Horizons’ best-in-class Photogrammetry supports 3D modeling pilot project

In the spring of 2006, Horizons provided photogrammetric production services to support a Leica ADS40 and SIMmetry technologies pilot project contracted by National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) to EarthData International. The project provided data for analysis and evaluation of benefits available from single-flight collections using the Leica ADS40 digital sensor and the all-digital automated production offered by a combination of ISTAR and SIMmetry modeling technologies with benefits offered by traditional collections involving two aerial missions—one to collect LiDAR data and the other to collect optical imagery.

Horizons participated in the project by providing EarthData with high-detail 3D stereocompilation of both urban and non-urban areas of St. Louis, Missouri; approximately 65 square miles in size. The data, serving as a foundation layer for tiers of geospatial information, was translated into 3D CAD format for incorporation into EarthData’s SIMmetry architecture to generate a 3D model of 2.2 square miles in the St. Louis urban core plus a 3D model of the NGA St. Louis facility.

Using a function in ATLAS, Horizons collected building roofs from the highest roof polygon down to the lowest, with each polygon set to its correct roof height. All roof polygons within each building were squared to the same baseline, eliminating overlapping polygons or gaps between adjacent polygons, which saved time and made EarthData’s job easier by eliminating the need for data corrections prior to translation.

“The data we received from Horizons was the best quality photogrammetry we have ever received,” commented Adam Cohen, Vice-President of EarthData Solutions and SIMmetry Business Line Manager. “We gave them robust building specifications, with an extremely tight delivery schedule, and they exceeded our expectations by delivering high-accuracy data, rich with intelligent building features that we were able to integrate flawlessly.”

Not only does high quality photogrammetry make it quick and easy for users to update 3D city models with new buildings; current and accurate photogrammetric products also are imperative for effective study of “what-if” scenarios. Having provided clients with photogrammetric services for more than 38 years, Horizons remains committed to making sure its clients have the geospatial data they need to support diverse applications in any number of disciplines, from real estate to urban planning, emergency management, and homeland security.