Sensor integration in airborne mapping

The rapid technological developments of the 1990s have completely redefined the mapping practice. In less than a decade, digital techniques have come to outnumber traditional analog data acquisition and processing methods. Supported by an unprecedented demand for large-volume, accurate spatial data, these new digital techniques emerged as dominant mapping technologies by the end of the decade. Two key components of this emerging technology are the electronic sensor-based digital camera and GPS/INS-based direct platform orientation. In fact, these new platform orientation systems are rapidly becoming a core component of modern airborne mapping and remote sensing systems. To achieve the ultimate potential of the new hardware components, in other words to provide the highest mapping accuracy, the sensors should be carefully modeled and calibrated accordingly both individually and as an integrated sensor suite. The paper discusses the developments achieved by a totally digital airborne mapping system, including concept, system architecture, calibration, and performance results.