Multi-level Frame Technology for Digital Elevation Data Generation

"The National Imagery and Mapping Agency is seeking new and innovative technology for generating Digital Terrain Elevation Data Level 2 (DTED-2) for territories above 60 degrees N. Important criteria include vertical accuracy of 16 m and horizontal accuracyof 20 m, and identification and selection of available cost effective imagery sources that will require a minimal number of ground control points. In response, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop the novel Multilevel Frame Technology forDigital Elevation Data Generation (MF-TEC). The key element of MF-TEC is Russian satellite imagery, which is extremely accurate because of its unique metrology, already covers the territory of interest, and is exceptionally cost effective. The proposedtechnology includes frame imagery phototriangulation from a minimal number of ground control points, and accurate DTED generation based on frame-and-fill imagery. Frame-and-fill imagery upgrades high-resolution imagery with weak geometry to ideal geometryby frame imagery. Innovative methods for quality assurance at each stage of MF-TEC are also proposed. To integrate MF-TEC into NIMA GIS and photogrammetric environments, POC proposes to develop a system of uniform metadata formats, and to ensurecompatibility at the software level by means of modern software engineering. Successful integration of MF-TEC with NIMA technologies for DTED generation above 60 degrees N will increase prod