThe human gleno-humeral joint is normally represented as a spherical hinge and its center of rotation is used to construct humerus anatomical axes and as reduction point for the computation of the internal joint moments. The position of the gleno-humeral joint center (GHJC) can be estimated by recording ad hoc shoulder joint movement following a functional approach. In the last years, extensive research has been conducted to improve GHJC estimate as obtained from positioning systems such as stereo-photogrammetry or electromagnetic tracking. Conversely, despite the growing interest for wearable technologies in the field of human movement analysis, no studies investigated the problem of GHJC estimation using miniaturized magneto-inertial measurement units (MIMUs). The aim of this study was to evaluate both accuracy and precision of the GHJC estimation as obtained using a MIMU-based methodology and a functional approach.MethodsFive different functional methods were implemented and comparatively assessed under different experimental conditions (two types of shoulder motions: cross and star type motion; two joint velocities: ωmax = 90°/s, 180°/s; two ranges of motion: Ɵ = 45°, 90°). Validation was conducted on five healthy subjects and true GHJC locations were obtained using magnetic resonance imaging.ResultsThe best performing methods (NAP and SAC) showed an accuracy in the estimate of the GHJC between 20.6 and 21.9 mm and repeatability values between 9.4 and 10.4 mm. Methods performance did not show significant differences for the type of arm motion analyzed or a reduction of the arm angular velocity (180°/s and 90°/s). In addition, a reduction of the joint range of motion (90° and 45°) did not seem to influence significantly the GHJC position estimate except in a few subject-method combinations.ConclusionsMIMU-based functional methods can be used to estimate the GHJC position in vivo with errors of the same order of magnitude than those obtained using traditionally stereo-photogrammetric techniques. The methodology proposed seemed to be robust under different experimental conditions. The present paper was awarded as “SIAMOC Best Methodological Paper 2016”.

The location of Airy‐0, the Mars prime meridian reference, from stereo photogrammetric processing of THEMIS IR imaging and digital elevation data

AbstractThe small crater Airy‐0 was selected from Mariner 9 images to be the reference for the Mars prime meridian. Initial analyses in the year 2000 tied Viking Orbiter and Mars Orbiter Camera images of Airy‐0 to the evolving Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter global digital terrain model to update the location of Airy‐0. Based upon this tie and radiometric tracking of landers/rovers from Earth, new expressions for the Mars spin axis direction, spin rate, and prime meridian epoch value were produced to define the orientation of the Martian surface in inertial space over time. Since the Mars Global Surveyor mission and Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter global digital terrain model were completed some time ago, a more exhaustive study has been performed to determine the accuracy of the Airy‐0 location and orientation of Mars at the standard epoch. Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) IR image cubes of the Airy and Gale crater regions were tied to the global terrain grid using precision stereo photogrammetric image processing techniques. The Airy‐0 location was determined to be about 0.001° east of its predicted location using the currently defined International Astronomical Union (IAU) prime meridian location. Information on this new location and how it was derived will be provided to the NASA Mars Exploration Program Geodesy and Cartography Working Group for their assessment. This NASA group will make a recommendation to the IAU Working Group on Cartographic Coordinates and Rotational Elements to update the expression for the Mars spin axis direction, spin rate, and prime meridian location.

VIDEOGRAMMETRIC RECONSTRUCTION APPLIED TO VOLCANOLOGY: PERSPECTIVES FOR A NEW MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUE IN VOLCANO MONITORING

This article deals with videogrammetric reconstruction of volcanic structures. As a first step, the method is tested in laboratory. The objective is to reconstruct small sand and plaster cones, analogous to volcanoes, that deform with time. The initial stage consists in modelling the sensor (internal parameters) and calculating its orientation and position in space, using a multi-view calibration method. In practice two sets of views are taken: a first one around a calibration target and a second one around the studied object. Both sets are combined in the calibration software to simultaneously compute the internal parameters modelling the sensor, and the external parameters giving the spatial location of each view around the cone. Following this first stage, a N-view reconstruction process is carried out. The principle is as follows: an initial 3D model of the cone is created and then iteratively deformed to fit the real object. The deformation of the meshed model is based on a texture coherence criterion. At present, this reconstruction method and its precision are being validated at laboratory scale. The objective will be then to follow analogue model deformation with time using successive reconstructions. In the future, the method will be applied to real volcanic structures. Modifications of the initial code will certainly be required, however excellent reconstruction accuracy, valuable simplicity and flexibility of the technique are expected, compared to classic stereophotogrammetric techniques used in volcanology.

