Module 3 : Photogrammetry
  Lecture  17 : Introduction
Categories of photogrammetry
  • Photogrammetry is divided into different categories according to the types of photographs or sensing system used or the manner of their use as given below:
(1) On the basis of orientation of camera axis:   
        (i) Terrestrial or ground photogrammetry
             When the photographs are obtained from the ground station with camera axis horizontal or nearly horizontal
        (ii) Aerial photogrammetry

If the photographs are obtained from an airborne vehicle. The photographs are called vertical if the camera axis is truly vertical or if the tilt of the camera axis is less than 3o. If tilt is more than (often given intentionally), the photographs are called oblique photographs.

(2) On the basis of sensor system used:

Following names are popularly used to indicate type of sensor system used in recording imagery.

  • Radargrammetry: Radar sensor
  • X-ray photogrammetry: X-ray sensor
  • Hologrammetry: Holographs
  • Cine photogrammetry: motion pictures
  • Infrared or colour photogrammetry: infrared or colour photographs
(3) On the basis of principle of recreating geometry

When single photographs are used with the stereoscopic effect, if any, it is called monoscopic photogrammetry. If two overlapping photographs are used to generate three dimensional view to create relief model, it is called stereophotogrammetry. It is the most popular and widely used form of photogrammetry.

(4) On the basis of procedure involved for reducing the data from photographs

Three types of photogrammetry are possible under this classification:

(a) Instrumental or analogue photogrammetry

It involves photogrammetric instruments to carry out tasks.

(b) Semi-analytical or analytical

Analytical photogrammetry solves problems by establishing mathematical relationship between coordinates on photographic image and real world objects. Semi-analytical approach is hybrid approach using instrumental as well analytical principles.

(c) Digital Photogrammetry or softcopy photogrammetry

It uses digital image processing principle and analytical photogrammetry tools to carry out photogrammetric operation on digital imagery.

(5) On the basis of platforms on which the sensor is mounted:

If the sensing system is spaceborne, it is called space photogrammetry, satellite photogrammetry or extra-terrestrial photogrammetry.

Out of various types of the photogrammetry, the most commonly used forms are stereophotogrammetry utilizing a pair of vertical aerial photographs (stereopair) or terrestrial photogrammetry using a terrestrial stereopair.
 
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