Solid-State Sensors For Topographic Mapping

Alden P. Colvocoresses

doi:10.1117/12.931926

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6 November 1981 Solid-State Sensors For Topographic Mapping

Alden P. Colvocoresses

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Proceedings Volume 0278, Electro-Optical Instrumentation for Resources Evaluation; (1981) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.931926
Event: 1981 Technical Symposium East, 1981, Washington, D.C., United States

Abstract

Throughout the world topographic maps are generally compiled by manually operated stereo plotters which recreate the geometry of two frame camera positions from which wide angle overlapping photographs were taken. Continuous imaging systems such as strip cameras, electro-optical scanners, or linear arrays (push brooms) also create stereo coverage from which, in theory, topography can be compiled. However, the instability of an aircraft in the atmosphere makes this approach impractical. The benign environment of space permits a satellite to orbit the earth with very high stability as long as no local perturbing forces are involved. A solid-state linear array sensor has no moving parts and creates no perturbing force on the satellite. Thus a linear array sensor in space promises to provide a new mapping tool. The importance of this concept should not be underestimated. The one dimensional data from linear array detectors lend themselves to digital processing and thus the concept of automated mapping in near real time can, in fact, become a reality.

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Alden P. Colvocoresses "Solid-State Sensors For Topographic Mapping", Proc. SPIE 0278, Electro-Optical Instrumentation for Resources Evaluation, (6 November 1981); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.931926

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