Elevation Data Generation using UAV Imagery

The US Navy is seeking improved capabilities to generate automatically digital elevation models (DEMs) from digital stereoscopic imagery in support of targeting and navigation. Currently, DEMs are derived primarily from orbiting systems, yet these sources have historically not provided the spatial resolutions needed for extremely high resolution and accurate DEMs. The goal is to develop a feasibility concept to utilize imagery from unmanned airborne vehicles (UAVs) to supplement orbital imagery, and that the combined synergistic results will lead to DEMs having higher accuracy. Specifically, methods for generating and propagating DEMs are required with the objectives of: - Combining the strengths of multiple imagery sources to improve output accuracy; - Providing elevation information requiring little or no interactive editing; - Generating elevation data to support Navy weapons delivery programs; and - Meeting future targeting accuracies through results consistent with Navy requirements.