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 sourceshave 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 thatthe 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. A number of opportunities for an improved DEM solution exist in the marketplace. The most promising involves providing solutions to commercial satellite systems vendors and their value-added resellers and product generation partners for sale and resale.Also, remote sensing/GIS vendors should be receptive to reselling a solution as an add-on or replacement of their existing capabilities. Lastly, DoD, intelligence, and defense mapping agencies worldwide are