Digital photogrammetry for the documentation of structural damage in earthen archaeological sites: The case of Ajina Tepa, Tajikistan

Ajina Tepa is one of the most important archaeological sites in central Asia and it was fully excavated in the 1960s using modern documentation techniques. The UNESCO/Japan Trust Fund project ‘Preservation of the Buddhist Monastery of Ajina Tepa, Tajikistan’ started in 2005 and will be completed in 2008. Scientific documentation being one of the project aims, three-dimensional mapping of the walls and geomorphological mapping of the whole site were carried out. Digital stereo-photogrammetric techniques were applied to record the surface morphology of the earthen walls. At present, the walls are heavily eroded, especially when compared with their outlines as recorded in the 1960s. The top parts of the damaged walls are rounded and the basal parts typically show the erosion pattern known as coving. Rain and wind cause decay of the top parts and have created their rounded shape. At the bottom of the walls, erosion is caused by salt attack in combination with abrasion from wind and windblown silt. When the walls lose strength under their own load, the upper and middle parts of the walls may collapse suddenly. Digital photogrammetric techniques are extremely useful for documenting such phenomenon and in determining the shape of the walls before collapse. It is shown here that such a monitoring system supplies the basic data which enables measures to be taken to prevent collapse.

Assessment of Cloud Cover Characteristics in Satellite Datasets and Reanalysis Products for Greenland

Abstract Clouds have an important controlling influence on the radiation balance, and hence surface melting, over the Greenland ice sheet and need to be classified to derive reliable albedo estimates from visible imagery. Little is known, however, about the true cloud cover characteristics for the largest island on Earth, Greenland. Here, an attempt is made to address this knowledge gap by examining cloud characteristics, as determined by three complementary satellites sensors: the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR), the Along Track Scanning Radiometer-2 (ATSR-2), and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). The first provides a multidecadal time series of clouds, albedo, and surface temperature, and is available, in the form of the extended AVHRR Polar Pathfinder dataset (APP-x), as a homogeneous, consistent dataset from 1982 until 2004. APP-x data, however, are also the most challenging to cloud classify over snow-covered terrain, due to the limited spectral capabilities of the instrument. ATSR-2 permits identification and classification using stereophotogrammetric techniques and MODIS has enhanced spectral sampling in the visible and thermal infrared but over more limited time periods. The spatial cloud fractions from the three sensors are compared and show good agreement in terms of both magnitude and spatial pattern. The cloud fractions, and inferred patterns of accumulation, are then assessed from three commonly used reanalysis datasets: NCEP–NCAR, the second NCEP–Department of Energy (DOE) Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP-II), and the 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40). Poor agreement between the reanalysis datasets is found. NCEP–DOE AMIP-II produces a cloud fraction similar to that observed by the satellites. NCEP–NCAR and ERA-40, however, bear little similarity to the cloud fractions derived from the satellite observations. This suggests that they may produce poor accumulation estimates over the ice sheet and poor estimates of radiation balance. Using these reanalysis data to force a mass balance model of the ice sheet, without appropriate downscaling and correction for the substantial biases present, may, therefore, produce substantial errors in surface melt rate estimates.

Video System to Monitor Archeological Sites Using Ground-Based Photogrammetry

An attempt was made to investigate the state-of-the-art use of a digital and near real-time system to monitor monuments and historical sites by integrating semiautomated PC-based computer vision and stereo-photogrammetric techniques. The effects of the number and type of control, particularly three-dimensional point location and distance, on the reliability and effectiveness of camera calibration procedures using planar objects as a control facility were studied. The trends of interior and exterior calibration parameters were investigated using 25 combinations of different numbers of measured distances and 3-D control points, and with a fixed focal length for the calibrated charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras. Results showed that increasing the number of distances and 3-D control points above the minimum required control numbers had a slight effect on the values of interior geometry parameters of CCD cameras as well as on the planar object coefficients. The consistency of all test results, except those with control greater than 10 distances and 20 control points, was the major reason for choosing the minimum amount of control for calibration. Quantification of the standard error of image coordinate residuals, distances residuals, standard error of unit weight, and number of iterations for convergence of algorithms supported this result. A historical statue was mapped using single camera operation and a multiple model mapping approach to reconstruct a digital 3-D surface model and thus compute the statue's geometrical characteristics. Three stereo models of the scene were captured from different perspectives. A movable cubic control facility located in the field of view of the mapped scene was used to scale the stereo models. A digital model for the statue was constructed, along with cross sections taken at selected height intervals. The mapping and camera calibration procedures were simple and practical.

