Universal Mapping System

The proposed innovation is a total workstation for analytic and digital photogrammetry (also called softcopy) and for integrated mapping from ground, aerial and earth satellite data which is designed to optimize the interaction between human and artificial intelligence. The Universal Mapping System (UMS) provides dual-tracking, optical and digital images by image superimposition in a stereo binocular field of view for real-time interaction between operator and machine. It is designed to match or exceed the productivity of a state-of-the-art softcopy workstation, as well as the precision of the best analytical plotter. The Phase I effort will accomplish the completion of a second UMS-2 prototype of the UMS hardware with a full complement of software for analytic photogrammetry and for color-stereo film scanning at along-axis speeds of at least 40 mm/sec. It will also install and demonstrate color digital projector technology for stereo image superimposition of cadastral survey and map data, and radar and space imagery. Phase I will prove UMS-2 feasibility and confirm its potential performance advantage over existing systems. It will prepare the UMS-2 for the installation of digital/softcopy and artificial intelligence aids to analytic photogrammetry in a Phase II commercial development program.