Stereovision
Unit: I
Semester: I
Paper Code: GIS 02
Name of Paper: Principles of Aerial Photographs and Photogrammetry
PG Diploma in RS & GIS
Dr. SHYAMA PRASAD MUKHERJEE UNIVERSITY, RANCHI
Stereovision
One of the limitations of the vertical aerial photograph is the lack of apparent relief.
Stereoscopic vision (or as it is more commonly known, stereovision or depth perception) is the
ability to see three-dimensionally or to see length, width, and depth (distance) at the same time.
This requires two views of a single object from two slightly different positions. Most people
have the ability to see three-dimensionally (Figure No: 1). Whenever an object is viewed, it is
seen twice--once with the left eye and once with the right eye. The fusion or blending together
of these two images in the brain permits the judgment of depth or distance.
Figure No: 1
(a) In taking aerial photographsit is rare for only a single picture to be taken. Generally,
the aircraft flies over the area to be photographed taking a series of pictures, each of which
overlaps the photograph preceding it and the photograph following it so that an unbroken
coverage of the area is obtained (Figure No:2). The amount of overlap is usually 56 percent,
which means that 56 percent of the ground detail appearing on one photo also appears on
the next photograph.
when a single flight does not give the necessary coverage of an area, additional flights must
be made. These additional flights are parallel to the first and must have an overlap between
them. This overlap between flights is known as side lap and usually is between 15 and 20
percent (Figure No: 3).
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Figure No: 2 Photographic overlap
Figure No: 3 Side laps
(b). The requirement for stereovision can be satisfied by overlapping photographs if one eye
sees the object on one photograph and the other eye sees the same object on another
photograph. While this can be done after practice with the eyes alone, it is much easier if
an optical aid is used. These optical aids are known as stereoscopes. There are many types
of stereoscopes, but only the two most commonly used are discussed.
Pocket Stereoscope:
The pocket stereoscope (Figure No: 4), sometimes known as a lens stereoscope consists of
two magnifying lenses mounted in a metal frame. Because of its simplicity and ease of
carrying, it is the type used most frequently by military personnel.
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Figure No: 4. Pocket Stereoscope
Mirror Stereoscope:
The mirror stereoscope (Figure No:5) is larger, heavier, and more subject to damage than
the pocket stereoscope. It consists of four mirrors mounted in a metal frame.
Figure No: 5 Mirror Stereoscopes
A method to orient a pair of aerial photographs for best three-dimensional viewing is
outlined below:
(1) Arrange the selected pair of photos in such a way that the shadows on them generally
appear to fall toward the viewer. It is also desirable that the light source enters the side away
from the observer during the study of the photographs (Figure No: 6).
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Figure No: 6 Placement of stereoscope over stereo pair
(2) Place the pair of photographs on a flat surface so that the detail on one photograph is
directly over the same detail on the other photograph
(3) Place the stereoscope over the photographs so that the left lens is over the left
photograph and the right lens is over the right photograph
(4) Separate the photographs along the line of flight until a piece of detail appearing in the
overlap area of the left photograph is directly under the left lens and the same piece of detail
on the right photo is directly under the right lens.
(5) With the photograph and stereoscope in this position, a three-dimensional image should
be seen. A few minor adjustments may be necessary, such as adjusting the aerial photographs
of the stereoscope to obtain the correct position for your eyes. The hills appear to rise and
the valleys sink so that there is the impression of being in an aircraft looking down at the
ground.
(6) The identification of features on photographs is much easier and more accurate with
this three-dimensional view (Figure No: 7). The same five factors of recognition (size, shape,
shadow, tone, and surrounding objects) must still be applied; but now, with the addition of
relief, a more natural view is seen.
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Figure No: 7. Stereoscopic view