Spinal Biomechanics

The lumbar spine is a source of disability due to low back pain (LBP), yet the precise diagnosis is unknown in 80-90 percent of patients. The lifetime prevalence is 75 percent with a cost to the U.S. economy as high as 80 billion dollars. The problem is partly caused by mechanical overloading of the tissues and thus, there is some potential for both primary and secondary prevention. Biomechanical techniques have been effective in improving our understanding of the loading conditions leading to LBP, and in developing techniques for improved diagnosis and more effectual methods of treatment. Much progress has been made through the use of biomechanical models. Most models assume that the external moments are balanced by trunk musculature. Multiple muscle system models, employing agonist and antagonists, now are available to define 3D spine reaction forces. The static indeterminacy is taken care of either by simplification of the model or by linear or nonlinear optimization. Dynamic analysis has shown that vibrational and impact conditions (such as vehicle driving) can excite the natural frequency of the spine and lead to high spinal loadings. In vivo measurements have shown the resonant frequency of the lumbar spine to be 4-5 Hz and many vehicles excite those frequencies. New biomechanical techniques employing electromyography can estimate muscle load and muscle fatigue. Stereo photogrammetric techniques for establishing segmental kinematics have great potential for improving the diagnosis of spinal problems. These techniques are solidly based on prior in-vitro measurements of spinal kinematics. Mechanical fixation techniques, such as pedicle fixation, show great promise in improving the treatment of spinal problems. These have been extensively analyzed by both finite element techniques and in-vitro simulation so as to improve design as well as surgical technique.

The effects of calcium regulating hormones on bone resorption by isolated human osteoclastoma cells.

Cells were disaggregated from osteoclastomas, and the response of the giant cells to calcium-regulating hormones, prostaglandin (PG)E1 and dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP) was observed by phase-contrast time-lapse video microscopy. The pattern and nature of their response was very similar to that previously found to be characteristic of osteoclasts: calcitonin (CT), PGE1 and dbcAMP induced cytoplasmic quiescence, while parathyroid hormone (PTH) showed no influence on cytoplasmic motility or behaviour. The cells were also cultured on slices of devitalized cortical bone for 5 or 18 h. After this time the giant cells were associated with the appearance in the scanning electron microscope of characteristic resorption pits, the volume of which was calculated by computer-assisted morphometric and stereophotogrammetric techniques after removal of cells. Calcitonin caused a dramatic reduction in the volume of bone resorbed by these isolated cells compared with control cultures, while PTH was without significant effect. This result supports the view that PTH does not increase bone resorption in intact bone through a direct effect on osteoclasts. PGE1, which stimulates bone resorption when added to intact bone, paradoxically reduced resorption in our cultures. It thus appears possible that PGE1 acts as a direct inhibitor of osteoclastic bone resorption but has an additional effect on other cells in bone, which are induced by PGE1 to cause osteoclastic stimulation.

The effect of calcium-regulating hormones and prostaglandins on bone resorption by osteoclasts disaggregated from neonatal rabbit bones.

It has previously only been possible to assess osteoclastic bone resorption in intact bone, where other cell types may modify or mediate osteoclastic responses to environmental agents. We have recently developed techniques which enable us to measure bone resorption by osteoclasts extracted from bone and have used these techniques to assess the effects of prostaglandins (PGs) and calcium-regulating hormones on bone resorption by these cells. Osteoclasts were mechanically disaggregated from neonatal rabbit long bones and cultured on slices of devitalized cortical bone for 8 or 24 h. After this time, osteoclasts were associated with the appearance in the scanning electron microscope of characteristic resorption pits, the volume of which was calculated by computer-assisted morphometric and stereophotogrammetric techniques after removal of cells. Salmon calcitonin inhibited osteoclastic bone resorption at concentrations of 1 pg/ml and above, while PTH and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 were without significant effect. This suggests that the latter hormones do not increase bone resorption in intact bone through a direct effect on osteoclasts. PGI2, PGE1, and PGE2, all of which are known to stimulate resorption when added to intact bone, paradoxically reduced resorption in our cultures. It appears likely that PGs act as direct inhibitors of osteoclastic bone resorption but have an additional effect on other cells in bone, which are induced by PGs to cause osteoclastic stimulation.

