Revolutionizing aerial mapping

By Qassim Abdullah

Geospatial information is a key component of any national infrastructure. Whether developing a waste management system or preparing for disaster recovery, geospatial data is at the heart of all planning.

The mapping community has seen a significant number of technical advancements over the years from the use airborne GPS to digital imagery to 3-D modeling. As technological innovations advance, so does the demand for ever higher resolutions and more accurate imagery used for infrastructure projects.

Fugro has a well known reputation for providing innovative technology solutions to meet the evolving needs of its clients. A case in point is Fugro EarthData’s launch of the truly innovative high-resolution panoramic mapping system (Panoramix). With the ability to map from multiple viewing angles, the Panoramix system increases the value of geospatial data by accommodating numerous end-user applications, including infrastructure planning, development and maintenance.

Panoramix Attributes and Unique Capabilities

Making multiple airborne missions to acquire vertical and oblique aerial imagery are a thing of the past, the revolutionary Panoramix system simultaneously collects both sets of imagery in a single flight. The system acquires color digital imagery in sweeping frames from 50 degrees on either side of the flight track, delivering stereoscopic images at a number of viewing angles to meet client needs. Operating at a higher altitude than standard aerial photography systems, the Panoramix system also collects imagery more quickly and efficiently, while still delivering pixel resolutions of 4 inches or better.

The Panoramix system incorporates its own ground processing tools to develop digital elevation models, as well as 3-D topographic and planimetric GIS data layers, such as contours, transportation networks, and so on. Last but not least, Panoramix products are delivered with a fast and easy-to-use mapping software that is compatible with ESRI’s ArcGIS suite. The software allows users to view the imagery, with synchronized navigation of up to five different views at once, and to map features on the ground in three dimensions. Other features of the software include the ability to search images by address and coordinates, pan, zoom, roam, measure and digitize features from the imagery.

Infrastructure Applications

With the ability to collect and map structures accurately from multiple view points, the Panoramix system supports a number of infrastructure related applications, such as infrastructure planning, site selection, asset inventory, and disaster preparedness and response.
 
For example, Panoramix data and derived 3-D building models provide detailed information about a city’s critical infrastructure necessary for emergency preparedness and response drills. Similarly, after a natural disaster occurs, rapid Panoramix imagery acquisition and delivery enables accurate assessment of damaged buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure. Through the multiple oblique views, infrastructure managers can identify high water marks from flooding and assess other damages quickly and efficiently to support response and recovery operations. Other applications of the Panoramix system include property appraisal, urban and regional planning, E-911, situational awareness, change detection, and 3D modeling of buildings, roads, utilities and other types of infrastructure.

Fugro EarthData’s Panoramix system is truly revolutionary not just in terms of technology innovation, but also because it empowers GIS and non-specialist users alike to develop application–specific geospatial information that meets their needs.