Use And Implementation Of Digital Close-Range Photogrammetry To Enhance Competitiveness: Use, Application, And Cost Justification

Photogrammetry, as its name implies, is the science of obtaining precise coordinate measurements from photographs. Until recently, photogrammetry used film photographs taken with specially designed high-accuracy cameras. With the development of high-resolution solid-state video imaging sensors and the emergence of Digital Cameras into the open market a new era in precise three dimensional non-contact measurement has arrived. Digital Close-Range Photogrammetry (DCRP) as it is often called is a powerful enabling technology that not only performs many current measurement tasks faster and more efficiently than related technologies, but also, now makes feasible many types of measurements which previously were not practical or possible. The capability for quick, accurate, and reliable in-place measurements of static or moving objects in vibrating or unstable environments is a powerful combination of features all in one system.

This paper will provide information pertaining to DCRP theory, describe measurement application, and finally present results using both implemented manual and verified automated DCRP methodology from work performed at the Bath Iron Works Corporation (BIW), located in Bath, Maine. Our approach stresses overall process improvement through Total Quality Management (TQM) techniques as well as complimenting the use of 'traditional' optical tooling equipment (theodolites, transits, optical micrometers, right angle prisms/optical squares, etc.).