Motility and resorption: osteoclastic activity in vitro.

Rabbit osteoclasts (OCs), separated mechanically from long bones, were seeded on to glass or plastic substrates or slabs of sperm whale dentine (SWD). Cells were cultured in MEM with 10% FCS with or without added salmon calcitonin (SCT) at dosages of 0.001, 0.1 and 1 IU/ml. Although most rabbit SCT-treated OCs on the non-biological substrates showed inhibition of peripheral ruffling activity and motility at dosages that stop rat OC movement, resorption still occurred on the dentine. Thus such inhibition is unreliable as a general indicator for resorptive capability. Resorption lacunae were observed at all times from 6 h onwards. Using stereophotogrammetric techniques, the following minimum values were obtained from 24 h cultures: highest hourly rate of resorption of dentine for single OC, 570 micron3/h; average rate 165 micron3/h; mean total volume dentine removed per Howship's lacuna complex, 3,885 micron3; average value for plan area of surface attacked per OC, 1,450 micron2.

Differences in molar wear gradient between juvenile macaques and langurs

AbstractInterspecific differences in the amount and form of molar wear in nonhuman primates are only beginning to be documented and understood. The purpose of this study was to look at the wear gradient between M1 and dm2 in a sample of macaques and langurs to determine if differences in wear gradient could be related to differences in diet. A skeletal collection of wild shot Presbytis cristatus and Macaca fascicularis from the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard University was examined using stereophotogrammetric techniques. X, Y, and Z coordinates were used to compute the areas of dentin exposure on the buccal cusps of M1 and the buccal cusps of dm2. The relationship between these variables was examined using Bartlett's three group method and least squares regression. Intergeneric comparisons of the resultant y‐intercepts indicate that the macaques have more dentin exposed on dm2 when there is none exposed on M1. Factors that might be responsible for this difference include differences in dentin/enamel structure, differences in molar eruption timing, and differences in behavior. At the present time, behavioral differences between the genera appear to be the most likely cause of the difference in wear gradient.

The use of stereophotogrammetry to measure acetabular and femoral anteversion.

Stereoradiography with a base shift of the source of illumination was used to produce pairs of radiographs to be measured by stereophotogrammetric techniques. The direction of shift was parallel with the longitudinal axis of the body, so that each radiograph in the stereopair could be used for other clinical purposes. A base shift of 10 centimetres with a distance of 100 centimetres between the focus and the film gave acceptable value of stereoscopic parallax. The radiographs were measured using a Hilger and Watts medical stereometer. This method was checked with test specimens, namely an osteotomised pelvis in which one acetabulum could be rotated and an osteotomised femur in which the whole upper portion could be rotated against the shaft. Measurements made on the acetabulum and its radiographs showed a correlation coefficient of 0.9838 over the range 0 to 30 degrees of anteversion, with a mean error +2.54 degrees and a standard deviation of +/- 1.52 degrees (n = 21). For the femoral neck, over the range from 10 degrees of retroversion to 80 degrees of anteversion, the correlation coefficient was 0.9979, the mean error +2.46 and the standard deviation +/- 1.48 degrees (n = 30).

Modern Methods for Obtaining Anthropometric Data

Modern concepts and methods are summarized for obtaining measurements of human body static form, dynamic characteristics and muscular strength. A philosophy of moderation is advocated in selecting methods which meet two conflicting goals: (1) Permit predictive analysis of biometric trends by continuing selective usage of traditional anthropometer and tape methods; (2) Take advantage of more powerful stereophotogrammetric techniques to develop 3-dimensional, whole-body, simultaneous records which are easily referenced to consistent cartesian or polar axis systems and thus are better suited to engineering workspace design and analysis. A further consideration is the use of mockups which represent or position the human body in specific and typical workspace conditions, appropriate to the purposes for the anthropometric surveys. In all cases, recording formats should be readily compatible with data analysis by computer. Also described are procedures for organization of personnel and equipment for conducting surveys of civilian personnel in the United States. Trades between accuracy or population description and sample size are considered. Key sources for the information contained in this paper are the following references.