GPS/INS Integrated Navigation System In Support of Digital Image Georeferencing

Mohamed M.R. Mostafa and Klaus-Peter Schwarz, Peng Gong

Abstract:	This paper discusses different aspects of the process of direct georeferencing of aerial digital images by GPS/INS. The emerging digital frame camera technology received significant attention over the past 3 years due to its cost effectiveness and on-line storage capability. However, due to some limiting geometrical characteristics, its use in aerial applications has not been favored by photogrammetrists. The problem of exterior orientation with such cameras becomes unstable when using GPS alone for georeferencing and, thus, full attitude resolution would help overcome the geometrical limitations of such cameras. In a joint research project between The University of Calgary and The University of California at Berkeley, a low-cost multi-sensor system for remote sensing applications is developed. It integrates GPS, INS, and a digital camera. The main objective of developing such a system is to acquire georeferenced digital imagery in remote areas where ground control is unavailable. 3D positioning accuracy of ground objects for airborne remote sensing applications is at the meter level. In the sequel, the concept of direct georeferencing of digital images without ground control is reviewed. The potential of a low-cost IMU is discussed. System development, calibration, and testing are presented in some detail. Besides photo ecometrics, the major system applications will be near real-time digital mapping at scales 1: 10 000 and smaller and the generation of digital elevation models for engineering applications.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 54th Annual Meeting of The Institute of Navigation (1998) June 1 - 3, 1998 The Adams Mark Hotel Denver, CO
Pages:	435 - 444
Cite this article:	Mostafa, Mohamed M.R., Schwarz, Klaus-Peter, Gong, Peng, "GPS/INS Integrated Navigation System In Support of Digital Image Georeferencing," Proceedings of the 54th Annual Meeting of The Institute of Navigation (1998), Denver, CO, June 1998, pp. 435-444.
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