Abstract not found

In the global-village era interests of commercial companies worldwide have become interrelated with the accelerated development of certain countries. As a result the demand for mapping in remote areas has been rapidly increasing. Mapping in such areas may pose some difficulties, due to the lack of geodetic infrastructure such as control networks, control points, and reference GPS stations. Furthermore, the task of allocating a local designated aircraft could prove to be a complicated one; alternatively, attempting to transport such equipment to a target area forces excessive logistic preparation. In this paper we will present an accurate aerial mapping system that enables a high level of portability and mobility. Due to its small dimensions, it can be packed into a standard size suitcase and delivered via regular commercial flight. The system can be mounted on any type of small airplane through a short and simple installation. Moreover, the system is integrative and includes the entire photogrammetric process: starting with the mission and project planning, through navigation and image acquisition, data processing and ending with the extraction of the final products. The system is designed in a way that will not require proficient operators by incorporating high levels of automation within the different