The Use of Digital Orthophotos in Automated Mapping/Facilities Management Systems
Mr. Kirk Contrucci
Manager, Photogrammetry
Ayres Associates
2445 Darwin Road
Madison, Wisconsin 53704
Tel: (608) 249-0471, Fax: (608) 249-2808
Mr. Ted J. Grillo
Manager, Domestic Sales
AGRA Baymont, Inc.
14100 58th Street North
Clearwater, Florida 33760
Tel: (813) 539-1661, Fax: (813) 539-1749
Introduction
The integration of digital orthophotography with automated mapping/facilities management (AM/FM)
systems has revolutionized how utilities collect and utilize accurate landbase data. For many years,
utilities have used vector Iandbase maps as a component of an overall AM/FM system. Many of today’s
modern AM/FM systems use high-resolution imagery as a backdrop to facility maps. This paper focuses
on the integration and use of digital orthophotography in AM/FM systems.
In the deregulated utility industry, companies require Iandbase mapping that is accurate and complete.
The search is on for low cost mapping that can support detailed planning. Digital orthophotography meets
these criteria. Until recently, however, utilities required large, powerful, expensive computer systems to
manage and manipulate digital orthophotography and other high-resolution imagery. With the advent c}f
powerful, low cost computer systems, digital orthophotos have become a viable alternative to traditional
vector landbase maps in AM/FM systems.
A digital orthophotograph is a geographically referenced high-resolution scan of an aerial photograph.
The distortions caused by minor anomalies in the camera lens, relief on the earth’s surface, and tip and tilt
of the airplane at the moment of exposure is removed through a rigorous mathematical process. The
resulting gee-referenced image provides an excellent landbase map for AM/FM applications. As accurate
as vector based maps, digital orthophotos provide the added benefit of being a much more complete
source of information.
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